Any Opinions About an Older Feeling 446?

[dreamer2]

I am considering purchasing a 13 yr old Feeling 446. She's in beautiful condition, needing some minor work inside & electronics updated. I don't know very much about this manufacturer. Anyone out there familiar with/ or have one of these boats? If so what do think of em?





Thanks!!!!
D2

[Pblais]

I think a Feeling has a good reputation. Being 13 years old is less about the reputation and more about what it is now.

[GordMay]

The Kirie Feeling 446 appears to have been designed (built in France) for the charter trade.

[bstreep]

That's correct Gord - built primarily for the charter business. 4 tight cabins, decent ventilation, as I remember from having one in the VIs.

[GordMay]

Dreamer: What's your purpose?
Cruising? Where?
How many aboard?
etc ...

[dreamer2]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Dreamer: What's your purpose?
Cruising? Where?
How many aboard?
etc ...

Well The ultimate goal is to embark on a 1 or 2 year cruise with my family (4 of us), in about 5 years when my girls are a lil older (6, & 3 now). Our course would be basically down through Panama & up the gulf sort of following the Coastline till we reach New York. From there, back South & East to the Bahamas, USVI, BVI, etc.

I've been a boater for the last 20 years, (Fresh & Saltwater). & while my sailing skills are a bit rusty, (been a power boater for the last 10) Im (hopefully....lol) allowing plenty of time to get em refreshed, as well as time to thoroughly outfit & learn the kinks of whichever vessel we decide upon.

Ive been looking at something in the 37' to 48' range, & under $75,000.
The Feeling 446 caught my eye becasue of the 4 cabin layout (The fourth over/under bunks would be replaced by storage &/or a workbench & possibly a W/D.). Her Salon also seems to be decently laid out.

Other boats that I have been researching are Hunter, (Legend 37.5 & Passage 42); Pearson 42, Formosa 43 (I really like the classic lines of both of these). The Hunters are about 15 yrs old, while the other 2 are more like 30. I know my way around a toolshop, & am not too concerned about any minor to medium repairs/restoration work, so long as the hull & masts are sound, & the deck in reasonably good shape.

Im also open to any suggestions regarding other boat manufacturers to take a look at.

Thanks for the responses!

[dreamer2]

Originally Posted by dreamer2

Well The ultimate goal is to embark on a 1 or 2 year cruise with my family (4 of us), in about 5 years when my girls are a lil older (6, & 3 now). Our course would be basically down through Panama & up the gulf sort of following the Coastline till we reach New York. From there, back South & East to the Bahamas, USVI, BVI, etc.

I've been a boater for the last 20 years, (Fresh & Saltwater). & while my sailing skills are a bit rusty, (been a power boater for the last 10) Im (hopefully....lol) allowing plenty of time to get em refreshed, as well as time to thoroughly outfit & learn the kinks of whichever vessel we decide upon.

Ive been looking at something in the 37' to 48' range, & under $75,000.
The Feeling 446 caught my eye becasue of the 4 cabin layout (The fourth over/under bunks would be replaced by storage &/or a workbench & possibly a W/D.). Her Salon also seems to be decently laid out.

Other boats that I have been researching are Hunter, (Legend 37.5 & Passage 42); Pearson 42, Formosa 43 (I really like the classic lines of both of these). The Hunters are about 15 yrs old, while the other 2 are more like 30. I know my way around a toolshop, & am not too concerned about any minor to medium repairs/restoration work, so long as the hull & masts are sound, & the deck in reasonably good shape.

Im also open to any suggestions regarding other boat manufacturers to take a look at.

Thanks for the responses!

OOOOPSSSS!
I forgot to mention that we live in Southern California, about 40 minutes from Ventura........

[Clarence]

Finally, did you make your Dream comes true ?

Hello

Owner of a 446 I'll be pleased to answer ur eventual ?(s)
Best regards


Clarence
Sv CATHJU
Feeling 446
Panoramio - Photo of SV CATHJU, now layed up in Port Ouest Marseille (POM)
43°21'30.95"N 05°17'45.17"E

[dreamer2]

Well its been QUITE a while since I posted last.. Unfortunately my dreams are on hold a bit longer than anticipated...(funny how that seems to happen isnt it?)

Long boring story but can be summed up as: Laid-off, Boat kitty used up, BK, Relocation, Starting over......

BUT, the nature of dreams is such that they can endure when nothing else seems to.... MY dreams are still afloat, & havent sunk yet.

Albeit that 446 is LONG gone.....

wonder If I can still do the cruise with a couple of pool rafts & a bedsheet.........