Visit our Popular Forums

Curmudgeon · 11-10-2010, 15:54

Except for smaller catamarans like the Hobie, I've sailed monohulls most of my life. But I saw a Seawind 1160 at the boat show">Annapolis boat show and really liked it. Can someone here objectively evaluate this boat against the competition in the 38-40 ft. range? I'd be looking to cruise full time in the Carribean and the Med and to spend approximately $500-600K on a new or late model used boat. There are just two of us, so we don't need a floating hotel, although compared to our 30 ft monohull, the Seawind certainly seemed like one.

ty.gregory · 11-10-2010, 16:41

I can't answer your question about the Seawind, but I agree they caught my attention also! I am interested in the Seawind 1000. My worry may be the "goldfish bowl" aspect, but I guess you could get curtains...?

Factor · 12-10-2010, 05:10

Heres a link to an 1160 cruising the east coast of Aus

Good Times

and one from the US cruising the world
Victory Cat

and one doing the pacific
Caprice

And cruising world among others have done tests.

Cruising World

Curmudgeon · 12-10-2010, 06:29

Yes, I've read the good reviews, but can someone provide first hand knowledge of the boat, and how it stacks up against the competition? Is there another boat out there in this size and price range that is as good or better?

As for the "open" salon, I'd want a screen to keep out bugs when the doors were open more than curtains.

BTW, unless it's Practical Sailor, I give zero credibility to boat reviews in sailing magazines. They're all a bunch of shills.

YOGAO · 13-10-2010, 21:49

The Seawind is a very smartly thought out boat. It takes wonderful advantage of the space available. At anchor in the Caribbean, open up the cockpit doors and you are enjoying civilized living outdoors. With the prevailing breeze, you will find that bugs are rarely a problem and no one is really paying any attention to what you are doing. Get curtains to block out the sun at certain times of the day - especially after 3 - 4 PM when the sun will be streaming into the back of your boat.

When the wind dies and the bugs bite a bit, close up the doors and you still have a wonderful space for hanging out.

Time to move to a new anchorage? The Seawind will be among the quickest out there.

If you choose to purchase one, your boat will be the envy of all who come aboard (except for those on a Maine Cat - the best boat for the Carib!

)

Fair Winds,
Mike

ArmyChief · 14-10-2010, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOGAO

If you choose to purchase one, your boat will be the envy of all who come aboard (except for those on a Maine Cat - the best boat for the Carib!

)

Fair Winds,
Mike

Not biased a little are you Mike?

Curmudgeon · 14-10-2010, 05:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOGAO

The Seawind is a very smartly thought out boat. It takes wonderful advantage of the space available. At anchor in the Caribbean, open up the cockpit doors and you are enjoying civilized living outdoors. With the prevailing breeze, you will find that bugs are rarely a problem and no one is really paying any attention to what you are doing. Get curtains to block out the sun at certain times of the day - especially after 3 - 4 PM when the sun will be streaming into the back of your boat.

When the wind dies and the bugs bite a bit, close up the doors and you still have a wonderful space for hanging out.

Time to move to a new anchorage? The Seawind will be among the quickest out there.

If you choose to purchase one, your boat will be the envy of all who come aboard (except for those on a Maine Cat - the best boat for the Carib!

)

Fair Winds,
Mike

Thanks for the reply. What makes the Maine Cat better? I've also read that the Farrier F-41 is faster than the Seawind 1160.

YOGAO · 14-10-2010, 05:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmyChief

Not biased a little are you Mike?

Biased? Me? Puh-leeze!

Anecdotally, I will say we rarely have someone come on our boat without a bunch of "ooohing and aaahing" when they see the cockpit and the panoramic views.

The Maine Cat is one of those boats where people either get it or they don't. I really only mentioned it because the Seawind 1160 came to the US just after we made our decision to buy our MC. The Seawind would have been on our short list. I therefore subjectively guessed that the OP might have similar requirements to ours.

Fair Winds,
Mike

YOGAO · 14-10-2010, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Thanks for the reply. What makes the Maine Cat better? I've also read that the Farrier F-41 is faster than the Seawind 1160.

IMO (notice the missing "H"

):

A bit bigger
holds more "stuff"
maybe a smidgen faster - still like to have a chance to go head to head w/ a Seawind
better visibility from the helm - no looking through the salon
primary berths are more centered (2 Queen-sized)
Dinghy storage is among the best in the industry

That's a few

off the top,
Mike

Curmudgeon · 15-10-2010, 06:50

LOL. There's no need to feign humility with me.

My one reservation with any cat is the pointing ability. I do not like to motor. Is there a cat with daggerboards in the 38-40 ft. range? Do daggerboards really help that much? I've read conflicting views.

YOGAO · 15-10-2010, 08:04

...schmointing ability.

Truly one of the mythical arguments against cats (bashing will begin here by the CF experts).

The more important measure is VMG to your upwind waypoint. Try and make your cat sail to its best VMG rather than how high you can point and you will arrive at your destination faster (this is actually true for any boat).

Daggerboards may help, a lot depends on their design. Asymmetrical boards are generally better than symmetrical, but then you are always forced to deploy the leeward board when it might be more prudent to deploy the windward. Trade-offs and compromises - hey, it's boating, right?

Fair Winds,
Mike

**sandy daugherty** · 15-10-2010, 08:29

I sailed the 1160 at Demo Days Tuesday, and was quite impressed. The steering is smooth, accurate and has feel, the sails are easily managed to racing precision from the cockpit, the side decks are very easy to get around on, and the accommodations are at least 4 star hotel comfortable. The galley is very well laid out, and there is room for adequate refrigeration. Think "Banana Split in Paradise" and ice cubes in your coke. The Screecher is the just-right sail for light air, and the ability to swing the pole opens a few interesting doors.

The boat I sailed had several options that I would consider must haves for truly opulent sailing, like powered halyard winches and fully integrated electronics, instruments and autopilot. In short, it is fit competition for any cruising cat in most any waters.

I'm a bit more biased for dagger boards than Yoga O, but he's right: they matter most on long open water windward slogs, or tacking up a wide river against the tide. These are not places a gentleman sails.

p.s. These engines are a later generation than mine, and offer some desireable improvements, particularly glow plugs. The boat is a delight to maneuver in restricted areas because the keels offer better low speed directional stability and resist windage better. I would have to lower my boards all the way to achieve something close, and would be drawing a lot of water where there isn't usually that much.

FraidNot · 15-10-2010, 16:19

1160 is my wife's choice thus far.
If I have to go cat, that model would be my ideal choice at that price point. Features are perfect for how we would use the boat - especially the galley down with good views, and the expansive saloon and rear deck.

Curmudgeon · 15-10-2010, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOGAO

...schmointing ability.

Truly one of the mythical arguments against cats (bashing will begin here by the CF experts).

The more important measure is VMG to your upwind waypoint. Try and make your cat sail to its best VMG rather than how high you can point and you will arrive at your destination faster (this is actually true for any boat).

Daggerboards may help, a lot depends on their design. Asymmetrical boards are generally better than symmetrical, but then you are always forced to deploy the leeward board when it might be more prudent to deploy the windward. Trade-offs and compromises - hey, it's boating, right?

Fair Winds,
Mike

Yes, I understand this. My cutter will be a knot faster if I don't try to point her too high.

Even so, a boat that can point to 30 degrees apparent has an advantage over one that can't.

What's an asymetrical daggerboard?