Summary of SEAWIND 1600 CATAMARAN 3 Yr Review - Joy or Regret?

SEAWIND 1600 catamaran Review Summary

Product Overview: The SEAWIND 1600 is a catamaran that the reviewers have been living on and sailing for three years. They have traveled extensively, including routes from the Florida Keys to Panama and across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia.

Main Features:

Design: The boat features a layout that includes a well-positioned helm with excellent visibility, a spacious saloon, and a functional galley.
Performance: Equipped with dagger boards for improved upwind sailing performance, the SEAWIND 1600 is noted for its speed and ability to handle various sailing conditions.
Sailing Experience: Reviewers appreciate the sailing feel and buoyancy, especially on a beam reach with the ability to sail upwind effectively.
Energy Management: The boat has a solar power setup with 1030 watts from four panels and a Fischer Panda generator for additional power needs.

Pros:

Sailing Performance: The catamaran sails well, particularly upwind, and has a good track record in rough weather.
Visibility and Comfort: The helm's position allows for great visibility, enhancing the sailing experience.
Support from Manufacturer: The manufacturer, SEAWIND, is proactive in addressing warranty issues and has been responsive to the reviewers' concerns.

Cons:

Warranty and Repairs: Reviewers faced challenges with warranty claims, needing to coordinate with multiple vendors for different systems (e.g., engine, generator, instruments).
Quality of Components: Some components, like the Yanmar controls, had issues with waterproofing and durability, leading to repeated failures.
Storage Limitations: There is a desire for more storage space, which is often a trade-off for performance in catamarans.

User Experience:

The reviewers describe their experience as a mix of joy and challenges. While they love the boat's performance and layout, they have encountered several warranty and maintenance issues that required significant effort to resolve. They emphasize the importance of knowing the age and reliability of components when purchasing a new vessel.

Comparisons:

The SEAWIND 1600 is compared favorably against other production boats, particularly in terms of sailing performance. The reviewers note that while larger production boats may offer more space and luxury, the SEAWIND focuses on performance and safety.

Overall Recommendation:

Despite the challenges faced, both reviewers would buy the SEAWIND 1600 again, citing its speed, safety, and suitability for their sailing lifestyle. They acknowledge that while no boat is perfect, the SEAWIND 1600 meets their needs effectively.

Unique Points Mentioned:

Extensive travel history with the boat.
Initial intention to buy a used boat but opted for the SEAWIND 1600 for its features.
Need for a new mattress and quality window coverings shortly after purchase.
Warranty issues with multiple vendors rather than a single point of contact.
Specific issues with Yanmar controls and the autopilot system.
Upgrades made to the anchor and chain for better performance in different anchoring conditions.
Considerations for energy consumption and power management in the Pacific.

Speaker Perspectives:

Both reviewers share similar views on the boat's performance and their experiences with warranty issues.
They both express a desire for better storage solutions and component reliability.
Emphasis on the importance of design choices and component selection during the purchasing process.

Notable Quotes

— 00:05 — « Boat life is not for the faint of heart but it can be the most fulfilling experience you could imagine. »

— 29:21 — « Yes, absolutely yes. This boat is really she's what we wanted. She's fast, she's safe, she's live. »

— 30:10 — « At the end of the day, there is no perfect boat; it's always a compromise. »