Feeling 356 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Feeling 356 is widely recognized for its agility, particularly in light to moderate air. Gilles Vaton’s design philosophy leaned toward a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio, ensuring the boat remains responsive when other cruisers of its era might require motoring. According to editorial retrospectives in Bateaux.com, the boat is noted for its "liveliness," though this responsiveness comes with a characteristic "tenderness."

The hull's wide beam provides considerable initial stability, but the 356 tends to heel quickly once the wind exceeds 15 knots. Sailors often find that reefing the mainsail early—around 12 to 15 knots of apparent wind—actually improves speed and control by reducing weather helm. The Dériveur Intégral (DI) version, which features a fully retracting swing keel, utilizes a heavy cast-iron grounding plate. This plate lowers the center of gravity and allows the boat to remain stable even with the keel up, though the DI version naturally lacks the ultimate upwind "bite" and pointing ability of the 2.0-meter deep fin keel variant. In following seas, the wide transom can cause the boat to wander if over-canvassed, requiring an active hand on the helm or a high-torque autopilot.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Feeling 356 broke the mold of 1980s yacht design, which typically favored dark, enclosed mahogany cabins. Kirié utilized light-colored woods—predominantly elm or ash—paired with large, forward-facing coachroof windows to create a bright, airy environment that felt more like a contemporary apartment than a traditional boat. This "new-generation" interior became a hallmark of the Kirié shipyard under the direction of designers like Philippe Briand and Gilles Vaton.

The 356 was offered in several configurations to suit different cruising needs. The most common "Owner's Version" features two cabins, with a notably large aft cabin on the port side and a cavernous cockpit locker to starboard. A three-cabin version was also produced, which split the aft section into two symmetrical double berths, making it a popular choice for Mediterranean charter fleets. The saloon remains the centerpiece in both versions, featuring a U-shaped settee and a dedicated navigation station. The galley is longitudinal or L-shaped depending on the specific year of production, but always emphasizes stowage for long-range coastal cruising. The "PTE" (Petit Tirant d’Eau) version offered a shallow-draft fixed keel as a middle ground for sailors who did not require the beaching capability of the DI model but navigated draft-restricted waters.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to the following technical areas, which are frequently cited in owner circles and technical reports:

• Lifting Keel Assembly: On the Dériveur Intégral models, the pivot pin and the manual or electric lifting mechanism are critical points of failure. Buyers should check for lateral movement in the centerboard and inspect the state of the lifting cable and the integrity of the grounding plate.
• Coachroof Window Seals: The distinctive wrap-around windows are prone to leaking as the original bedding compounds age. Evidence of water ingress is often visible in the form of staining on the light elm woodwork directly below the ports.
• Rudder Bushings: Because of the hull’s beam and the loads generated when heeled, the rudder bearings can experience premature wear. Play in the steering wheel or a "clunking" sensation while underway usually indicates that the bushings require replacement.
• Deck Crazing: High-stress areas around the stanchion bases and the windlass mount may show gelcoat spider cracking. While often cosmetic, these should be checked for moisture in the balsa or foam core to ensure the laminate remains structural.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Feeling 356 benefit from a dedicated international community that preserves the technical history of the Kirié shipyard. The most prominent resource is the Club Feeling, a French-based association that provides extensive technical documentation, including original wiring diagrams and keel repair guides, for the 356 and its siblings. Additionally, the "Feeling Owners" groups in the United Kingdom offer a wealth of knowledge specifically regarding the maintenance of the lifting keel versions used in tidal estuaries.

The Verdict

The Feeling 356 remains a highly sought-after second-hand cruiser for sailors who value interior volume and light. It is a quintessential "lifestyle" boat that does not sacrifice sailing pleasure, provided the crew is diligent with sail trim.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior light and a modern, airy feel.
• The DI version allows for unique beaching and shallow-water access.
• Strong performance in light-to-moderate wind conditions.
• Large cockpit and ergonomic layout for a 35-foot hull.

Cons:

• Tender under full sail; requires early reefing to stay upright and fast.
• Maintenance-heavy lifting keel mechanism compared to fixed-keel rivals.
• Light interior woodwork is sensitive to water damage and UV fading.