this is only a perspective and very subjective statement. every cruising catamaran can reach good speed downwind and with enough wind, and almost no cruising catamaran can maintain the speed of the ones build for racing only in that situation, to have peaks of 15 or 20 knots does not make that big difference, even if can be rewarding for those that like that kind of fun. from the video i would say that the seawind can point several degrees better upwind, and this can make a difference as not every time is possible to go downwind, and, thing that can not be seen in this video, to be able to sail in a light wind is also very important. performing better in those 2 situations can make a difference cruising, as you have to resort to the engine less often. if that is better or is better to have more living space inside is also very subjective, greatly depending on the owner needs and kind of usage, spending most of the time at anchor and doing the long passages when the wind forecast is perfect that day or 2 less in a long passage does not change the life, for a boat that is sailing more often to be able to continue to sail when a too weak wind or upwind conditions make it frustrating for a heavier boat with larger hulls can be a big plus.
Too bad the Seawinds aren't very attractive because that also factors into the buying decision. They sail decently but don't offer the benefits of the other catamaran they are chasing down.
I would say that they offer most of the benefits the other catamarans offer, comparable sitting space in the deck and central cabin, comparable number and size of beds and a more then adequate galley, that being in a hull is actually bigger and more functional then most of the galley of catamarans of comparable length. But is true that they can be way less attractive then other catamarans for some people, weight reduction comes at a price, their interior looks more the one of a boat then the one of a luxury apartment, and also narrower hulls come at a price, a smart design can fit in them all that is needed, but they remain narrow... From what I read their building quality is not compromised by their low price and sailing capability, ie they all have foam core instead of balsa core, used by many other catamarans, and balsa wood can become rotten if the water leaks in reducing the life of the boat, and it is just an example. For some people the small Seawinds and very few other catamarans can be a really interesting choice, for other people a condomarans can be a better choice, but you can not have building quality, speed, internal space and luxury at the same time, not if you are not willing to pay way more then what Seawinds and condomarans cost.
1600 looks ok, but you are right about all the other Seawinds. Finaly builder undertood that and 1370 has nice lines. Just they are too late for this design trend. If you look at the market leaders like Gunboat 68, you can see that sharp lines soon will be pushed out of the future designs.
Wow 52' performance cruiser passing a 37' performance cruiser, same price???
great video but i had to turn off sound. the wind noise was too much.
LOL, lightweight performance daggerboard cat with 15' longer WL and double sail area takes forever to catch up to condomaran! Nice!
Dnihilist excess claims to be performance, had a Genoa put be their self racking jib, and probably 1/3 as many people aboard.
overtaking upwind is a poor thing.....
this is only a perspective and very subjective statement. every cruising catamaran can reach good speed downwind and with enough wind, and almost no cruising catamaran can maintain the speed of the ones build for racing only in that situation, to have peaks of 15 or 20 knots does not make that big difference, even if can be rewarding for those that like that kind of fun.
from the video i would say that the seawind can point several degrees better upwind, and this can make a difference as not every time is possible to go downwind, and, thing that can not be seen in this video, to be able to sail in a light wind is also very important.
performing better in those 2 situations can make a difference cruising, as you have to resort to the engine less often. if that is better or is better to have more living space inside is also very subjective, greatly depending on the owner needs and kind of usage, spending most of the time at anchor and doing the long passages when the wind forecast is perfect that day or 2 less in a long passage does not change the life, for a boat that is sailing more often to be able to continue to sail when a too weak wind or upwind conditions make it frustrating for a heavier boat with larger hulls can be a big plus.
Too bad the Seawinds aren't very attractive because that also factors into the buying decision. They sail decently but don't offer the benefits of the other catamaran they are chasing down.
Too bad hundreds of owners of Seawind clearly disagree with you.
And not only owners...
The 1600 is one of the most beautiful boats out there
I would say that they offer most of the benefits the other catamarans offer, comparable sitting space in the deck and central cabin, comparable number and size of beds and a more then adequate galley, that being in a hull is actually bigger and more functional then most of the galley of catamarans of comparable length.
But is true that they can be way less attractive then other catamarans for some people, weight reduction comes at a price, their interior looks more the one of a boat then the one of a luxury apartment, and also narrower hulls come at a price, a smart design can fit in them all that is needed, but they remain narrow...
From what I read their building quality is not compromised by their low price and sailing capability, ie they all have foam core instead of balsa core, used by many other catamarans, and balsa wood can become rotten if the water leaks in reducing the life of the boat, and it is just an example.
For some people the small Seawinds and very few other catamarans can be a really interesting choice, for other people a condomarans can be a better choice, but you can not have building quality, speed, internal space and luxury at the same time, not if you are not willing to pay way more then what Seawinds and condomarans cost.
1600 looks ok, but you are right about all the other Seawinds. Finaly builder undertood that and 1370 has nice lines. Just they are too late for this design trend. If you look at the market leaders like Gunboat 68, you can see that sharp lines soon will be pushed out of the future designs.