Seawind 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Seawind 24 is defined by its ultra-light displacement, often categorized with a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio as low as 72. This puts it firmly in the "ultra-light racer" category, enabling it to accelerate rapidly and plane in conditions that would leave heavier monohulls becalmed. The boat features a fractional rig with a tall, rotating mast—a high-performance feature rare for a boat of this size in the 1980s.

On the water, the Seawind 24 is known for its "skiff-like" responsiveness. It utilizes a twin-rudder system and deep daggerboards, allowing for exceptional pointing ability upwind and a draft of only about one foot with the boards raised. This shallow draft, combined with kick-up rudders, makes it a premier choice for "gunkholing" and beaching. While it is stable due to its 16-foot beam, the lack of a heavy keel means it relies on its wide stance for righting moment. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home on a broad reach under a spinnaker, where it can consistently reach double-digit speeds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its 24-foot length and open bridge-deck design, the Seawind 24 provides surprisingly functional accommodations for weekend voyaging. The living space is split between the two hulls, each typically containing two berths for a total of four sleeping spots. The interior is best described as "camping style"—functional and minimalist, designed to provide a dry place to sleep and store gear rather than a luxury lounge.

The layout usually features a small galley area and a portable head (Porta-Potti) tucked into the hulls. Headroom is restricted, requiring sailors to sit or crouch while inside the hulls, but the "pop-top" or sliding hatch designs on some versions help improve ventilation and the feeling of space. Variations exist between the original Australian-built models and those manufactured in the United States, primarily in the lamination schedules and the materials used for the internal plywood bulkheads and berths.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Seawind 24 holds a cult-like status in the Australian sailing community and has been the subject of several long-term coastal cruising blogs, such as "Life Aboard a Seawind 24," which documented the challenges and joys of micro-cruising. It is frequently cited in multihull retrospectives as the boat that proved catamarans could be both safe and fast without requiring the massive footprint of a 40-foot vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Seawind 24 should focus on the structural integrity of the high-load areas, as many of these boats have been sailed hard for over 30 years.

• Beam Connections: The aluminum beams are the primary structural link between the hulls. Inspect the inboard bolts and the areas around the forebeam for stress cracks or corrosion, especially if the boat has been used in salt water without frequent rinsing.
• Centerboard Trunks: High-speed groundings or the lateral force of racing can cause hairline cracks around the daggerboard trunks. These should be checked for moisture ingress or previous poor-quality repairs.
• Deck and Hull Stiffness: Some older hulls have been reported to develop "soft spots" in the fiberglass laminate. Check the deck areas and the hull bottoms for delamination, particularly in Australian-built models that may have seen significant sun exposure.
• Trampoline Condition: The large forward trampoline is essential for safety and structural rigidity. If the stitching is frayed or the material is UV-damaged, it will require an immediate (and potentially expensive) replacement.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The hardware connecting the rudders to the transom can wear down over time, leading to "slop" in the steering. Ensure the pins and gudgeons are tight and show no signs of shearing.

Community & Resources

The Seawind 24 is supported by a dedicated owner community, often organized through the broader Seawind Owners Association. Technical documentation, including original assembly and sailing instructions, is occasionally preserved by former builders and can be found through technical archives like the Seawind 24 Google Sites project maintained by former production partners.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• True beaching capability with a draft of less than 12 inches.
• Trailerable design (on specialized collapsing trailers) allows for wide cruising grounds.
• Extremely strong secondary market value due to its "classic" status.

Cons:

• Minimalist interior with zero standing headroom.
• Open cockpit provides little protection from spray in heavy weather.
• Requires active management of the sail plan due to high power-to-weight ratio.