Seawind 1160 Information, Review, Specs

The Seawind 1160 was in production from 2004 to 2012, building on Seawind Catamarans' established reputation for crafting "super strong, safe, and speedy cruising catamarans." The design philosophy behind the 1160, championed by Richard Ward, focused on delivering a vessel that was "Simple, Fast & Light!" This ethos aimed to create a boat that would allow couples and families, even those with limited cruising experience, to safely and comfortably explore bays, coastlines, and islands.

During its production run, the Seawind 1160 saw several variations and iterations, reflecting an ongoing commitment to refinement and catering to diverse owner preferences. Notable versions included the "Lite," which emphasized a lighter build for enhanced performance, and the "Deluxe" and "XL" models, which introduced upgraded interior designs and finishes. There was also a "Resort" version, optimized for charter operations, and a "1160.4" featuring an intelligent design with trifold doors. These variations typically maintained the core hull and rig characteristics while offering different levels of interior luxury and practical features.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seawind 1160 is designed to "sail well first and foremost," earning a reputation among sailors as "safe and fun to sail." With a reported sail area of 807 square feet and a displacement of 15,432 pounds, the boat exhibits good performance, particularly noted for sailing effectively in light air conditions. Its fractional sloop rig and twin mini-keels, characteristic of Seawind designs, reflect a philosophy that prioritizes good sailing performance for cruising without aiming for the extreme characteristics of a pure racing multihull. While not designed to point as high into the wind as some vessels equipped with daggerboards, its handling is generally well-regarded for balance and predictability across various sea states. The Seawind 1160 boasts a theoretical hull speed of 8.16 knots, indicating its capacity for efficient passage-making.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Seawind 1160 is celebrated for its intelligent and innovative use of space, creating a remarkably open and expansive living environment. A hallmark of the design is the "Open Layout," which, facilitated by features like trifold doors, seamlessly blends the indoor saloon with the outdoor cockpit, creating an "enormous indoor / outdoor" area. This design maximizes living space and promotes excellent ventilation.

Typical interior arrangements often feature three guest cabins, providing ample sleeping accommodations. The Seawind 1160 Deluxe, for instance, introduced a "sleek new interior design and fitout," incorporating lightweight and stylish timber surfaces and synthetic timber flooring, offering a modern yet traditional aesthetic. The finish quality generally emphasizes durability and practicality for cruising, with materials like fiberglass foam core for the hull and deck providing a robust structure.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seawind 1160 consistently laud its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. Many praise its overall suitability as a cruising catamaran, often highlighting it as a well-equipped and well-priced option in its class. The design's emphasis on safety and ease of handling makes it appealing to both experienced sailors and those newer to cruising. Owners frequently commend the boat for its fun sailing characteristics and its ability to perform well in varying conditions, particularly in lighter breezes. The Seawind community is also noted for its strong sense of camaraderie, with owner rallies and active forums providing support and shared experiences. While generally receiving high praise, some discussions among owners acknowledge that, like many cruising catamarans with fixed mini-keels, the 1160 may not offer the same close-winded performance as monohulls or catamarans with retractable daggerboards.