Feeling 52 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Feeling 52 are defined by its significant displacement and the unique weight distribution required for an integral centerboard system. Because the centerboard itself is relatively light (providing lateral resistance rather than righting moment), the bulk of the ballast—approximately 5,500kg to 6,000kg of lead—is located in the bottom of the hull. This creates a high-stability platform with a soft, sea-kindly motion in heavy weather.

Under sail, the Feeling 52 is a powerful reaching machine. With the board fully down, the boat draws roughly 3.10 meters, providing the lift necessary for respectable upwind angles. However, according to technical insights from Bateaux.com, the boat’s real strength lies in its ability to adjust the center of effort by partially raising the board when sailing off the wind, which can help balance the helm and reduce drag. The twin-rudder configuration is a necessity for this design; it ensures that at least one blade remains deeply immersed when the boat heels, providing consistent tracking and preventing the "spinning out" that can occur with single-rudder centerboarders. While not a light-air racer, its generous sail area allows it to maintain momentum in moderate breezes, provided the skipper manages the significant inertia of a 16-ton vessel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Feeling 52 is characterized by the "Deck Saloon" architecture, which elevates the living area to provide 270-degree panoramic views of the horizon. This design choice by Gilles Vaton was specifically intended to bridge the gap between the cockpit and the cabin, allowing the watch-keeper to monitor the surroundings from the safety of the interior navigation station. The wood finishes, typically executed in light cherry or maple, enhance the sense of volume and airiness.

Configurations typically varied between a three-cabin owner’s version and a four-cabin layout for charter or larger families. In the owner’s version, the forward master suite is notably spacious, often featuring a center-line island berth and a private head with a separate shower stall. The sibling Feeling 48 shares a nearly identical aesthetic and technical layout but in a more compact footprint, while the larger Feeling 55 introduced more contemporary, angular interior lines. A hallmark of the 52's interior is the technical accessibility; the engine room and the centerboard trunk are integrated into the furniture layout in a way that allows for maintenance without dismantling the cabinetry.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Feeling 52 should focus their due diligence on the specialized systems that make the boat unique. While robust, the technical complexity of an integral dinghy requires specific inspections:

• Centerboard Mechanism: The board is raised and lowered via a hydraulic ram. It is critical to inspect the hydraulic lines for leaks and the pivot pin for signs of wear or play. Any "clunking" sound while sailing in a seaway may indicate that the board’s lateral guides need replacement.
• Ballast Void Inspection: Because the lead ballast is positioned in the bilge, any history of grounding or water ingress into the ballast pockets can lead to oxidation or structural concerns. Owners on technical forums frequently advise checking the seal between the ballast blocks and the fiberglass hull.
• Deck Saloon Glazing: The large panoramic windows are iconic but are also a potential source of leaks. High-sun environments can degrade the sealant over time; check for water staining on the interior wood trim below the window tracks.
• Rudder Bearings: With twin rudders, the steering linkage is more complex than a standard monohull. Check for "dead zones" in the wheel and inspect the bearings for the lower rudder stocks, which take significant load when the boat is dried out on its hull.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Feeling 52 and its siblings are supported by a dedicated community, primarily centered in Europe. The Club Feeling (Association des Propriétaires de Feeling) is the most prominent technical resource, providing a repository of manuals, modification guides, and historical data for the Kirié and Alliaura eras. While much of the primary documentation is in French, the community is a vital link for sourcing parts for the lifting keel systems that are no longer in serial production.

The Verdict

The Feeling 52 is a specialized tool for the ambitious cruiser who wants to visit the corners of the world that deep-draft yachts cannot reach. It offers the volume and comfort of a 50-foot luxury yacht with the shallow-water freedom of a small catamaran.

Pros:

• Extreme Versatility: Ability to beach the boat for maintenance or to shelter in shallow lagoons.
• Panoramic Living: The deck saloon provides exceptional natural light and visibility.
• Robust Construction: Heavy displacement and lead-ballasted hull offer a secure feel in blue-water conditions.

Cons:

• Mechanical Complexity: The hydraulic centerboard system requires more maintenance than a fixed fin keel.
• Weight: High displacement means she is less agile in light winds compared to performance cruisers.
• Draft Sensitivity: While the board retracts, the twin rudders and hull shape still require a level bottom for beaching.