More than 225 boats were eventually built across the 1000 series, with the 100th hull launched in 2002. The design evolved through the 1050 Resort, the 35.5-foot 1000 XL, and the XL2. Each later version extended the transoms to add buoyancy, stability, and speed.
Design and Construction
The hulls have plumb bows, with the forward crossbeam set just behind them. A keel runs about a third of the way amidships, while spade rudders complete the underwater profile. The two-meter fixed mini-keels and a 19½-foot beam put the Seawind toward the beamier end of catamaran proportions. That width gives it enough stability to carry a very full mainsail without distress.
Early boats used all-foam sandwich construction with unidirectional and biaxial glass. Newer models moved to lightweight FRP construction.
The bridgedeck has 29 inches of clearance. In practice, this resulted in a surprisingly low incidence of bridgedeck slamming, even in rough water.
Rig and Handling
Most control lines lead aft to the helm, and the self-tacking jib makes the boat genuinely easy to handle single-handed or short-handed. A hinged mast base allows the rig to be lowered forward with minimal effort, which is useful for trailering or passing beneath low bridges.
The original launch had an inboard Bukh diesel. Charter operators later requested twin outboards for easier maintenance and maneuvering, and that arrangement became standard across the family. The Yamaha 9.9hp four-strokes have extra-long shafts and a 3:1 high-thrust gear ratio. They sit on lifting brackets that keep the propellers clean, safe, and clear of drag.
Testers described the ride as nimble and lively in poor conditions. Captain Royce Black delivered one safely through a Category 5 hurricane and recorded more than 25 knots under bare poles. Designer Richard Ward notes that several boats reached New Zealand and Hawaii after surviving 70-knot storms.
The Seawind 1000 can develop a jerky motion in confused seas or while beating into a strong chop. However, owners report that its performance is less sensitive to weight than that of other catamarans they’ve sailed.
Accommodations
The layout does away with the usual division between saloon and cockpit, creating one open living area. Three cabins are tucked into the hulls, with the galley down.
Panoramic windows and forward-opening hatches provide nearly unfettered views, plenty of ventilation, and shelter. Headroom comfortably accommodates anyone up to 6 foot 4. A retractable ladder stows between the trampolines, while the foredeck combines a mesh trampoline with a solid “cat walk” hard deck.
One longtime owner said the boat’s most distinctive feature was the sheltered main saloon and its seated 360-degree visibility. He placed the saloon, cabin, and galley along the pitch axis so the motion stays tolerable. He and his wife sailed more than 25,000 nautical miles aboard a 2000 example and rated the layout exceptionally comfortable.
Writing in YachtSite, reviewers found the galley very nice and functional. They also considered the boat appropriately sized for living aboard for weeks or longer, though better suited to a couple with an occasional low-maintenance guest.
Known Issues
Some owners and surveyors have reported problems with the polycarbonate windows on earlier Seawind 1000 models. This point is worth examining closely on any early-production hull.
Refits and Ownership
The standard arch already accommodates solar panels, seating, a barbecue, and dinghy davits, so many upgrades can build on the existing arrangement. The twin-outboard installation keeps maintenance simple and inexpensive compared with inboards, while the boat remains small enough for straightforward operation and upkeep.
Overall, the Seawind 1000 is a manageable, thoughtfully arranged coastal and offshore cruiser. Its systems suit an owner who values simplicity over complexity.
The Verdict
The Seawind 1000 established Seawind’s reputation as a builder of cruising catamarans and remains a sensible, low-fuss platform. Its open saloon-cockpit living area, beamy stability, and short-handed rig make it well suited to a couple seeking genuine offshore credibility without complex systems.
Pros
- Twin outboards on lifting brackets simplify maintenance and reduce drag
- Open saloon-cockpit layout with sheltered 360-degree visibility
- Broad beam and mini-keels provide stability, with a low incidence of bridgedeck slamming
Cons
- Jerky motion when beating into strong or confused seas
- Reported issues with polycarbonate windows on early models
- Better suited to a couple than to a family living aboard full-time
