I was trying to make this decision for years. I almost bought a 1000xl, but he wouldn’t hold it long enough for me to buy airline tickets. Glad he didn’t. We found exactly what we wanted in the Flica 37.
Just the facts. The
boats are very, very similar. Especially the overall beam/length. Truly apples to apples. At least with the layout of the one I have is. I think the Seawind is a heavier boat, but that would depend on the Flica
builder.
Bridge
deck: The 1000 has nothing between
deck and
salon with large windows, and thus better visibility from the helm(s), especially if you are short. The 1000 is more open feeling here. The seawind has a flat floor between the deck and
saloon, with 2 separate companion ways going down into the hulls. I found the 1000’s companion ways are little tight...I had to turn a little to fit down them. My Flica has 6’7”
head room in the
cockpit and a raised seat so that you can see over the deck house. The Flica has a
single companion way, which has one step down into the
salon with a nav station. The salon joins the entire living area. The aft portion of the of the Seawind deck has 4 seats and a nice
grill. I have 2 seats, a small
grill, and a locker.
Bunks: There are different layouts, but the Flica is a clear winner here. I have 2 full sized bunks with lots of
storage in their own cabins, the table converts into another one, and a big
single in its own
cabin. The average 1000 only has 1 full sized bunk with maybe 1 single in the same
cabin, a small double in its own cabin, the table converts into a very large, but exposed bunk, and a weird little toddler bunk forward of the
galley.
Galley: Very similar size and location. Seawind has a larger top loading
freezer and
refrigerator that it cleverly uses as counter space. The Flica generally has a standup one that takes up a little space between the galley and salon. The Flica has a more open plan between the galley and salon which later model 1000XL’s tried to incorporate with a little
hatch. It is very easy to talk, see, and hand things between the salon and galley in the Flica.
Head: Again, layouts differ. However, all the boats I’ve looked at had it in the port aft
hull. They are very similar, with the Flica’s being larger due to the
shower being separated from the
toilet instead of on top of it.
Motors: Mine is identical. Fixed 9.9 yammies with
electric tilt under the
helm. Some Flicas have inboard diesels.
Foredeck: 1000’s have a very rounded deck initially, but it flattens into 2 large trampolines with a small deck between them. Flicas have a gradual taper to a small trampoline. This is due to the bunks being in front of the salon where the seawind only has a couple lockers. So, 1/2 of the Flica front deck is the roof of the cabins.
Hull bottoms: Nearly identical, but some Flicas have hard chines.
Sailing: The Flica feels lighter. Downwind with a 15 kt
wind I’m easily able to make 10-12 under Jenny alone. The Seawind self tacking
jib is nice, but I have no problem tacking and they point about the same.
Summary: Seawind 1000xl wins for the large, open deck feel. Flica 37 wins for
interior living space. All else too close to call.
Hope this helps