Design and Construction
Joubert gave the 720 a round-bilged hull with moderate freeboard and a flared bow. The deck is flush, with no coachroof or cockpit coaming, creating a sleek, modern profile for its era. Large windows flood the saloon with light.
The fiberglass structure uses a balsa core for stiffness and insulation. Buyers could choose between two keel arrangements. The fin-keel version has a cast-iron fin and lead bulb, draws 4 feet 3 inches, and carries a 35 percent ballast ratio. The keel-centerboard version combines a short fin and lead bulb with a lifting board. Raising the board reduces draft from 4 feet 3 inches to 2 feet 3 inches, while the ballast ratio rises to 40 percent.
Yachting Monthly noted that the ballasted centerboard inevitably takes up cabin space. That’s the trade-off a buyer accepts for access to shallow water.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The 720 carries a masthead sloop rig on a deck-stepped aluminum mast with a single spreader. An adjustable backstay allows for rig tuning. The aluminum boom has two reef points, while the fully battened mainsail comes with lazy jacks. The roller-furling genoa has UV protection on the leech.
A balanced spade rudder on a stainless-steel stock provides good maneuverability and steering control. With a Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 21.3 and a Displacement/Length Ratio of 206, the boat is fast and agile, with good performance to windward, yet remains docile in most weather.
The centerboard version improves windward ability by providing more lateral resistance than most comparable bilge-keelers. With the board raised, the boat can also reach shallow swatchways. Yachting Monthly called her a good choice for exploring the shallow swatchways of the East Coast. Loading the boat with too much heavy cruising gear will blunt that performance.
Accommodations
The deck saloon provides panoramic views, and the interior layout is one of the boat’s strengths. She sleeps five at a pinch. The forward cabin contains a double V-berth, hanging locker, and shelves. In the saloon, two single settee berths convert into a double using an infill. An aft quarterberth can also serve as storage.
The port-side galley has a two-burner gas cooker, built-in icebox, sink, and cabinets—a decent setup for a boat of this size. Opposite, to starboard, the navigation station includes a chart table, instrument panel, and drawers. A separate heads compartment with a marine toilet and sink sits across from the galley.
Realistically, the boat is most comfortable when cruised two-up, with ample space on deck and below for a couple of kids.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The cockpit is spacious, with two long benches that can serve as sunbeds. Two lockers provide room for sails and gear, and steering is by a liftable tiller.
The deck hardware is simple but functional. Cabin-top winches handle the halyards and reefing lines, while coaming winches serve the genoa sheets. Jammers control the mainsheet and centerboard. The boat also has four mooring cleats, twin bow rollers, and full stainless-steel pulpit, pushpit, and lifelines.
An optional spinnaker can be flown from either a removable bowsprit or the bow roller.
Verdict
The Feeling 720 is a thoughtfully packaged small cruiser. Its ballasted centerboard provides useful shoal-draft flexibility without the windward limitations of comparable bilge-keelers, while the bright deck saloon makes the interior feel sociable and practical for the boat’s length. The main compromise is cabin volume: the centerboard mechanism inevitably takes up space below.
Pros
- Ballasted centerboard reduces draft to 2 feet 3 inches and improves windward performance compared with similar bilge-keelers
- Bright deck-saloon interior with a practical five-berth layout and separate heads
- Docile, agile handling with a reasonable turn of speed for a 24-footer
Cons
- Centerboard mechanism intrudes on cabin space
- Performance suffers when the boat is overloaded with heavy cruising gear
- Most examples have a petrol outboard rather than an inboard diesel
