Design and Construction
She carries 2,105 pounds displacement against 838 pounds of iron ballast, a 39.8 percent ballast ratio, with an 8.14 foot beam and length-to-beam ratio of 2.50. The fin keel draws 3.48 to 3.78 feet dependent on load while alternative keels span 3.94 to 4.24 feet, letting the boat enter even shallow marinas. A transom-hung rudder completes the underbody.
Rig and Handling
The 226 is a masthead rig with 250 square feet of sail and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 24.44. Her displacement-length ratio of 188 places her among moderate racers, and theoretical hull speed is 5.5 knots. The capsize screening value of 2.54 means this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races. Jib and genoa sheets are 20.3 feet at 3/8 inch, mainsheet 50.9 feet, spinnaker sheet 44.8 feet.
Accommodations and Intended Use
A comfort index of 10.9 and a sinkage of 483 pounds per inch show a hull that rides steadily as weight is added. With roughly 150 square feet of wetted area, she stays light for her length, and the beam, moderate ballast, and fin keel suit a day-sailer and sheltered-water weekender.
The Verdict
The Feeling 226 is a compact, beamy Harlé design from Kirié with a fin keel and documented keel alternatives. Her moderate-racer ratio and shallow-draft options make her a credible small-boat day sailor.
Pros
- Beamy hull with 39.8 percent ballast ratio
- Fin and alternative keels allow shallow-marina access
- Masthead rig with 250 sq ft of sail
Cons
- Capsize screen of 2.54 excludes ocean racing
- Load-dependent draft sits deeper when loaded
