Feeling 850 Information, Review, Specs

The model was produced during a prolific era for Kirié, with approximately 400 units leaving the Les Sables d'Olonne factory between 1983 and 1987. It was offered in several distinct configurations to cater to different sailing styles, most notably the "Racing" and "Special" variants. According to editorial retrospectives by Bateaux.com, the 850 was the first of a generation that prioritized a "bright" living environment, a design philosophy that would later see the Feeling 1090 win "Boat of the Year" honors.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Feeling 850 is characterized by its lively temperament, largely due to its high sail area-to-displacement ratio and the sophisticated hull lines provided by Briand. Unlike its predecessor models, the 850 features a relatively wide beam that is carried well aft, providing significant initial stability and a spacious cockpit. This width also allows the boat to plane or surf earlier than many of its contemporaries when sailing off the wind in a stiff breeze.

Under sail, the boat is known for its balance. Most units were equipped with a fractional 7/8 rig, which allows for better mainsail control and easier headsail handling compared to the heavy masthead rigs of the 1970s. The Feeling 850 Racing variant featured a taller mast and a deeper, 1.70-meter lead keel, making it a formidable contender in IOR-era club racing. In contrast, the standard cruising version typically carried a 1.60-meter fin keel or an optional lifting keel for shallow-water exploration. Owners often report that the boat tracks well upwind but requires early reefing to stay upright and efficient once the wind exceeds 15-18 knots, a common trait for light-displacement French cruisers of this vintage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Feeling 850 was revolutionary for the early 1980s. While most shipyards were still utilizing dark mahogany or teak, Kirié opted for light elm or ash woodwork, combined with white headliners and large coachroof windows. This created an "atelier" feel that made the 28-foot cabin feel significantly larger than its physical dimensions.

The layout was ahead of its time, featuring a genuine aft cabin tucked under the cockpit on the port side—a luxury rarely seen in 8.5-meter boats of that era. To starboard, a dedicated heads compartment and a small navigation station provided a complete cruising setup. The central salon features two straight settees and a folding table, while the forward V-berth is often open to the salon to enhance the sense of space, though some owners added curtains or bulkheads for privacy. The galley, located to port at the base of the companionway, is compact but functional, typically featuring a two-burner stove and a top-loading icebox. The "Special" variant often included upgraded upholstery and minor trim adjustments to improve the luxury feel of the living spaces.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Feeling 850 should focus their inspection on the structural and age-related areas common to 1980s fiberglass hulls.

• Deck and Window Sealing: The large, distinctive coachroof windows are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished. Because these windows follow the curve of the cabin house, replacing them with new acrylic can be a complex task. Check the interior woodwork for water stains beneath the window lines.
• Structural Grid (Molding): Kirié utilized an internal structural grid bonded to the hull to provide rigidity. In boats that have experienced a hard grounding, the bond between the hull and this grid can crack or delaminate. Inspect the bilge areas around the keel bolts for any signs of movement or hairline fractures in the fiberglass.
• Osmosis: Like many European yachts built in the mid-80s, the Feeling 850 is susceptible to osmotic blistering if it has not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter test on the hull is highly recommended during a survey.
• Keel Bolts and Foil: On the lifting keel (Deriveur Lesté) versions, the pivot mechanism and the cable should be inspected for corrosion. For the fixed keel versions, ensure the joint between the cast iron keel and the hull is tight, as "the smile" (a gap at the leading edge) can indicate bolt tension issues or minor compression of the laminate.

Community & Resources

The Feeling 850 benefits from a strong following in France and the United Kingdom. The Club Feeling (Association des Propriétaires de Feeling) serves as the primary repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and owner-led modification guides. While the shipyard has evolved through several ownership changes (moving from Kirié to Alliaura and eventually to the heritage of Privilege Marine), technical support for these older models is largely sustained by the owner community and French maritime forums.

The Verdict

The Feeling 850 remains a highly regarded "young-timer" on the used market, offering a blend of performance and modern aesthetics that many newer boats struggle to match at this price point.

Pros:

• Lively Sailing Performance: Particularly in the Racing version, it offers a spirited experience that rewards a good helm.
• Innovative Interior: The use of light woods and an aft cabin makes it feel modern and spacious.
• Versatility: Available in both deep-fin and lifting-keel versions to suit various cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Aging Hardware: Original window seals and plumbing usually require replacement on unrestored models.
• Sensitive to Weight: Being a light-displacement design, it loses its performance edge quickly if overloaded with heavy cruising gear.
• Construction Finesse: While robust, the interior finish in some units lacks the heavy-duty joinery found in premium Scandinavian competitors of the same era.