Gordon wrote:
Am selling my Gulf 32 Pilothouse and am looking for a trailer boat just to
keep my toes wet. Am looking at a 1995 Seaward S24. Any comments, good, bad
or ugly? Don't seem to find a whole lot on the web.
One of the best resources on the WWWeb for trailer sailing &
related issues.... this bunch used to include several
Seaward owners as regulars, don't know if they still do
http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/...ilor/index.cgi
BTW have you looked at any Nimbles?
Bob wrote:
Have a dock mate who has one five slips down. He complains that the
boat operates best in a narrow wind window of 8-12 mph. Over 12 mph he
is reefing and says the boat becomes no fun. I guess tender would be an
accurate word. Or maybe to much sail.But reducing sail he says make the
boat handle poorly.
I sugested placing 500 pounds of sand ballast around the centerboard.
he did not like my suggestion.But then again hes a neat freak engineer.
Well, the whole Seaward line is predicated around grafting
old-timey looks onto modern hulls & rigs. They may sail
somewhat better (faster to windward) than full keelers with
gaff rigs, but the claim that they "will blow the doors of a
J-24" is laughable.
The main advantage of the Seaward line is their looks. If
you love it, then pick one that has been well cared for and
decently equipped & make a bargain. If you could be tempted
by a boat that is better built, and/or faster, and/or easier
to trailer & launch, and/or has a large class... or one of
the other characteristics many people like, then my advice
would be to keep looking.
Fresh Breezes- Doug King