- Starting at 18,000 euros. 25,000 euros for a Feeling 29, much better finished than the Kelt.
- 1200 copies from 1983 to 1996
Gilles Vaton designed this full hull with its thick bow. The Kelt 850 this boat, available as a keelboat and a full dinghy, has more than one argument. First of all, it is very seaworthy, especially with a fixed keel, and benefits from clear and very functional accommodations with its Breton bed and aft cabin. On deck, we are delighted with the well-cleared foredeck, the large cockpit and the beautiful aft skirt.
Taken over by Kirié, the 850 became 29 and became Feeling 29.
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
"Solid as a Kelt." This catchphrase was the one in the ad for this dinghy born in 1984. It is true that it is strong and well prepared for repeated groundings. But the cast iron sole and its fins reduce the gliding qualities, especially as the short and wide rudder readily stalls when heeling. Some cases of deck osmosis are reported on the mid-1980s vintages.
The layout is interesting with its Breton bed in the forepeak which offers a large volume for the saloon and its independent aft cabin.
The advantages
- Panoramic view in the square
- Comfortable cockpit
- Rear skirt (innovative at the time)
The disadvantages
- Appendices of the dinghy version perfectible
- Removal of the ballast euros galette euros not obvious
- Finish of the first models disappointing
But what is missing?
Its somewhat agricultural design may put off the 850, but apart from that, it's still a good value, especially given its living space.
The equivalent today?
There are few 8 to 10 m integral dinghies in France: in the end, it is the Polish Delphia 29 DI that most faithfully reproduces the strong points of our Kelt.
