With a beam of 21 feet 4 inches and a displacement of 20,200 pounds, the 1170 is a compact cruising catamaran. It combines offshore-ready simplicity with a layout expressly designed for cruising couples.
Design and Construction
The 1170 uses carbon-reinforced foam core throughout, producing a stiff, immensely strong structure that is also lightweight. Seawind builds the hulls and deck by resin infusion, with vinylester resin in all hull laminates to improve structural properties and provide anti-osmosis protection. The bulkheads are composite laminates, with additional carbon reinforcement in high-load areas.
Engineering is by Gurit of New Zealand. Renowned naval architects optimized the hulls for offshore cruising efficiency, with fine entries to aid performance. The bows rake slightly aft, while generous freeboard is accented by a reverse sheerline. A chine extending almost the full length of the waterline adds interior volume to the belowdecks staterooms.
A solid coachroof covers the entire cockpit. Molded channels catch rainwater and can feed it through a filtered hose directly into the water tanks.
Rig, Helm, and Handling
The deck layout emphasizes safe, simple sail handling for a short-handed crew. All lines lead aft to protected twin helm stations, and the twin wheels sit well outboard on the same level as the cockpit sole. This arrangement gives a direct line of sight to all four corners of the boat and removes hazardous level changes during demanding blue-water work. In challenging conditions, the crew remains sheltered behind the coachroof.
Cable-driven steering provides the tactile feedback prized by sailors who prefer a connected feel. A self-tacking jib and stub keels help keep maneuvers straightforward, while a fixed carbon bowsprit carries a code-zero-style screecher.
In 8 to 12 knots of breeze, Cruising World test sailors recorded almost 6 knots to weather under the self-tacking Doyle jib. On a beam reach with the screecher, the boat made nearly 8 knots, with steerage described as sweet and light. Owners in their 70s report that the boat is safe and easy for two people to handle, as well as a good starting point for sailors relatively new to sailing.
Accommodations
The 1170 makes good use of its footprint with a functional interior built around open-plan living and natural ventilation. The galley sits in a hull, leaving the saloon as a dedicated social area with 360-degree panoramic views. Seawind’s signature tri-fold saloon door and large opening forward windows join the saloon and cockpit into one open, ventilated space. When opened, the door secures into the cockpit roof.
Headroom is 6 feet 5 inches throughout. The owner’s stateroom fills the port hull, with an island berth forward and an en suite head with a walk-in shower aft. To starboard, the straight-line galley sits between double staterooms fore and aft.
In the saloon, the port side of the wraparound settee doubles as a day bed and navigation bench. An offset table rotates to accommodate guests or lowers to create another berth. Light wood finishes and a hand-crafted timber fitout underscore the boat’s European-market intent.
Systems, Range, and Self-Sufficiency
The blue-water-capable base specification includes twin 29 hp Yanmar sail drives, 520 liters of fuel divided between two tanks, a central 500-liter water tank, and ample storage.
Optional large solar arrays and lithium battery banks can increase self-sufficiency. A Victron 900 AH lithium upgrade adds remote monitoring and charging modification. The boat tested by Cruising World had a CZone digital switching system, lithium-ion batteries, and coachroof solar panels. The builder claimed that this arrangement could run an air-conditioning unit overnight.
The coachroof gutter also contributes to water collection. During squalls, a hose from the gutter can top off the tanks—a neat detail for offshore living.
Known Issues
To meet the required CE standard, Seawind fitted a cable spanning the bases of the guardrail stanchions, presumably because toe-rails weren’t included in the hull mould. This is a compliance measure rather than a structural defect, but buyers should note that the cable substitutes for conventional toe-rails.
The underwing clearance is a shallow 2 feet 2 inches, limiting bridge-deck clearance in rough water.
The Verdict
The Seawind 1170 is a thoughtfully executed small catamaran that delivers performance-oriented sailing without giving up the social space and ventilation couples value on a long cruise. Its carbon-foam structure, short-handed deck plan, and protected helms create a rare combination of lively sailing and manageable handling.
Pros
- Stiff, lightweight, carbon-reinforced foam-core structure engineered for serious offshore work
- Twin protected helms with full visibility and level movement between stations
- Galley-down, three-cabin layout with a dedicated owner’s hull and an open, combined saloon and cockpit
- Straightforward handling for two, with a self-tacking jib and all lines led aft
Cons
- No conventional toe-rails; CE compliance relies on a cable at the stanchion bases
- Shallow underwing clearance of 2 feet 2 inches limits bridge-deck clearance in rough water
