Feeling 920 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Feeling 920 is characterized by its wide beam carried well aft, a signature of Philippe Briand’s early performance designs. This hull shape provides significant initial stability and allows the boat to carry its sail area effectively in a breeze. With a Displacement/Length ratio (D/L) that leans toward the lighter side of the cruiser-racer spectrum, the 920 is known for its agility in light to moderate air. According to historical technical reviews from French maritime publications like Bateaux.com, the hull remains responsive and balanced, provided it is not over-canvassed.

On the water, the 920 feels more energetic than its heavier contemporaries. The fin keel version (drawing approximately 1.70m) offers superior tracking and reduced leeway when beating to windward. In contrast, the lifting keel version provides the flexibility of a 0.70m draft when the board is up, though it sacrifices some pointing ability. Owners often report that the boat behaves best when sailed relatively flat; once the wide quarters start to "dig in," the helm can become heavy, signaling it is time to reef the mainsail.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 30-foot vessel designed in the early 1980s, the interior of the Feeling 920 was considered revolutionary. It was one of the first boats of its size to successfully integrate a true aft cabin and an aft-facing chart table, a layout that maximized privacy and utility. The use of light-colored woods and ample overhead hatches created an airy, open feel that contrasted sharply with the darker, more traditional interiors of the previous decade.

The cabin offers a generous V-berth forward, a central saloon with two bench settees, and a compact but functional L-shaped galley. Headroom is approximately 1.85m (6'1"), which is exceptional for a vessel of this length. The sibling model, the Feeling 960, was later developed using a similar philosophy, offering a slightly extended transom and refined interior finish, but the 920 remains the foundational hull of this size class. The 920 was also produced in a "Special" edition toward the end of its run, which featured updated interior veneers and improved deck hardware.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Feeling 920 with a focus on structural maintenance typical of 1980s fiberglass construction.

1. Lifting Keel Mechanism: On the "Dériveur" versions, the pivot bolt and the lifting cable are critical points of failure. If the board has not been dropped and inspected recently, the mechanism may be seized or the cable frayed.
2. Rudder Play: The spade rudder on the 920 is subject to wear in the bushings. Excess "slop" in the tiller usually indicates that the nylon or bronze bearings require replacement.
3. Deck Core Integrity: Like many Kirié models of this era, the deck is a balsa-cored sandwich. Inspect areas around the stanchion bases and the mast step for "crazing" or soft spots, which indicate water ingress and core rot.
4. Original Engine Condition: Many 920s were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta MD7A or early Yanmar 2GM series. While robust, these engines may be approaching the end of their service life; check for signs of cooling passage blockage or excessive smoking on cold starts.
5. Chainplate Reinforcement: Check the interior points where the shroud chainplates meet the bulkheads. Some owners have reported the need to reinforce these areas if the boat has been raced heavily or used in high-stress offshore conditions.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Feeling 920 often congregate within the broader "Club Feeling," a prominent association for Kirié-built yachts. While the shipyard no longer exists in its original form, the community remains active in France and the UK, providing technical support and social rallies. Technical specifications and historical context are frequently maintained by the Association des Propriétaires de Feeling.

The Verdict

The Feeling 920 remains a highly sought-after second-hand cruiser for those who value French design flair and versatile sailing characteristics. It offers a "big boat" interior feel in a 30-foot package that is easy to manage shorthanded.

Pros:

• Innovative interior layout with a genuine aft cabin.
• Strong light-air performance and responsive handling.
• Available in a lifting keel version for shallow-water cruising.
• Excellent headroom and natural light for its size.

Cons:

• Wide beam can lead to a heavy helm if overpowered.
• Maintenance-intensive lifting keel mechanism on "Lesté Dériveur" models.
• Aging original engines and potential for deck core issues.