Cruisers

1997 Feeling 546

“TENACIOUS”

Galesville, Maryland, United States

$200,000

Specifications

Year

1997

Length

54'

Beam

17'

Cabins

Heads

Sleeps

Hull

Fiberglass

Fuel Type

Diesel

Engines

Make	Model	Power	Fuel	Year	Hours
Yanmar	4LH110	— HP	Diesel	—	—

Broker Overview

The 1997 Feeling 546, 'TENACIOUS', represents a unique opportunity for a serious cruising sailor. Designed by Ron Holland and Andrew Winch, this vessel is a testament to quality French yacht building from the Kirié Shipyard. Notably, she was the last 546 built and originally commissioned for the shipyard owner's personal use, which speaks volumes about her construction and specifications. At 54 feet, she offers substantial volume, making her an excellent platform for extended cruising or liveaboard aspirations. Her single Yanmar 110 HP engine provides reliable auxiliary power, prioritizing sailing performance and efficiency. The three-cabin, two-head layout is practical and comfortable for a couple or family. While the asking price of $200,000 for a 1997 yacht of this caliber suggests a competitive market position, prospective buyers should factor in the typical refit and modernization costs associated with a vessel of this age. Her fiberglass hull ensures durability, and the design emphasizes seaworthiness and fast passage-making. This is not a new boat, but a well-designed, robust cruiser with a solid pedigree, offering significant value for those willing to invest in bringing her systems and aesthetics up to contemporary standards. Located in Galesville, Maryland, she is ready for a discerning buyer to embark on her next chapter.

Why This Boat Stands Out

Ron Holland/Andrew Winch design for proven sailing performance and aesthetics.

Last 546 built, originally for the Kirié Shipyard owner's personal use.

Robust fiberglass construction, ideal for serious offshore cruising.

Significant interior volume and storage for liveaboard or long-range voyages.

Competitive asking price for a 54-foot bluewater cruiser.

Ideal For

Long-Range CruisingLiveaboardOffshore SailingFamily CruisingCoastal Cruising

Expert Review

The Feeling 546, designed by Ron Holland, is a capable bluewater cruiser known for its solid build and respectable sailing performance. Kirié yachts, particularly those from this era, generally exhibit good structural integrity, utilizing robust fiberglass construction. Owners typically praise their seaworthiness and comfortable motion offshore. For a 1997 model, potential buyers should focus their survey on inspecting the standing rigging, sails, and all major systems—engine, generator, plumbing, and electrical—as these will likely require significant updates or maintenance. Osmosis can be a concern on older fiberglass hulls, so a thorough hull survey is critical. The Yanmar 4LH110 HP engine is a reliable workhorse, but its service history is paramount. While not as overtly luxurious as some contemporary designs, the 546 offers a practical and spacious interior. Comparables might include older Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, or larger Amel models, though the Feeling often presents a more accessible entry point into this size and capability range. Value for money is strong, provided the buyer accounts for necessary refit expenses.

Owner Sentiment

Very Good

Owners typically appreciate the Feeling 546's robust build and excellent sailing characteristics, making it a reliable choice for extended voyages.

Strengths

Strong, seaworthy hull construction.Comfortable and spacious interior for living aboard.Good sailing performance in various conditions.Ample storage for provisions and gear.

Considerations

Aging systems may require significant updates.Interior aesthetics can feel dated.Single engine can limit maneuverability in tight quarters.

Full Listing Description

Feeling Yachts go all the way back to 1912 when the Kirié shipyard, founded by the Kirié family, set up shop in a small garage on Rue de la Forêt in the Sables d'Olonne. The shipyard originally built small sailing boats. In the 1950s, production turned more towards speed boats. In the late ‘60s, the shipyard expanded and moved to the Château d'Olonne near the Sables d'Olonne. It was one of the first to work with polyester. In the early ‘80s, Kirié launched a range of habitable power cruise ships called "Feeling". In 1986, the 13.5m Feeling won the Route du Rhum in the standard boat category and the 10.9m Feeling was voted "Boat of the year" in 1987.

In 2000, Alliaura Marine took over the Kirié shipyard. As of 2010, Feeling was owned by Privilège Marine Groupe. While Feelings are no longer in production, Privilège continues today and are well known for their line of catamarans.

The Feeling 546 was designed as a fast sea going cutter by Ron Holland and Andrew Winch and built in fiberglass. Due to her quality construction, large fresh water and fuel tanks, the electricity production and the huge livable and storage volumes, this Feeling 546 is an excellent sailboat for life aboard all year long and to sail the world. The large cockpit, with twin steering stations, offers a lot of comfort when anchored or while at sea.

Our offering, TENACIOUS, was the last 546 built and was for the personal use of the owner of the Kirié Shipyard. Her current owner is her third. Under his care, he has invested significantly in upgrading her, as you will see in the listing details. At this point in his life, he is ready to move on to other things, so he has decided it is also time to part with the boat that has provided him with a home and safe passages for years.

TENACIOUS is a solid boat, a ship to go to sea in knowing it will protect you. The fit and finish are impressive and her rugged built is evident throughout. She’s equipped to take you anywhere and, for a boat her size, for not a whole lot of money. At the dock (or wherever you are), she is a spacious home. Underway, she awaits the opportunity to safely take her next caretakers wherever their dreams take them.

Call today and make an appointment to come see her before she is gone!

Yacht Access is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Seattle Yachts. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel

Notable Upgrades

Disclaimer: This listing is provided through cooperative brokerage via the IYBA MLS. The listing broker is Seattle Yachts (Dave van den Arend). Yacht Access is acting as a buyer's broker and can assist you with this purchase.