Feeling 486 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Feeling 486 is built upon a performance-oriented hull that reflects Philippe Briand's pedigree in racing design, though heavily modified for the weight and stability requirements of a blue-water cruiser. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the "moderate-heavy" category, the boat is designed to carry the significant stores and equipment necessary for extended passage-making without sacrificing its sailing personality. Owners generally report that the boat feels stiff and secure in a breeze, a trait attributed to its generous beam and well-engineered ballast ratio.

Under sail, the 486 is known for its directional stability and tracking, particularly on a reach. The sail plan is typically configured as a masthead sloop, often equipped with a large furling genoa and a fully battened mainsail. While not a "light-air flyer" due to its substantial wetted surface area and displacement, the 486 excels once the wind exceeds 12 knots. Handling is facilitated by a large diameter steering wheel that provides good leverage, though the mechanical linkage can feel heavy if the rudder bearings are not meticulously maintained. The hull design includes a fairly fine entry to reduce slamming in a head sea, while the broad stern provides the buoyancy needed to prevent squatting at high speeds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Feeling 486 was considered revolutionary for its time, primarily due to the light-filled salon created by the panoramic coachroof windows. Unlike many contemporary designs that felt "cave-like," the 486 offered a connection to the horizon even while seated at the navigation station or the U-shaped dinette. The woodwork typically utilized light elm or cherry veneers, which, combined with the natural light, created a sense of space far exceeding its 48-foot length.

Kirié offered the 486 in several configurations to suit both private owners and the luxury charter market. The "Owner" version typically featured a massive forward master suite with a centerline island berth and a private en-suite head. Conversely, the "Club" or charter-focused versions could be found with up to five cabins—four doubles and a fifth twin bunk cabin—making it a popular choice for high-end Mediterranean charter fleets in the late 90s. The galley is generally located to port, designed as a longitudinal workspace that provides excellent bracing for the cook while at sea. A significant sibling to the 486 is the Feeling 446, which shares a nearly identical design language and interior aesthetic but on a smaller footprint. The 486 is essentially a "stretched" evolution of the 446, offering a larger aft cockpit and an integrated swim platform that makes boarding from a dinghy much safer.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Feeling 486 did not achieve the mass-market volume of competitors like the Beneteau Oceanis or Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, it carved out a niche among serious European cruisers. The model gained recognition for its robustness in French yachting circles, often being featured in Voiles et Voiliers as a benchmark for high-speed cruising. Its most notable media presence comes from its reputation as a "circumnavigator’s choice"; several 486s have completed successful world loops, their journeys documented in private blogs and owner-led cruising forums where the boat’s ability to handle the "Big Five" (heavy weather, storage, ventilation, tankage, and speed) is frequently lauded.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Coachroof Window Sealing: The iconic panoramic windows are a double-edged sword. Over decades, the sealant can degrade due to UV exposure and hull flexing. Prospective buyers should look for evidence of water ingress behind the interior headlining and check for "crazing" in the acrylic panels.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: Due to the large spade rudder and the forces generated by the 486’s broad beam, the rudder bearings are under significant load. Check for play in the steering system and excessive vibration when under power.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many production boats of this era, the Feeling 486 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. While Kirié’s construction was generally robust, any aftermarket deck hardware (solar panels, davits) that was not properly bedded could lead to localized core saturation.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: For fin-keel versions, the high-leverage keel requires a rigid hull grid. Inspect the "floors" and stringers near the keel bolts for any signs of movement or cracking in the gelcoat, which might indicate a hard grounding in the boat's history.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Club Feeling, an association dedicated to the preservation and technical support of Kirié-built Feeling yachts. This group maintains a technical database that is invaluable for sourcing original parts or understanding the specific plumbing and electrical schematics used during the Alliaura Marine era. Additionally, because the 486 shares many components with the Feeling 446 and 546, owner groups for those models often provide cross-compatible technical advice.

The Verdict

The Feeling 486 remains a compelling choice for sailors who want a blue-water cruiser that doesn't feel like a traditional, heavy-displacement "double-ender." It offers a rare combination of Philippe Briand’s performance DNA and a truly civilized, light-filled living space.

Pros:

• Exceptional natural light and visibility from the salon.
• Stiff, stable, and fast on offshore reaches.
• Versatile interior layouts ranging from "Owner" luxury to high-capacity "Club" versions.
• Robust construction capable of long-term blue-water voyaging.

Cons:

• The large panoramic windows can lead to significant heat gain in tropical climates if not shielded.
• The broad stern can be "noisy" in a following sea when at anchor.
• Mechanical steering components require frequent inspection due to the loads of a 48-foot hull.