Seaward 24 Information, Review, Specs

The Seaward 24 was conceived by Nick Hake, a designer renowned for his innovative approach to sailboat construction. Production commenced in 1984 under Hake Yachts, located in Stuart, Florida 1, 4, Builder Article. Hake's vision for the Seaward brand, including the 24, centered on practical, versatile cruising sailboats that could navigate shallow coastal waters—a design ethos reflected in its specialized features like a flat bottom and narrower beam to facilitate trailering and shoal water use. The company's manufacturing philosophy during this era focused on solid fiberglass construction, which became a hallmark of the Seaward brand. While the Seaward 24 did not see significant variations in "MkI" or "MkII" designations, the brand has a history of evolving successful models, with the Seaward 24 serving as a precursor to the slightly larger Seaward 25, which itself was a stretched version of the 24-footer.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seaward 24 is characterized as a light sailboat with commendable performance for its size. Its design as a fractional sloop, meaning smaller headsails, contributes to easier tacking, a significant advantage for both cruising and racing enthusiasts. With a reported sail area of 258 square feet and a displacement of 3,100 pounds, it is designed to be a good performer. The boat's ballast of 1,100 pounds, representing approximately 35.5% of its displacement, contributes to its stability, allowing it to stand up well to wind.

One of its defining features is the keel/centerboard configuration, which provides a minimum draft of 2.0 feet and a maximum draft of 3.5 feet. This allows the Seaward 24 exceptional access to shallow anchorages and makes it particularly well-suited for exploration in areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled vessels. Owners generally find the Seaward 24 to be stable and easy to handle, performing well across a range of conditions, especially given its design for versatility and shoal-water capability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Seaward 24 can vary, its design principles prioritize maximizing usable space within its 24-foot length overall. Seaward's general approach is to design interiors where "every inch of space" is utilized, and components can be removed for easy cleaning. Typically for a boat of this size, the interior would feature a V-berth forward, a small galley area, a head compartment, and a main salon with settees that may convert into additional berths. The construction generally involves solid fiberglass throughout, often complemented by wood trim to create a traditional, yet practical, cruising ambiance. Storage solutions are integrated to make the most of the compact living quarters, catering to weekend trips and extended coastal cruising. Ventilation is usually provided through deck hatches and opening ports, common for boats of its production era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seaward 24 frequently highlight its primary strengths as ease of trailering and a relatively straightforward mast-stepping process, which greatly enhances its versatility and accessibility to different sailing locations. The boat's ability to operate in shoal waters is consistently praised, living up to its design intent. The solid construction, a hallmark of Hake Yachts, also contributes to owner satisfaction.

However, some common maintenance points and considerations have been noted. One recurring issue mentioned by owners, particularly for boats used in saltwater, is the potential for the original water pump to develop slight leaks. While not explicitly for the 24, related models like the Seaward 25 have received comments regarding a lack of engine and icebox insulation, which could be a consideration for the 24 as well. Prospective owners considering trailering should be aware that the boat and trailer combined may weigh between 6,000 to 6,500 pounds, often requiring a suitable tow vehicle, such as an SUV with a 5,000 lb towing capacity. Despite these minor considerations, the Seaward 24 maintains a reputation as a capable and practical trailerable cruiser.