Seguin 46 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Seguin 46 dates back to 1982, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of its production. She emerged from an era where the boatbuilding industry, including Lyman-Morse, was embracing advanced materials and construction methods while maintaining a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The design was penned by Sparkman & Stephens (S&S), a legendary firm known for creating both high-performance racing yachts and celebrated cruising vessels that prioritize seaworthiness and comfort. S&S's philosophy often combined elegant lines with practical, robust engineering, a hallmark evident in the Seguin 46. During this period, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, founded by Cabot and Heidi Lyman, was building custom power and sailing yachts, consistently fusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology from their Thomaston, Maine, facility. The Seguin 46, like its sibling the Seguin 44, was custom-finished, allowing for considerable variation in deck layouts, rigging, and underbody details to meet individual owner specifications. This custom approach was a cornerstone of Lyman-Morse's manufacturing ethos, ensuring each vessel was uniquely tailored.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seguin 46, classified as a large sailboat, is designed for comfortable and capable offshore cruising rather than light-air racing. With a length overall of 45.83 feet and a waterline length of 33.54 feet, she presents a substantial presence on the water. Her design ratios provide insight into her anticipated performance characteristics. A Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.75 suggests moderate performance, indicating she will be well-behaved and capable in a range of wind conditions, though perhaps not a blistering performer in very light airs. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 324.4 firmly places her in the heavy displacement category. This high ratio points to a boat that prioritizes a comfortable motion in a seaway, stability, and load-carrying capacity, making her an excellent choice for extended voyaging or liveaboard comfort. Owners can expect a smooth ride, even when conditions turn challenging, as her substantial weight helps her power through waves rather than being tossed about. The Seguin 46 is equipped with a masthead sloop rig and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to her robust and dependable handling characteristics. While specific anecdotal descriptions of her handling are less common due to her custom and potentially limited production, her design lineage and specifications strongly suggest a yacht that tracks well, is relatively easy on the helm, and instills confidence in her crew. The boat's comfort ratio is notably high, exceeding 69% of similar sailboat designs, underscoring its intended purpose as a stable and comfortable cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts varied significantly due to the Seguin 46's custom-built nature, drawing on information from the closely related Seguin 44, a general impression of her accommodations can be formed. The Seguin 44, built from the same basic hull mold and also customized by Lyman-Morse, is known for its spacious interior and excellent seakeeping abilities. Typical arrangements for a yacht of this size and era would likely include a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a robust galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Details from the Seguin 44 "Magic" hint at the quality of finish, mentioning an L-shape galley equipped with Formica counters, teak fids, and a gimbaled three-burner propane stove with oven, often by Dickerson. Such features emphasize functionality and durability for offshore living. The use of high-quality materials like blue suede cushions and teak trim would have contributed to an elegant and traditional marine interior. Ample storage throughout would be a priority for extended cruising, and natural ventilation through hatches and ports would be incorporated into the custom designs. The custom nature allowed owners to tailor everything from the number of cabins to the joinery and overall aesthetic, ensuring that each Seguin 46 was uniquely suited to its owner's vision.