Seawind 1170 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Seawind 1170 is a "sailor’s catamaran," prioritizing feedback and agility over the apartment-style bulk of many modern production cats. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 147 and a sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio of 17.1, the boat is categorized as a light-to-medium displacement cruiser that remains lively in light air. According to editorial testing by Cruising World, the 1170 is remarkably responsive, capable of tacking through 95 degrees with a self-tacking jib and reaching speeds of 7 to 8 knots on a beam reach in just 10 to 12 knots of true breeze.

The handling is defined by the signature Seawind dual-helm stations, which are located at deck level rather than on a flybridge. This keeps the center of gravity low and ensures the helmsman is never isolated from the crew in the cockpit. Unlike many of its competitors that utilize daggerboards for performance, the 1170 uses fixed mini-keels. While this limits absolute pointing ability compared to a performance-first multihull, SAIL Magazine reported that the boat could still pinch up to 38 degrees apparent wind angle (AWA) while maintaining momentum, a testament to the hull optimization by the engineering firm Gurit. Under power, twin 29-hp Yanmar diesels with saildrives provide a cruising speed of 6.5 knots, with a top end near 8.9 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 1170 adheres to Seawind’s "galley-down" tradition in the starboard hull, a layout choice that maximizes saloon lounging space and keeps the heavy "social" hub of the kitchen separate from the living area. This configuration allows for a massive U-shaped dinette in the saloon that can convert into a daybed for off-watch crew. The "Tri-fold" door system—a hallmark of the brand—allows the aft bulkhead to be lifted and stowed under the cockpit hardtop, effectively merging the saloon and cockpit into a single, open-air living space.

The boat is primarily offered in a three-cabin configuration. The entire port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite, featuring an island berth forward and a spacious head with a separate shower stall aft. To starboard, the galley is flanked by a forward double guest cabin and a smaller aft cabin, which often serves as a flexible space for storage or a single berth. A notable design compromise cited by reviewers is that the forward berths in both hulls are positioned partially over the bridgedeck to gain width; this results in a thin shared bulkhead between the port and starboard forward cabins, which may impact acoustic privacy. The interior aesthetic is typically finished in light ash laminates and Polystone counters, as detailed in the technical guides provided by Multihull Central.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Seawind 1170 has gained significant cultural visibility through the YouTube sailing community. The most prominent example is the vessel Sisu, owned by Billy and Sierra of the "Tula’s Endless Summer" channel, who documented the build, delivery, and first year of cruising on their 1170. Their long-form videos provide a rare, unvarnished look at the boat's liveaboard capabilities. Additionally, the channel "Sailing Ruby Rose" featured an extensive walkthrough of the 1170, comparing it to their own Seawind 1370, which helped cement the model's reputation as a "mini-1370" for those seeking a more compact footprint.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As the 1170 is a relatively new model, technical feedback is still emerging, but early hulls have highlighted a few areas for scrutiny.

• Gelcoat Finish: Early owners have reported "freckling" or minor color inconsistencies in the non-skid gelcoat on the decks, occasionally requiring warranty repairs to address flaking or aesthetic mismatches.
• Sole Delamination: There have been reports of the cabin sole (flooring) feeling "spongy" or making clicking sounds in certain sections of the hulls, suggesting localized delamination between the flooring and the sub-structure.
• Bridgedeck Clearance: While the 26-inch (0.7m) bridgedeck clearance is respectable for a 39-footer, some owners have noted significant slamming in "square" head seas, a common trade-off for the boat's low-profile, aerodynamic cabin house.
• Component Alignment: Prospective buyers should check the alignment and seal of the front-opening saloon windows; early units sometimes required adjustment of the gas struts to prevent leaks or ensure a flush close.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Seawind Owners Association, an active group that hosts rallies and technical forums for all Richard Ward-designed vessels. While the 1170 is the newest addition, its shared DNA with the 1160 means much of the technical knowledge regarding Yanmar saildrives and Seawind’s proprietary steering linkage is widely available through this community.

The Verdict

The Seawind 1170 is a purpose-built alternative to the "condo-maran" trend, offering genuine sailing satisfaction in a package that fits into standard 40-foot slips.

Pros

• Exceptional visibility and protection from the twin-helm configuration.
• Award-winning "Tri-fold" doors create a class-leading indoor/outdoor flow.
• Category A certification ensures the boat is built for genuine offshore passage-making.
• Nimble handling and better-than-average upwind performance for a fixed-keel cat.

Cons

• Galley-down layout may not appeal to those who prefer the "social" galley-up designs.
• Forward cabin privacy is compromised by the shared bulkhead over the bridgedeck.
• Limited bridgedeck clearance can lead to noise and slamming in specific offshore conditions.