The Feeling 286 Special, built by the renowned French yard Kirié Feeling from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, is a prime example of the innovative, fast, and spacious cruiser design that dominated the European market. Designed by the celebrated Gilles Vaton, this 28-footer offered performance under sail combined with an interior volume usually reserved for larger yachts, distinguishing it from its contemporaries.
Table Of Content
- 🧐 The Distinction: Feeling 286 vs. Feeling 286 Special
- 📐 Feeling 286 Special Specifications
- Keel Options
- 📝 Feeling 286 Special Review: Performance and Comfort
- Sailing Characteristics
- Interior Features
- 💰 Market Realities: Feeling 286 Special Price and Availability
- Typical Price Range (EUR)
- 🤝 The Kirie Feeling Lineage
- ❓ 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Feeling 286 Special
- 1. What is the key difference between the Feeling 286 and the Feeling 286 Special?
- 2. What is the typical Feeling 286 Special price today?
- 3. What are the common keel options on the Feeling 286 specs?
- 4. How is the engine accessed on the Feeling 286 Special?
- 5. What makes the Feeling 286 Special review so positive for a 28-foot boat?
The name “Special” denotes the highly popular “owners’ version” layout. For buyers searching for a capable, short-handed coastal cruiser, finding a Feeling 286 for sale is a search for a beloved classic known for its light, airy accommodation and surprisingly capable sailing characteristics.
🧐 The Distinction: Feeling 286 vs. Feeling 286 Special
The difference between the standard Feeling 286 and the Feeling 286 Special is crucial, as it fundamentally alters the boat’s suitability for cruising versus charter.
| Feature | Feeling 286 Special (Owners’ Version) | Feeling 286 (Charter Version) |
| Aft Cabin | One very large double aft cabin. | Two smaller double aft cabins. |
| Chart Table | Dedicated, forward-facing navigation station to port. | No formal chart table; space often used for a second head. |
| Berths | Nominally 4/6 Berths. | Nominally 6/8 Berths (very tight). |
| Engine Location | Engine typically located under the saloon table. | Engine location similar. |
The “Special” model maximized comfort for a small crew, featuring one of the largest aft cabins available on a boat of its size, making it the preferred choice on the used market.
📐 Feeling 286 Special Specifications
The Feeling 286 Special was designed with a beamy hull and a long waterline, allowing it to move well in the light to moderate winds common in many cruising areas.
| Specification | Detail (Typical 1987-1990 Model) |
| LOA (Length Overall) | $28 text{ ft } 6 text{ in } (8.69 text{ m})$ |
| LWL (Waterline Length) | $23 text{ ft } 5 text{ in } (7.14 text{ m})$ |
| Beam (Width) | $9 text{ ft } 10 text{ in } (3.00 text{ m})$ |
| Displacement | $approx 5,500 text{ lbs } (2,500 text{ kg})$ |
| Ballast | $approx 1,738 text{ lbs } (790 text{ kg})$ |
| Draft (Deep Fin Keel) | $5 text{ ft } 6 text{ in } (1.68 text{ m})$ |
| Draft (Shallow Wing Keel) | $3 text{ ft } 9 text{ in } (1.14 text{ m})$ |
| Sail Area (Main + Genoa) | $463 text{ sq ft } (43 text{ m}^2)$ |
| Engine | Volvo Penta 2001 or Yanmar 2GM20 (9 to $18 text{ hp}$) |
Keel Options
The availability of both a deep fin keel and a shallow winged fin keel is a significant factor. The deep fin offers better upwind performance, while the shallow keel greatly expands cruising ground options, allowing the boat to access shallow harbours and anchorages. Sparkman & Stephens: A Legacy of Yacht Design Excellence
📝 Feeling 286 Special Review: Performance and Comfort
The Feeling 286 Special review consensus highlights its success as a fast family cruiser that pioneered several interior trends.
Sailing Characteristics
- Speed: Due to its light displacement and long waterline, the 286 is regarded as a quick boat, capable of embarrassing larger cruisers in light air. Tests showed the deep fin version making $5.4 text{ knots}$ in only $8 text{ to } 9 text{ knots}$ of wind.
- Handling: She is tiller-steered and reported to be nicely balanced and willing, easy to handle under sail, and exceptionally maneuverable under power.
- Stability: With a ballast ratio of around $31.6%$, the boat relies on its beam for good form stability. Initial stability is generally good, making it feel secure when stepping aboard.
Interior Features
The interior is noted for its light-colored joinery (often elm), a pioneering feature at the time that creates a remarkably bright and airy saloon. The moving of the engine forward, underneath the saloon table, allows for:
- A large, well-equipped L-shaped galley.
- A functional, forward-facing chart table (in the Special version).
- The standout feature: a spacious double aft cabin.
💰 Market Realities: Feeling 286 Special Price and Availability
The Feeling 286 for sale market is predominantly located in Europe, particularly France and the Mediterranean. Since these yachts are now 30+ years old, the Feeling 286 Special price is heavily influenced by the condition of the engine and the extent of modernization.
Typical Price Range (EUR)
| Condition Category | Estimated Price Range (EUR) | Key Factors Influencing Value |
| Entry Level / Project | €15,000 – €20,000 | Original, high-hour engine; dated sails and electronics; requires cosmetic work. |
| Mid-Range / Good Condition | €20,000 – €30,000 | Engine in good running order; some electronics or sail upgrades; clean, well-cared-for interior. |
| Premium / Fully Refitted | €30,000 – €35,000+ | Recent full rigging replacement, new sails, modern GPS/AIS, and extensive interior refurbishment (as seen in some 2023 listings). |
When purchasing a used model, engine access (under the saloon table) should be tested, and the condition of the original running gear (shaft drive) should be inspected carefully.
🤝 The Kirie Feeling Lineage
The Kirié Feeling brand, active since the 1980s, was known for these innovative, high-volume designs. The Feeling 286 fits within a successful lineage of performance cruisers:
- Kirié Feeling: The parent company that created the Feeling range. They pioneered concepts like spacious aft cabins and bright interiors.
- Feeling 30 for sale: A popular model slightly larger than the 286, offering more volume and sometimes featuring a lifting keel, another staple of the Feeling brand. It represents the next step up for those who appreciate the 286’s design ethos.
These boats are classic examples of French production yacht building, offering excellent value for a stable, fast, and remarkably spacious family cruiser.
❓ 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Feeling 286 Special
1. What is the key difference between the Feeling 286 and the Feeling 286 Special?
2. What is the typical Feeling 286 Special price today?
3. What are the common keel options on the Feeling 286 specs?
4. How is the engine accessed on the Feeling 286 Special?
5. What makes the Feeling 286 Special review so positive for a 28-foot boat?
