Seawind 1170 — A Fresh Take on Cruising Multihulls
Alexandra
Seawind shifted production to Vietnam after acquiring Corsair Marine in 2010 and opened a factory in Turkey in 2025 to shorten delivery times and reduce freight and customs overheads for European customers, a strategic move that directly affects availability for charter fleets, marina logistics and pre‑season commissioning schedules.
Seawind 1170 at a glance
The Seawind 1170 is a 39'3" cruising catamaran designed with a pragmatic blend of simplicity and performance: vacuum‑infused hulls with targeted carbon reinforcement, stub keels rather than daggerboards, a forward mainsail mast, and a self‑tacking jib to keep deck operations manageable for short‑handed crews or charter clients.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 39'3" (11.9 m) |
| Beam | 21'4" (6.5 m) |
| Draft | 3'9" (1.2 m) |
| Displacement | 20,200 lbs (9,200 kg) |
| Sail Area | 783 sq ft (57 sq m) |
| Engine | 2 x 29 hp Yanmar |
| Fresh Water | 500 litres |
| Fuel | 2 x 260 litres |
| Price (approx) | US $510,000 |
| Builder | Seawind Catamarans |
Design and construction
Seawind was founded in 1982 by Richard Ward; the company’s evolution — from Australian roots to a Vietnam production phase after the Corsair Marine acquisition and now a Turkish facility — is integral to understanding the 1170’s design priorities. The construction uses vacuum infusion with carbon reinforcement in high‑load areas and a modular interior to achieve structural stiffness while keeping displacement competitive. Choosing stub keels over daggerboards simplifies production, lowers maintenance and reduces the logistical complexity for charter operators who require robust, easy‑to‑service craft.
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Hull and rig
The sailplan favors a large mainsail with the mast stepped well forward, making the main the driving sail and enabling a simpler headsail setup. A self‑tacking jib on a track minimizes crew work; optional screamer and code‑zero sails can be tacked on a sprit for off‑wind days. Overall the rig emphasizes a balance between performance and operational simplicity, which appeals to owners, charter companies and private renters alike.
Deck layout and helming
Deck ergonomics aim at sociable cruising and safe offshore passages. The cockpit is an enclosed, latitudinal arrangement with integrated storage and a dedicated barbecue station. A solid bimini runs aft to the davits, increasing weather protection and creating a usable outdoor salon for charter guests.
Helm configuration
Unlike many European cats, the helms are positioned outboard but forward, tucked behind the coachroof. This reduces exposure on long passages while preserving a low, performance‑oriented profile. Two helm seats provide good visibility and a pivoting backrest; the port seat hides a large coolbox that can be used as a refrigerator — a practical feature for entertaining and charter service. All sail controls are led aft to two banks of jammers and paired winches, enabling single‑person sail management in most conditions.
Interior layout and liveability
The Seawind 1170 departs from convention by placing the galley in the starboard hull and dedicating the nacelle to a light, open saloon. A three‑leaf hinged door folds and stows under the bimini to preserve helmsman sightlines and maintain an uncluttered cockpit‑saloon interface, a clever compromise where a sliding garage door would conflict with helm placement.
- Saloon: U‑shaped sofa, moveable stool that converts into a daybed, and a versatile dining table with three swivel positions.
- Galley: Longitudinal layout with twin sink, cooker, upright fridge and freezer, practical for cruising and charter provisioning.
- Cabins: Master to port with athwartships double, forward doubles in each hull, generous heads and wet‑room style showers.
Under sail and engine handling
On a light test day in the Bay of Cannes with 10–14 kt breeze and a light chop, the 1170 accelerated to about 7 kts on a reach under screamer and held 5.5 kts to windward while pointing to roughly 38–40° apparent. The cable‑driven steering provides more tactile feedback than many cruising cats, and the twin 29 hp Yanmar diesels are acceptably quiet for harbour manoeuvres and tight marina berthing. With lines led aft and simple sail controls, the platform is well suited to short‑handed cruising and charter operations where crew may be inexperienced.
Pros and cons
- Pros: strong build, clever cockpit solutions, simple sail handling, practical galley for provisioning and service.
- Cons: engine access in one hull is somewhat awkward and can be noisy; the galley‑in‑hull arrangement will divide opinion among traditionalists.
How this matters for charters and boat rental: The Seawind 1170’s combination of durability, straightforward systems and entertaining cockpit make it a compelling candidate for small charter companies and private owners who rent their boats. Its shallow draft and easy handling also reduce requirements on marina berths and increase access to sheltered anchorages and lagoons popular with renters. GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean; the platform values freedom, energy and the ability to choose your own course and places no limits on a good life, helping clients find a vessel that suits preferences, budget and taste.
Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map: the establishment of a Turkish production line for Seawind is unlikely to reshape global tourism alone, but it is meaningful for European charter availability and fleet renewal, potentially lowering lead times and costs for rentals in Mediterranean marinas. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
The important and interesting highlights here are Seawind’s strategic factory moves, the 1170’s practical deck ergonomics, the unconventional interior layout with galley in the starboard hull, and its easy sail handling that suits both private owners and charter guests — while acknowledging that experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: the Seawind 1170 blends pragmatic construction, smart deck ergonomics and a lively yet manageable sailing character into a 39‑foot package ideal for couples, small crews and charter operations. Its vacuum‑infused hulls and carbon‑reinforced sections keep weight in check, the forward mainsail and self‑tacking jib simplify sail handling, and the social cockpit plus a well‑thought interior increase onboard comfort. Whether considering a yacht for private ownership, charter, or sale to a fleet, the 1170 offers a balance of performance and practicality that will appeal in marinas, clearwater anchorages and busy gulfs alike. For anyone planning beach days, lake or ocean passages, fishing or yachting activities, GetBoat.com supports the theme by providing a global, user‑friendly solution for booking or buying boats, yachts and sailboats — transparent listings, detailed make and model information, ratings and flexible options to suit every taste and budget, helping you find the right vessel for unforgettable sea and boating experiences.
