Feeling 720 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Feeling 720 is frequently described as sailing like a "giant dinghy" due to its high responsiveness and light displacement of roughly 1,800 kg. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 21.3, the boat is exceptionally agile in light winds, often outperforming heavier cruisers of a similar waterline length. However, this performance comes with the trade-off of a relatively low Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio (around 15.5), which indicates that the hull is prone to a more "active" motion in choppy seas. According to editorial assessments in Yachting Monthly, the boat is a lively little sloop with a reasonable turn of speed, though its high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 36-39% suggests it benefits from early reefing to stay upright and efficient as the breeze freshens.

The 720 was offered in two primary configurations: a fixed fin keel with a draft of 1.40m and the more popular "dériveur lesté" (weighted centerboard) version. The latter features a pivoting iron plate that reduces the draft to a mere 0.70m, making it ideal for creek crawling. While the fin keel version offers superior tracking and slightly better upwind performance, the centerboard version remains highly regarded for its ability to reach shallow anchorages without the significant leeway penalties often associated with traditional bilge keelers of that era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest length, the Feeling 720 interior was praised for its clever use of volume and light. Kirié utilized a "woody" aesthetic—often incorporating teak or light ash—which contrasted with the starker, more plastic interiors of many contemporary 24-footers. The layout typically features a V-berth in the forepeak, two single settee berths in the saloon, and a dedicated quarterberth. On later models, some configurations even attempted a semi-separate aft cabin, though this was notoriously tight and often reduced the size of the cockpit lockers.

The galley is surprisingly well-equipped for a vessel of this size, usually featuring a two-burner stove and a built-in icebox. A key selling point in the Bateaux.com technical files is the inclusion of a separate heads compartment, a luxury not always found in the 1980s pocket-cruiser market. Storage is generally adequate, though owners who opted for the inboard engine (often a single-cylinder Volvo or Yanmar) found the storage space significantly reduced compared to the outboard-in-well version, which utilized the empty engine bay for stowing bulky gear like sails and fenders.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to Kirié builds of this vintage:

• Centerboard Mechanism: On the lifting keel version, the pivot pin and lifting rope are prone to corrosion and wear. The keel box can also become jammed with stones or dried mud if the boat is frequently dried out on tidal moorings.
• Deck & Chainplates: Some owners have reported "deck flex" near the chainplate supports after years of heavy use. Inspect the interior bulkheads for signs of movement or stress cracking where the shrouds are anchored.
• Rudder Saturation: The rudder on the 720 often utilized a mahogany core. Over time, hairline cracks in the fiberglass or paint can allow water to ingress, leading to saturation and eventual delamination.
• Window Seals: The acrylic windows are typically screwed directly to the GRP coachroof. These are known to develop leaks as the sealant ages, often requiring a full removal and re-bedding.
• Stern Flex: The original mounting for the rudder gudgeons occasionally used undersized washers. Check for evidence of spider cracking on the transom and consider upgrading to larger backing plates.

Community & Resources

The Feeling 720 enjoys a small but dedicated following within the broader Feeling owner community. Technical advice and original sales brochures can often be found through the Association des Propriétaires de Feeling (AP Feeling), which serves as a repository for historical documents and maintenance tips for the Kirié-built range.

The Verdict

The Feeling 720 is an excellent entry-level cruiser for those who prioritize sailing sensation and coastal versatility over heavy-weather "shorthanded" comfort. It remains a stylish and functional choice for a couple or a small family looking for a "beachable" boat that still feels like a proper yacht.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and agility.
• Shallow draft centerboard version allows for easy beaching.
• Surprisingly voluminous and well-lit interior for its size.
• Strong secondary market value due to its reputation as a "modern classic."

Cons:

• Can be "tender" in heavy air, requiring proactive reefing.
• Centerboard maintenance can be labor-intensive if neglected.
• Limited stowage when equipped with an inboard engine.
• Lightweight construction is not suited for offshore passage-making.