Crestwind Information, Review, Specs

The Crestwind emerged in 1971, a product of Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s innovative model of democratizing access to various consumer goods, including boats. While Sears itself did not manufacture vessels, it leveraged its extensive distribution network to offer a range of recreational craft through its iconic "Wish Book" catalogs, an approach that made boat ownership a reality for individuals who might not have lived near traditional marine dealerships. The company's philosophy centered on accessibility and affordability, providing practical utility rather than high-end luxury, thereby broadening the appeal of water recreation to the average American family.

The design of the Crestwind is attributed to Peter Milne, a prolific British boat designer celebrated for his expertise in small, performance-oriented craft. Milne is particularly famous for the Fireball dinghy, a hard-chined, scow-type racer, suggesting his design ethos favored lively handling and efficient performance in compact packages. The Crestwind, a fractional sloop with a daggerboard, reflects this philosophy, designed to be easily managed and enjoyed. The daggerboard keel type further indicates that the boat was intended for versatility, allowing for easy beaching and transport. Data Details on specific variations of the Crestwind during its production run are not widely documented, but other Sears sailboat models sometimes saw minor changes over the years.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring just under 14 feet in length overall with a waterline length of 13.12 feet, the Crestwind is a classic day sailor designed for responsive and straightforward handling. Data Its relatively light displacement of 170 pounds, combined with a fractional sloop rig, suggests a boat that is quick to accelerate and lively in light to moderate breezes. Data With a calculated hull speed of approximately 4.85 knots, the Crestwind is well-suited for recreational sailing on lakes, calm rivers, and protected coastal waters. Data

The inclusion of a daggerboard, rather than a fixed keel, enhances the boat's maneuverability and allows for easy adjustment of its underwater profile, optimizing performance across different wind conditions and enabling shallow water access. This design choice also makes the Crestwind highly transportable, a key characteristic for an accessible recreational boat. Data While specific anecdotal reviews of the Crestwind's handling are sparse, Peter Milne's reputation for designing nimble and engaging dinghies indicates that the Crestwind would likely offer a fun and direct sailing experience, appealing to beginners and those seeking a simple, enjoyable outing on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of under 14 feet, the Sears Crestwind is unequivocally an open-cockpit day sailor with no interior accommodations in the traditional sense. The design prioritizes sailing functionality and ease of use over comfort amenities. The layout would typically feature a spacious cockpit providing ample seating for a small crew or family, without any enclosed cabin or significant headroom. Data

The primary "layout" consists of the open seating areas and controls necessary for sailing. Its hull and deck material of solid fiberglass ensure a durable and low-maintenance structure, consistent with its design as an accessible and practical recreational vessel. Data Storage would be minimal, likely limited to small compartments within the cockpit for essential sailing gear. The focus of the Crestwind's design is squarely on the joy of sailing itself, making it an ideal choice for short excursions rather than overnight trips.