Seawind 850 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Seawind 850 is characterized by a high power-to-weight ratio, a direct inheritance from its smaller racing-oriented siblings. With a displacement that typically hovers around 2,000kg (approximately 4,400 lbs), the boat is exceptionally light for a bridgedeck catamaran. This lightness, combined with a generous fractional sloop rig, allows the 850 to excel in light-air conditions where heavier cruising cats often struggle.

The hull design features relatively slim hulls that minimize drag. Unlike many modern catamarans that utilize fixed mini-keels for shallow draft, many 850s were equipped with daggerboards. This configuration allows the boat to point significantly higher than its competitors and reduces leeway during upwind beats. Handling is noted for being "dinghy-like"—responsive and quick to accelerate. However, because of its light weight and lack of massive inertia, the 850 requires more active sail trimming than larger, more sluggish cruisers. According to historical technical notes from Cruising Helmsman, the boat’s beam-to-length ratio provides a stable platform that resists the "hobby-horsing" motion often found in shorter multihulls, though it remains a lively ride in a chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Seawind 850 represents the brand's first serious attempt at creating a liveable "micro-cruiser." While the boat lacks the cavernous volume of contemporary 30-foot catamarans, it utilizes its hulls efficiently. The standard layout typically includes two double berths located aft in each hull, with a compact galley and a modest head (bathroom) area situated forward or amidships.

The most significant variation for the 850 was the choice between an open-cockpit "day sailor" configuration and a more enclosed bridgedeck cabin. The "Cruiser" variant featured a low-profile hardtop or cabin house that provided shelter for the saloon area, which often consisted of a central table and seating. Headroom is generally limited in the bridgedeck area compared to the hulls, where the "stepping down" into the hulls provides sufficient height for most sailors. Materials used in this era focused on functional fiberglass finishes with timber accents, reflecting the rugged, utilitarian Australian building style of the 1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Daggerboard Trunks: For models equipped with daggerboards, the trunks should be inspected for stress fractures or impact damage. Over time, the constant lateral pressure can cause wear in the trunk liners, leading to water ingress or "clunking" while sailing.
• Mast Step and Compression: Given the boat’s age and lightweight construction, it is vital to check the bridgedeck structure directly beneath the mast step. Look for signs of "crazing" in the gelcoat or slight depressions that might indicate the core material has compressed or degraded over decades of rig tension.
• Osmosis and Gelcoat Condition: Early Australian-built Seawinds are generally robust, but like all vessels from the 80s and 90s, they are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have spent long periods in the water without a proper epoxy barrier coat.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Many 850s have been pushed hard in club racing. A buyer's checklist must include a thorough inspection of the chainplates and the standing rigging, especially where the stays meet the hull, to ensure there is no delamination in the fiberglass reinforcement.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner connection is the Seawind Owners Group. While this community is now largely populated by owners of the 1160 and 1260 models, the "Heritage" section of their discussions remains the best repository for 850-specific maintenance advice and original sail plans. Technical specifications and historical brochures are occasionally maintained by the Seawind Catamarans official site as part of their commitment to the brand's 40-year legacy.

The Verdict

The Seawind 850 is an enthusiast’s catamaran that prioritizes sailing sensation and speed over sheer living volume. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or a small family looking for a spirited coastal cruiser that can be easily managed by one or two people.

Pros

• Exceptional performance and agility compared to modern high-volume cruisers.
• Shallow draft (especially with daggerboards up) allows for "beach-ability" and exploring thin water.
• Robust construction from a builder with a proven 40-year track record.

Cons

• Limited bridgedeck headroom and interior volume compared to 30ft+ models.
• Requires more active management and sail trimming than heavier catamarans.
• Market availability is low due to limited production runs before the Seawind 1000 took over.