Seal Sinbad Information, Review, Specs

The Seal Sinbad emerged from a period of significant growth and innovation for John Baker Ltd., a company founded by John and Pat Baker in 1962. After initial success with GRP dinghies like the "LARK," the company partnered with Angus Primrose around 1968, leading to their signature "Seal" line of cruising yachts. The Seal 22, launched in 1968, was designed as an ideal boat for young families, a philosophy that extended to the Sinbad, 9]. Production of the Seal Sinbad began in 1971 and continued until John Baker Ltd. ceased operations in 1981, selling much of their tooling and rights to Parker Boats Ltd., builder article, 5].

Angus Primrose, known for both production boats and offshore racers, instilled a pragmatic yet innovative approach into the Seal designs, 2, 14]. A defining characteristic of the Seal Sinbad, shared with its sister models, is its pioneering lift-keel mechanism, 5]. This feature significantly reduces the boat's draft from 3.83 feet to a minimum of 2.0 feet, offering unparalleled access to shallow coastal areas and the ability to safely take the ground, builder article, 12]. This design choice underscored John Baker Ltd.'s commitment to producing versatile and accessible craft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring 21.75 feet in length overall with an 18.0-foot waterline, the Seal Sinbad is a compact yet capable masthead sloop. It has a displacement of 2,400 pounds and a ballast of 800 pounds, providing a solid feel for a boat of its size. With a reported sail area of 200 square feet, the Sinbad offers a moderate sail plan designed for practical cruising rather than pure racing performance. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 5.69 knots.

The lift-keel, while offering tremendous versatility for shallow water cruising and drying moorings, also influences its sailing characteristics, 12]. Owners often note that while the lift-keel mechanism requires maintenance, it allows the boat to sail considerably better than other shallow-draft alternatives, such as bilge keelers. The design intent was to provide a stable and well-balanced motion, making it a comfortable vessel in various sea states for its class.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Seal Sinbad was conceived as a "weekender" and a "family-friendly" vessel, aiming to maximize interior volume within its hull, 10]. The layout is typically described as an open-plan cabin, designed to offer up to four berths and comfortable sitting headroom. In the forward section, there is usually a marine toilet, accompanied by a chain locker and additional stowage. The galley facilities are typically integrated into the main cabin area, designed for simplicity and efficiency on short cruises. The interior finish, consistent with John Baker Ltd.'s ethos, would have prioritized durability and practicality, likely featuring GRP moldings with some wood trim, offering a functional and welcoming space for its size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seal Sinbad, and its close cousin the Seal 22, frequently gather in forums like the Parker & Seal Sailing Association, highlighting their collective experiences. A major strength consistently praised by owners is the boat's exceptional ability to access shallow waters and dry out, a direct benefit of its lift-keel design. Many are drawn to the Seal line because they appreciate the improved sailing performance compared to other shallow-draft boats.

However, the lift-keel mechanism is also a common area of discussion regarding maintenance. While offering significant advantages, owners understand that the moving parts of the keel system require periodic attention. Despite this, the general consensus among owners points to the Seal Sinbad as a robust and accommodating small cruiser that successfully fulfills its design brief as an accessible and enjoyable sailing craft for coastal exploration.