Seawind 24 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 24 feet and a substantial beam of 16 feet, the Seawind 24 offers a stable and spacious platform for its size. Its lightweight fiberglass construction, combined with efficient sail plan and daggerboards, aims to deliver an enjoyable and practical sailing experience for coastal cruising and day-sailing enthusiasts.

History and Design

The Seawind 24 emerged from the burgeoning Australian multihull scene in 1982, following Seawind Catamarans' initial success with smaller "off the beach" catamarans. The company, which has over 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing cruising catamarans, quickly gained recognition for the Seawind 24, which was considered "years ahead of its competitors" in small catamaran design. Seawind's design philosophy centers on enabling safe and comfortable cruising for families through innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and capable sea handling.

While primarily an Australian creation, the Seawind 24's journey expanded to the United States through Luger Industries. Luger, founded by brothers Ren and Orm Luger in Minnesota in 1950, revolutionized recreational boating by offering affordable, build-it-yourself boat kits, first in plywood and later in fiberglass. By 1987, the Seawind 24 appeared in Luger's catalogs, suggesting they acted as an importer or distributor, aligning with their mission to make boat ownership more accessible, Builder Article]. This partnership allowed American sailors to acquire a factory-built Seawind 24, benefiting from Luger's established distribution network, before Luger Industries ceased operations in 1987.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the Seawind 24 provides inherent stability and a shallow draft, which is enhanced by its daggerboard keels, allowing the minimum draft to be just 1.0 foot and increasing to 3.33 feet with the boards down. This feature makes it ideal for exploring shallow anchorages and beaching. Seawind's overarching design philosophy emphasizes speed, comfort, and balance, aiming to create an "incredible sailing experience". With a reported sail area of 342 square feet and a displacement of 2000 pounds, the Seawind 24 is designed to be a nimble performer for its class.

Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests that while the Seawind 24 generally handles well for cruising, its tacking ability can sometimes be a point of discussion. Some owners have noted that the boat can "come to a halt almost no matter what you do" during a tack, making it challenging to maintain speed through the maneuver. Despite this, the Seawind 24 is broadly considered a capable cruising catamaran, valued for its sea handling ability and comfortable motion, consistent with Seawind's design goals.

Accommodations and Layout

The Seawind 24, with its 24.25-foot length and substantial 16-foot beam, offers a surprisingly roomy interior for a catamaran of its size. While specific maximum headroom details are not provided in the structured data, the multihull design typically allows for more usable living space than a monohull of comparable length. The layout generally includes basic accommodations suitable for coastal cruising or weekend trips.

Owners often find the interior to be functional, though some older models may require renovation to update aging finishes, such as "peeling paint" or "dirty plywood berths". Given its design, the Seawind 24 would typically feature compact sleeping areas, likely small berths in each hull, a basic marine head (which in some cases might require lifting panels to access components), and a simple galley area on the bridgedeck or within one of the hulls. Storage is generally modest but sufficient for short trips. Ventilation, crucial in warmer climates, would typically be provided by deck hatches and portlights. The interior is generally understood to be utilitarian, offering the essentials for comfortable, no-frills cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seawind 24 often express a strong sense of pride in their vessels, especially those who have undertaken renovation projects. The design fosters a connection to a unique piece of boating history, particularly for those who appreciate the self-reliance aspect that Luger Industries championed through its distribution.

Common strengths highlighted by owners include the boat's solid construction and its stable platform, which contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The shallow draft capability afforded by the daggerboards is also frequently praised, allowing access to areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats. Additionally, the Seawind 24's suitability for trailering, with a "purpose-built trailer" aiding transport, launch, and assembly, is a notable advantage for owners seeking to explore diverse cruising grounds. Discussions among owners often revolve around maintenance, rig issues, and strategies for optimizing tacking performance.