Surfwind (Sears) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Sears Surfwind began in 1969. While Sears, Roebuck & Co. did not design or build the boats themselves, they played a pivotal role in bringing such vessels to the mass market. The company's unique retail model, leveraging its expansive catalog, made boating a realistic pursuit for the average American family, prioritizing accessibility and affordability over specialized performance or high-end luxury.

The Surfwind itself features a distinctive scow-type hull with a single daggerboard, a design known for its stability and shallow draft capabilities. Its rigging is a simple and effective lateen type, contributing to its ease of use for novice sailors. Dimensions and details for Sears' boat models, including the Surfwind, were noted to vary from year to year, meaning specifications can be considered a general representation rather than a fixed standard. Its design is often compared to the popular Sunfish dinghy, suggesting a similar appeal and handling characteristics as a recreational board boat.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, the Sears Surfwind was designed for straightforward recreational sailing on lakes, rivers, and calm coastal waters. As a 13.53-foot daggerboard dinghy, it prioritizes stability and ease of handling over high performance. The scow hull design typically offers good initial stability, making it forgiving for beginners. The simple lateen rig is easy to set up and manage, allowing new sailors to focus on basic sailing principles without the complexity of more advanced rigs. Owners and enthusiasts often note its similarity to the Sunfish, a popular and robust recreational sailboat, implying that the Surfwind likely shares characteristics such as being a fun and nimble boat in light to moderate breezes. While small dinghies like this can be prone to nosediving in certain conditions if not handled correctly, their overall design is geared towards a stable and enjoyable experience for casual sailing. Its minimum draft of just 0.33 feet with the daggerboard retracted allows for easy beaching and navigation in very shallow waters.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small, open sailing dinghy, the Sears Surfwind offers a straightforward, open cockpit layout typical for its class. There are no enclosed accommodations or dedicated interior spaces for living; rather, the design focuses entirely on the sailing experience. Seating would typically consist of simple benches or the floor of the cockpit, designed to accommodate one or two sailors for day trips. Storage is minimal, usually limited to small compartments or under-deck areas suitable for personal belongings, reflecting its purpose as a simple recreational craft for short outings.