Seawind 1600 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Reichel/Pugh is most evident in the 1600’s sailing geometry. Unlike the smaller Seawind models that often utilize fixed keels, the 1600 features deep, retractable daggerboards. These boards allow the boat to point significantly higher than the average cruising catamaran, achieving windward angles closer to those of a performance monohull while simultaneously reducing drag when retracted for downwind runs or shallow-water piloting. According to an editorial review by Sail Magazine, the boat exhibits a level of "active" sailing feedback often missing in multihulls, with the dual helm stations positioned out on the hulls providing an unobstructed view of the sail plan and the telltales.

The sail-area-to-displacement ratio is aggressive, allowing the 1600 to "ghost" in light air where heavier production cats would be forced to motor. Under power, the twin Yanmar engines (typically 57hp or 80hp upgrades) provide a cruising speed of 8 to 9 knots, but the boat is truly in its element under a screecher or asymmetrical spinnaker. In ideal conditions, owners have reported sustained speeds in the mid-to-high teens, and the hull’s narrow entries and high bridge-deck clearance significantly reduce slamming in a chopped seaway, a common complaint in the catamaran category.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Seawind 1600 is defined by the "galley-up" configuration and the seamless integration of the cockpit and salon. This is achieved through Seawind’s iconic tri-fold door system, which allows the entire aft wall of the salon to be folded away, creating a massive, single-level living area. The aesthetic is contemporary, utilizing light-colored woods and clean lines that lean toward European minimalism rather than traditional heavy teak.

There are two primary interior variations: the "Owner’s Version" and the "Charter" or "Four-Cabin" layout. The Owner’s Version dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite, featuring a queen-sized berth aft, a dedicated desk or vanity amidships, and a large head with a separate walk-in shower forward. The starboard hull typically houses two guest cabins and a shared head. While the 1600 is primarily marketed to private owners, a four-cabin, four-head variant exists to accommodate larger groups or professional crews. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'6" in the salon, and the use of large, wraparound windows provides nearly 360-degree visibility from the seated position in the salon, a hallmark of the Seawind 1600 design.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Seawind 1600 gained significant international acclaim shortly after its debut, most notably winning the "Best Full-Size Multihull" category in the Cruising World 2019 Boat of the Year awards. Judges specifically praised the boat's build quality and the "proper" sailing feel afforded by its helm positions. In the digital sphere, the model has been extensively documented by high-profile cruising vloggers; notably, the channel "Sailing Ruby Rose" conducted an exhaustive video series comparing the 1600 to its smaller sibling, the 1370, which helped cement the 1600’s reputation as the "aspirational" model for performance-oriented cruisers within the YouTube sailing community.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Seawind 1600 is a premium build, prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas during survey:

• Daggerboard Trunks: Because this is a high-performance boat with moving underwater parts, the daggerboard trunks and the boards themselves should be inspected for impact damage or wear on the internal bearings. Any "shudder" while raising or lowering the boards may indicate a need for shim replacement.
• Weight Sensitivity: As a performance catamaran, the 1600 is sensitive to overloading. Buyers should check the current inventory of heavy gear (watermakers, dive compressors, oversized battery banks) to ensure the boat has not been sat significantly below its intended waterline, which can degrade the sailing performance that defines this model.
• Electronic Complexity: Many 1600s are equipped with digital switching systems (like C-Zone) and Mastervolt power management. Verify that the software is up to date and that the previous owner has documented any custom wiring modifications, as troubleshooting these integrated systems can be complex in remote areas.
• Window Seals: The expansive salon windows provide excellent visibility but are subject to significant UV exposure and hull racking stresses. Inspect the sealant beads for signs of cracking or previous leaks, especially on boats that have completed multiple ocean crossings.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 1600 benefit from the Seawind Owners Association, a highly active global community that hosts rallies in the Whitsundays, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. This group serves as a vital technical resource for sharing maintenance tips and performance tuning data. Additionally, Seawind maintains a factory-backed technical support network that is well-regarded for assisting owners with spare parts logistics regardless of the vessel's location.

The Verdict

The Seawind 1600 is a rare breed of catamaran that manages to satisfy the requirements of a comfortable liveaboard without sacrificing the thrill of high-speed sailing. It is an ideal vessel for the experienced sailor moving from a monohull who demands feedback and speed, though its width and complexity may be intimidating for the novice.

Pros:

• Superior Windward Ability: Daggerboards and Reichel/Pugh hull design offer class-leading performance.
• Indoor-Outdoor Flow: The tri-fold door system creates one of the best entertaining spaces in the 50-foot category.
• Visibility: Dual helms and large salon windows offer exceptional situational awareness.

Cons:

• Helm Exposure: While the helms have Bimini options, they are more exposed to the elements than centralized, "flybridge-style" helm stations.
• Payload Management: Speed is quickly compromised if the boat is heavily loaded for long-term cruising.
• Docking Footprint: At nearly 26 feet of beam, finding slip space in older marinas can be a challenge.