Seaward 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Seaward 25 in 1984 emerged from Nick Hake's vision to craft sailboats that offered both comfort and excellent performance, particularly suited for navigating shallow coastal waters, 4]. As the founder of Hake Yachts in Stuart, Florida, Hake championed solid construction and innovative design, focusing on function over ornate aesthetics, 3]. The Seaward 25 exemplifies this ethos, being ingeniously designed around its remarkably shallow draft, a feature that distinguishes it within its class.

Notably, while the Seaward brand is often associated with retractable keel (RK) designs, the Seaward 25 features a fixed fin keel with an exceptionally shallow draft of just 2.08 feet. This design choice was pivotal for its role as a trailerable cruiser, allowing for easier launching and retrieval compared to vessels with deeper keels. The keel itself is a low-aspect design with an aft wing, a modification added in 1989, which helps increase its profile when the boat is heeled, contributing to its stability and performance. A total of 600 Seaward 25s were built by Hake Yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 26.75 feet and a waterline length of 23.0 feet, the Seaward 25 is designed to offer spirited performance without being a dedicated racer. Its shallow fixed fin keel, described as a "low-aspect keel with an aft wing" and "reverse draft" (wider at the bottom), is central to its handling characteristics. This configuration allows the boat to stand up well to a breeze, while its light displacement of 3,600 lbs contributes to a lively feel on the water. The addition of the keel wing in later models aimed to enhance performance when heeled. Owners have expressed satisfaction with the boat's handling, particularly its wheel steering, making it a comfortable and manageable vessel for a variety of conditions. The design goal was to "go fast" without being solely racing-focused, delivering a satisfying sailing experience for cruisers. Its hull speed is approximately 6.43 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Seaward 25 is crafted with a strong emphasis on maximizing usable space and functionality, a direct reflection of designer Nick Hake's philosophy. Unlike some other Seaward models that feature a prominent keel trunk for a retractable keel, the Seaward 25's fixed keel allows for an unobstructed interior, creating a more open and spacious feel below deck. Owners often praise this advantage, finding the layout practical and comfortable for a boat of its size. While not lavish, the interior is described as "familiar and friendly," prioritizing utility over "glitz and glam," aligning with its robust cruising purpose. Search results indicate that the design ensures every inch of space is utilized, with components often designed for easy removal for access. The focus is on providing sufficient living and storage areas for comfortable coastal or lake cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seaward 25 consistently commend its solid construction and the pragmatic design that optimizes interior volume. The boat's shallow draft, while provided by a fixed keel rather than a retractable one, is frequently highlighted as a major advantage, enabling access to shallow anchorages and making it an excellent choice for lake cruising or regions with tidal flats. Many owners view the Seaward 25 as a significant upgrade from smaller vessels, appreciating its stability and general comfort. The active "Seaward Squadron" community further illustrates the strong owner satisfaction and camaraderie, providing a platform for shared experiences and support. Common themes among owners include the boat's versatility as a trailerable cruiser and its reliable sailing characteristics for its class.