SEAWIND 1600 CATAMARAN 3 Yr Review - Joy or Regret?

[@leonply]

You've done it again! Most folks would never consider putting up an unvarnished recap of their experience. Bravo for the honesty and deep dive into getting things straightened out. I can only offer a little tiny bit of advice, from experience (a LONG time ago!), and from some friends who have raced and cruised at high speed. When it comes to anchors, my father always had three on board. It was a 78 foot steel-hulled schooner, which was sort of slow (we blew across the Malacca Strait at more than 18 knots, when the water was bathtub calm), but Dad always insisted on having three anchors of good size, just in case something went wrong, and something always goes wrong. There was a sudden squall north of Semarang, and all three anchors were out, each on more than 350 feet of heavy, heavy chain. Overkill, possibly, but the family and the boat survived without a scratch. For water makers, a racing friend came up with a Rube Goldberg sort of fix. He found a pump which was powerful enough to pull water up a LONG hose (3/4" diameter), up to the input feed of the water maker. This was used when they were running at speed, because the cavitation would impair the ability of the water maker's pump and inlet. There was a cage/filer thingammie at the end of the 35+ foot hose, to keep out larger things. Thanks for the video and can't wait to see more!

[@HarborsUnknown]

It's great to hear from you Leon! We're so glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for the advice and for sharing your story. We have two anchors on board, but 3 couldn't hurt. Very interesting solution for the water maker, we'll have to look into something like that. Thanks for watching and for your support!

[@davidlevitz3119]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO ! GEE THE SHORTCOMINGS AND THE ISSUES ARE ENOUGH TO MAKE ONE A LITTLE FRUSTRATED AND GROUCHY ! TO SAY THE LEAST ! YOU GUYS ARE REAL PROS NOW ! THIS IS ONE OF YOUR BEST VIDEOS ! GREAT JOB ! LOTS OF LEARNING CURVES !

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much for your supportive comment and for watching our videos! 😊😊

[@6800891]

Love the casual presentation style. Almost like I was sitting across the table. Learned at lot from your formidable experiences and enjoy cruising vicariously with you!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@ralphholiman7401]

The hardest part is just having the guts to get off the gerbil wheel and go. Most people dream of something better, but never want to step off and do it. Congrats for that!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for this wonderful comment!’ 😊😊😊

[@captainsensible298]

For transferring fuel also add polishing capability as well, easy enough to do, I had a temp set up I used for this, well worth doing.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Definitely in the projects list! 😊😊 thank you

[@nj1nj169]

There are always unknown potential failures, but for the price of these boats the company should take care of you.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We do feel Seawind has been a good partner. It takes time to address issues and figure out a permanent solution. 😊

[@jetskiordie7976]

But the fact is they are not…otherwise you would have a working throttle already! No longer a fan of Seawind!

[@HarborsUnknown]

😂😂It's like giving up on chocolate just because of one melted bar. It’s a fantastic company.

[@jetskiordie7976]

@@HarborsUnknown lol. If chocolate powered your home from point A to B.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Would it be nice!! To fill the tank with chocolate rather than diesel! The only downside we would run out of fuel much faster! 😊😊

[@sstevenson638]

Great video! Your experience parallels our experience with our Nautitech, only we didn't stick it out and sold the boat after 9 months. I think it helps that you had two previous boats and knew more of what to expect. It was our first boat. We also bought a new boat because I naively thought we wouldn't have many repair issues for 5 years or so. We couldn't have been more wrong. It started with a chart plotter that was DOA on our first sail, and got worse from there. One thing they don't tell you about warranty work is that component manufactures don't pay for labor, only parts. Nor do they pay your expenses to sit in a marina for weeks waiting for parts or repairs. If you have the knowledge it's usually cheaper to buy parts and fix it yourself than to wait for warranty coverage. We learned a lot in 9 months. My stress level was so high that we had to sell the boat. It was the only way to stop the financial bleeding. I don't understand how quality control on boat stuff can be so bad. Having said that, we have no regrets. It was a fantastic experience that we may try again one day under the right circumstances. I have better knowledge about what to expect and things I would do differently, so hopefully I could handle the surprises a little better.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! So sorry to hear you had such a terrible experience! We were fortunate that Seawind did pay for the labor when we had professionals come out but to your point it’s much quicker to buy the parts and install it yourself. We were based in Ft. Lauderdale for the first 6 months and then after our trip to the northeast for another 4 months and again fortunate we had free dock space with friends. I’m glad the experience didn’t sour you on boat life because it can be amazing. Best of luck and thanks for watching our video!

[@markbaustian9503]

Whether it’s a boat or an RV, problems along the way are going to happen. The game changer is knowing how to deal with those problems and learn from the experience. You two have done a remarkable job of dealing with all the issues that have come up. I know nothing about sailing but I feel like I’m learning a little through your journey. Stay safe!

[@HarborsUnknown]

That is so true Mark! Thanks for the compliment. We’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos! Thanks for following our journey!

[@seedstosaplingscanada3915]

Yes, transparency is so important. Thanks for sharing.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Our pleasure!

[@markjohnson3990]

You guys are doing a great job of showing the unvarnished reality of boat life unlike some other channels that seem to have sold their souls to the boatbuilders .

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you Mark, we have an honest love for Seawind and a great relationship with them, we feel that the only way to keep improving is openly discussing issues without blame, looking for countermeasures through collaboration. Fabio’s previous career, first as surgeon and later as hospital administrator, focused on processes and quality improvement and we hope we can keep doing that as sailors.

[@Sanityatsea]

Very helpful. As future 1370 owners, we are so thankful you are willing to share your knowledge with us.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Very happy to be helpful, Seawind is a great company and you will be happy with the 1370!

[@airlandnsea]

I'm in the same 1370 line, this was very helpful

[@HarborsUnknown]

@airlandnsea thank you for watching😊😊

[@markperkins5664]

How has your build slot estimate has progressed? I just heard back from Seawind this week, and I’d be hull 797, with a splash date of Jan ‘28. Has their time estimate been accurate for your build?

[@craigg7862]

Very very helpful and informative. Thank you for taking the time out to put this together.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We’re so glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@lindsaylowe2886]

Thank you guys so much for this. All your effort, diligence, tenacity and communications with Seawind will benefit us later hull numbers immeasurably. Really grateful to you!

[@HarborsUnknown]

We’re glad you enjoyed the video Lindsay! Thanks for watching, it’s great to know the effort is appreciated. 😊 It’s also nice to realize what we communicate to Seawind is helping future owners.

[@davegreene3706]

I really enjoyed your candor and total honesty. Nothing is perfect and all things in life are a compromise. Best of luck fare winds and following seas.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! We agree completely.

[@jjjoooojjj]

OMG ..!! I just was watching you taking your first sails on this rig and it's been tree years already... Time flies.. Good on you two .. !! You both look great, happy, healthy and definitely more salty .. Also thank you for this valuable info. Very helpful and interesting to know...

[@HarborsUnknown]

Crazy how time flies! Thanks so much for the compliments. 😊 We’re glad you enjoyed the video!

[@John-ObiJohnKenobi]

thanks for taking the time for the honest review it’s really helped me make decisions about what to buy, or more importantly what to not buy in my opinion it’s outrageous that all of these brand new products should fail so completely i wish you all the best thank you

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for commenting!😊

[@rlittle924]

EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you for this real hands on assessment of issues, EVEN when you buy a new boat. Some of the takeaways include the warranty issues with equipment that is out of date ON A NEW boat, as well as some equipment and parts truly not up to par for 'other than Atlantic and Caribbean' sailing. The issues with the sails are concerning, yours being made in China, and how the main sail bulged out in addition to other issues. Other things that seem not important, you have shown that a better system would greatly make things more efficient, or more accommodatable, such as the AC as well as the 220 vs 110 power. Overall, I have learned quite a bit about issues that I may have overlooked, or minimised, that ultimately could/would be of greater concern when on passage. Glad to have watched you both go over these things, and having a notebook to reference when needed.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We are happiest when we can help!! Thank you for your comment and thank you for watching. 😊😊😊

[@seedstosaplingscanada3915]

@@HarborsUnknown This was very informative to say the least.

[@HarborsUnknown]

@seedstosaplingscanada3915 thank you 😊

[@Docfxit]

No need to add another solar panel since realastate is valuable. You can change out your 200watt panels for 400watt panels and your inverter to handle the increase in power.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Exactly on point! We plan to change with Maxtreon 480 when we get to NZ 😊😊

[@alleycat5472]

Very helpful, thank you so much. Nice to have someone having a cat for awhile go through the process. :) Great tips also, things to ask up front.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching 😊😊

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Thanks for a very honest review. Kind of shocked Seawind put throttles that weren't waterproof enough in a very exposed position. Kind of surprised the running rigging only lasted two years. Was there chafe at the sheaves somewhere? What was the wear?

[@HarborsUnknown]

Yanmar was selling the throttles as IPX6, resistant to high pressure sprays. Not Seawind’s fault. The VC20 now rated IPX7 (new version seems to have addressed that problem) Interestingly I can no longer find the IPX rating for VC10. Chafe was at at turning points, continuous reefing lines on the Doyle sail, and the screecher sheet ( my bad) Main halyard twisting on the 2:1 block aloft (partially my bad) Thanks for watching and for your comment

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@HarborsUnknown Thanks. IPX7 seems a lot more appropriate for something fully exposed to water on a boat. The chafe points make sense. What was the issue on the screecher sheet? (Unfortunately I have not watched all of your videos yet. Obviously thank you both for making them!)

[@HarborsUnknown]

My bad, 😳 we flogged the screatcher violently and got and the line got stuck on the seagull striker.

[@conradsenior5843]

@@HarborsUnknown Most would not admit a fault. It is to your credit that you do. It shows you are experienced, not newbies.

[@HarborsUnknown]

😊😊😊😊

[@phlbald]

Thanks for the review. Glad to hear that Seawind has been good to work with. I would love a 1600. But was out of our budget. Still we bought a new 1260 and after close to 3 years I would still buy the same boat. It sails well and is super safe. I would take this over almost all comparable boats of the same size. We have also had our issues but Seawind and our broker have always been very responsive to help.

[@HarborsUnknown]

The 1260 is a great boat! We're glad to hear you're happy with it and have had a good experience with Seawind. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmcburnie611]

Very helpful for folks to hear. I had no idea all the effort it takes to get parts and items fixed until I got my new 2022 42 Leopard Catamaran. Love our boat but I expected better coordination between Leopard and vendors. Thankfully everything has been fixed but lots of time and energy go into it. We thought getting a new boat would give us a few years of hassle free sailing!!!

[@HarborsUnknown]

You capture perfectly the essence of new catamaran ownership! Only someone who has gone though it can really understand! Thank you for watching!😊😊

[@raibtube]

Thanks for sharing your candid feedback. It really shows what many other KZbinrs with new boats put under the cover. Would love to see a video on your cruising costs over 3 years. Cheers and keep on going😅

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching😊😊that is a fantastic idea!

[@DougVarble]

Your evaluation is honest in my humble opinion 🎉

[@HarborsUnknown]

Yes, it's an honest evaluation of our experience. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@scottk.9331]

Sharing your experience, sharing the shenanigans you experienced, well this is awesome.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment!!😊😊

[@timedwards2070]

A really great thought provoking review, thank you. And you both made me smile, you’re a very likeable couple.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! 😊😊

[@davidg2651]

Sarah and I loved watching the video. Thank you for sharing your experience. Some of the issues that you had are being addressed by Seawind and the latest boats are fitted with the newest steering, autopilot, and controllers. ❤

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you David, Seawind has been a great company to work with and they are implementing many of the suggestions by people in the group!

[@captainmike1567]

Great insights into the new boat buying process. If you want fuel transfer get a fuel polishing system, everything you need to move the fuel, plus the polisher to keep algae out of the tanks. Awesome video and wonderful to put an eye on you both. Best always, M

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for the advice on the fuel polishing system. Great to hear from you! 😊😊

[@ccar1332]

Brilliant, honest vid. Surprised myself and watched the whole thing, as there were so many golden nuggets of info! Thank you!

[@HarborsUnknown]

We’re so glad you enjoyed the video! It was a bit of a long one but we felt the information could be useful. Thanks for watching!

[@stevewildman1045]

Wow 3 years already! You both look 10 years younger! - the steering rack. Look so forward to your honest reviews.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your comment!! Stay tuned! 😊😊

[@manazo16]

Great video and great review! Open, honest, down to earth conversation. I also can’t believe it’s been 3 years! Keep it up dudes 🤙

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks so much Carlos! We're glad you enjoyed the video. Crazy how time flies!

[@donmccullough6823]

Thanks for your honest review of the Seawind 1600. I really appreciate your insights.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We're glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@joseerazevedo]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with the boat after these years. Your tips were very helpful! I specially loved the idea of checking the equipment that'll be on a new boat. This is the kind of we usually suppose, which is never a good idea for we're usually wrong... I thought you'd mention the problems you've had with B&G. But we've seen it Wow time flies! Three years now! Thanks for this great video! See you on the net! Fair winds!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. 😊😊

[@davidlevitz3119]

THANKYOU SO MUCH ! LOOKS LIKE OVERTIME THE SEAWIND 1600 WILL GET BETTER AND BETTER ...YOU BOTH HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE BEGINNING I TRUST YOUR ADVICE ,THANKYOU ...

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. It’s been a pleasure to work with SW and offer our input. They do listen.

[@DurningJ]

Thanks for this video. As an owner of a 4 year old Seawind 1260 I would echo your impressions. We have delt with a variety of issues. Seawind has been very helpful. Sharing your ups and downs helps the community immensely.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much!! 😊😊

[@dentonearnhardt9891]

Thanks for the honest review. It was nice meeting you both in Moorea. We still need to see Wanderlust for a sundowner soon.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you!! We are in Tahiti now but we will be back soon!

[@HeidiandFranny]

That's great! I loved seeing Fabio at the end in the engine bay. Nice touch. It can be difficult to add in humor at times...

[@HarborsUnknown]

😂😂😂 thank you!! ❤️

[@rip5707]

Loved that you said what went wrong but still positive about the boat. I watched a review that had sea wind 1600 at no one and compared it to the no three but the no three boat was 500k and the sea wind was over 2 million. Would have liked to get some idea of costs so I could understand the diff in sails and chains you were talking about.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your comment and for watching our video. You are correct, we love our boat and we feel that in the 50 foot range she has a very competitive price point. I am not sure about the other reviews you are referring to. A new SW passage maker is probably 1.4-1.5 M but it easy to get to 2 M when you add carbon mast and rigging, carbon sails, stainless steel chain and another ever ending number of bells and whistles. The carbon mast alone is over 100k option. We don’t have the specific prices of each item. Let us know if we were able to answer your question or if you have some points you would like to talk about. 😊😊

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

That's crazy that boat manufacturers ( or some boat manufacturers?) won't deal with component warranty, that's like if you bought a car and the engine management computer packs up and the car manufacturer says well you have to go to say Bosch or whoever to get warranty on that. The boat manufacturer is the system integrator and they have to make sure that they specify the right parts, the throttles are a prime example, why should Yanmar warranty a throttle fitted in an exposed helm that is only rated for inside use, Seawind have to fix that. Undersized auto pilots and Helm systems also seem to be a common issue ( cost ) see Sailing with Thomas for his struggles with that.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your insightful comment!! 😊😊

[@jamesaron1967]

Thank you for taking time relating your experiences on a Seawind 1600. I've been interested in finding out more about this model but detailed videos are far and few in between.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! 😊😊

[@carbon6597]

Great update on your three year purchase. Love the David Shih lid Fabio! You both appear to be much more comfortable and confident with the boat. It shows. Y'all look like you're finally in your sailing sweet spot. Congratulations!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks so much! We hope to grow and get better as long as our bodies and brains allow it!😂😂

[@chrisrieger4140]

Such great info, very valuable, so matter of fact with a sense of humor. Won’t miss anything you guys do!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you😊😊😊😊 we appreciate you comment!!

[@MrTCela]

Fabio is so facial expressive- like myself- I could read even before the subject was finished if it was positive or adverse enough! Having experienced the hand jobs and service in the narrowest corners and nooks, want to say that he is a diamond in the rough! We met briefly in Annapolis, fair winds to both of you

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much for the flattering comment!! I am happy we met and that you are watching our videos!! 😊😊

[@MrBluebeard3]

Cool vid! 3 years and your still enjoying it and a LOT wiser🤣. Keep having fun.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the video! We have learned soooo much and still have way more to learn. But that's a good thing most of the time. 😂

[@kylie2126]

OMG Thank you for this Video!!! I’m currently looking at purchasing my first Catamaran. I’ve been wondering whether “New” or “Pre-owned” is the way to go. It’s very interesting to hear what the “PostSale” Service is like. Thank you so much for your Honesty. Wishing you Happy Safe “Repaired” Sailing. 💙⛵️💙⛵️💙⛵️💙⛵️💙⛵️

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you 😊 😊 a 3-5 year old well maintained catamaran is the way to go!

[@TiAma-my2zy]

Great job! Thank you very much for all the true and reliable first hand information. Still sailing on a monohull, but often thinking about a catamaran, a seawind 1600 would be a good option for us too. Fair winds!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. The Seawind 1600 is a great catamaran for sure.😊😊

[@fritzvilton1135]

Great video for all buyers to watch! You guys did a great job in educating us, thank you.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks for the great compliment! We’re so glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Great video guys! Thank you for sharing!!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you!! We hope everything is going well with your new boat!

[@rowlos123]

Great video, it's nice to hear all the realities of new boat ownership and also that you have no regrets!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the video! We are still truly happy with our choice, we recognize solutions take time but Seawind has been a great partner.

[@huldahovergaard1648]

You seem to have coped very well with all the problems you’ve had. You two are an amazing couple!!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you Mom!!❤️

[@larsholst6216]

Wonderful informative video...........................down to earth..............what to think of before ordering. I have heard that the expensive cats (30% - 50% extra price) offer some kind of entrepeneurship warranty of the whole package. Maybe I did not hear details exactly how they were and this is with some nuances. Keep up the spirit.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your comment and for watching !!

[@shuzoskates]

Very good summary! Easy for me to understand I could recall that There were many things happened! But almost all things sound similar to what we have in the daily life even on the land Your notions woke me up every things around us I felt like now you guys have conquered the hardness of life through the adventure 🎉

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks Hiro! Yes, boat life definitely increases your ability to deal with challenges because you’re faced with them every day.

[@Zephyr653]

Very good video! Thanks! We were considering a Seawind but ultimately opted for a Beneteau 55.1 sloop. Love catamarans for the Med or Carib but probably not the most comfortable for crossing oceans. We can point really high and still fly at 9-14 kts off wind with reaching sails and asos. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Fantastic choice! We used to sail a Beneteau 473 before the Catamaran. Great boats! Thanks for watching 😊😊😊

[@ijoseluis]

I basically see two things. The first one and more important is that you are obviously in love as to each other. I sincerely compliment you for filling this basic condition for sharing the same limited room 100% of your time, surrounded by water and absorbed by the vital routines while sailing. Secondly, I see that you feel that buying the catamaran was one of the happiest decisions of your life, a source of joy only to be exceeded when achieving its sale. Wish you the best.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Wow!! ❤️❤️❤️😊😊 thank you so much for this wonderful comment!! We are so happy that you are watching our videos and enjoy our content!!

[@deeclination]

The head , is the least understood issue on most cruising boats , the best solution I have found is the ‘ Y ‘ valve that easily changes fresh odor free flushing to stinky salt water just for passage making or when fresh water is in short supply. Love this channel

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you!! That will be the next plumbing job on Wanderlust! 😊😊

[@stuartbscott]

One of the most informative videos I have watched. Great job! You guys have come a long way!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for the awesome compliment!! We’re so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@glennmadill6435]

Thanks for the informative video. Appreciate the honesty. To many vloggers are beholden to the manufacturers for all the ‘free’ stuff available. (Are you listening Zatara.) As long as you can still smile and laugh through these things, everything will be alright.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We're glad you enjoyed the video! We feel it's important to convey an accurate picture of what owning a new vessel is like so people go into it with realistic expectations. If you don't laugh about it you'll end up crying or popping a blood vessel. 😂

[@timsheperd4446]

Great work, very informative. I would love a Seawind.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching 😊 she is a great boat 💪💪

[@obieandlaurie]

Loved this episode….why newer isn’t always better even though I think it is (affordability dependent of course). The Doyle sail issue…wow. Loved the nod to the Shih family….Cheers you two and hope all is well and fun. 🤗🍻

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks for the support guys! We're so glad you enjoyed the episode!! Yeah, if someone else can go through the boat for the first few years and make all the repairs and upgrades that's always amazing. The Doyle sail was definitely a disappointment for us. We love the Shih's, they are so much fun!

[@TherealMarkyMars]

great insight. thank you. we're still in the tail end of career phase, however we've narrowed down our choices to either Rapido or Seawind... there are by far more youtubers with seawinds and their experiences with the issues of a new boat which is really helpful, not from a negative side ofthings, but more from seeing how things are resolved. This is important as similar to you we plan to start out closer before making crossings and the eventual plan to circumnavigate in the (early) retirement phase.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! Which Rapido are you thinking about? The 60? We used to sail a trimaran and loved it! Fantastic observation on how important is to understand that new boats have issues and how having a good brand, like SW behind is essential. Thanks for watching and for your insightful comment. Congratulations on your future plans!!😊😊😀😀

[@TherealMarkyMars]

@@HarborsUnknown the 50, as I want something that can fold to get into single slips, and certain river/lock systems in the world. But if those plans or needs change; Seawind has more than 1 model we would consider and the amount of anecdotal and social media sharing with that brand -having seen the issues arise and resolved is certainly helpful.

[@HarborsUnknown]

😊😊😊👍💪

[@Markymarkcy]

REALLY informative..Up their with THE best ever episode you've made All those considering living about and world cruising should bookmark as a reference. Thank you.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much for this compliment! It really does mean a lot to know the effort is appreciated and we're so glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@koborkutya7338]

Good review, I learned a lot from it. Also really enjoyed the dynamics of you two, feels like you are good together :)

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so so much! What a great comment 😊

[@kirkb3473]

Great video! People really need to do their due diligence to understand exactly what they are purchasing. One boat might have a big price tag, but it’s a much better value because it already has all the components and features you’ll end up adding later on, you’ll end up understanding why the other boat cost what it did. Thanks for sharing 😎

[@HarborsUnknown]

We are happy you found the video informative! Thank you for watching 😊

[@paulgilliland2992]

Ridiculous that they would install non waterproof throttle controls and obsolete at that. Some great points especially the allure of a washer dryer that’s not designed for marine use. You absolutely have to dismantle to replace.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your comment. It is a dodgy situation with Yanmar not Seawind. Waterproofing rating uses the IP codes. The IP plus two numbers for dust and liquids, but on a boat we typically just look at second number, liquids which ranges from 0-8 -IPX0: No special protection against water. -IPX1: Protection against vertically falling droplets, e.g., condensation. -IPX2: Protection against vertically falling droplets when the device is tilted at an angle up to 15°. - IPX3: Protection against water sprayed at an angle of up to 60° from the vertical. -IPX4: Protection against water splashed from any direction, with no harmful effects. - IPX5: Protection against water projected from a nozzle from any direction. - IPX6: Protection against powerful jets of water, often specified for marine or outdoor equipment. - IPX7: Can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. - IPX8: Can be submerged deeper than 1 meter, usually specified by the manufacturer. Yanmar VC10 were rated on paper IPX6, Seawind correctly installed them in a position, outdoor and with sprays. When they started failing and we spoke with Yanmar they admitted that they were not designed for exposure to water. In the second generation Yanmar VC20 the company writes. “The reliability of the VC20 helm controls has been enhanced through the use of highly durable materials and by improving waterproofing up to the IPX7 rating level.” It’s a pickle!! Washers on boats are standard washers not designed for marine use. It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to install items prior to putting the desk on the hulls, definitely not a problem limited to Seawind! Thank you for watching and for you insightful comment 😊

[@Building_Bluebird]

Great discussion of your experience. You actually startled me with the clip of the strange man under the engine hatch. Not Fabio, the other dude. 😂

[@HarborsUnknown]

😂😂 that was the idea!!🤣

[@AntoineGrondin]

Great video! Great info, and funny little interstice with the high output alternator segment :P

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the video, especially the alternator segment. Fabio put on his director's cap for that one! 😂

[@alyxiastarling7990]

after listening to all of those issues from the start with a new cat I am going to be much more careful with my first purchase. thanks for all the advice especially about asking about the models and manufacturing dates of components.

[@HarborsUnknown]

😊😊 thank you for watching and for your comment

[@JohnClifford-b3b]

Thanks so much for your excellent report on your SW1600 three years in. Very useful for me as a SW1370 buyer (delivery next year). I love the look of the all round flexiteek decking- including on the foredeck. How have you found that in the sun - people say it gets hot underfoot and that it raises the cabin temp? Also from a durability / maintenance / cleaning perspective? 😊

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching! Flexiteek looks great and feels great on your feet. Adds weight and gets hot in the sun. A bit hard to clean but very sturdy.

[@adrianhockey1571]

Hey yall... Fabio, your my hero/role model cause your a bloody LEGEND. My wife and I are loving your channel... love from Adrian and Zivia all the way from Cape Town South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤️

[@HarborsUnknown]

🤩🤩🤩🤩 wow!!! Thank you so much for the compliment! Nobody ever called me a legend! Thanks for watching the channel. Hope to see you when we come around to South Africa!

[@adrianhockey1571]

@@HarborsUnknown hell Yeah... can't wait

[@HarborsUnknown]

💪💪

[@BrentHottle-gi2pe]

Great purchase over view. Thank you

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you! We hope it helps! 😊😊

[@robertlaird6746]

I've heard that radio hydro-net it a very good sail cloth for a main sail. Sailing Life on Jupiter has that and it's held it's shape for seven years and 3/4ers away around the world.

[@HarborsUnknown]

That’s great! We’ll look into it.

[@derekauret8574]

You seem a nice couple, enjoy ur time. Thank you for the insight.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your nice comment and for watching 😊😊

[@UUBrahman]

The best part of this video to me was your discussion of sail handling particularly the self-tacking jib and how to make it go upwind. Furling problems was also good. I am familiar with self-tacking jibs but have never used one and wondered what the short comings were besides being restricted by size to about 100% of the foresail triangle area. Your discussion of sail makers was strong, as was what material you prefer. Sounds like you might be adding an additional removable bow sprit to accommodate an additional foresail. Sounds like you want to double your solar to 2K, then consider getting rid of the Fischer Panda generator to lighten up the boat, like Nick did. Thank you.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank for watching and for your comment! We have a removable bowsprit and we are thinking about adding a block for a code 0. We would like to add solar but not planning to remove the fisher panda. Hi draw systems, oven, water heater and washer dryer and air conditioning depend on it. As technology evolves we may be able to to operate the above with a larger alternator. Thanks 😊

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank for watching and for your comment! We have a removable bowsprit and we are thinking about adding a block for a code 0. We would like to add solar but not planning to remove the fisher panda. Hi draw systems, oven, water heater and washer dryer and air conditioning depend on it. As technology evolves we may be able to to operate the above with a larger alternator. Thanks 😊

[@pbcrisp4373]

10 min in. Great video so far. Excellent points and honesty.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thanks so much! We're glad you're enjoying the video! Be sure to stay until the end. 😊

[@Enviroblast]

I really appreciated that vid. Maybe fav ever, I think the “sailors market” not the Utube market, are over the current trend of marketing aka current marketing experience SeaWind. It’s a comparison, not a competition. Different peeps, like different things. I have always believed, you guys represent the experience honestly. ❤❤

[@Enviroblast]

I’m SeaWind 1370 hull 60 for now. So u saying you would do it again made me smile. I always wanted to ask you that question.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much for your comment! We strive for honesty and authenticity. You frame the problem perfectly! Customers look at different products (catamarans in this case) with a frame of competition rather than a comparison for those features that best fit their needs. Once a purchase is made “confirmation bias” takes over our judgement and we look for ways and information to support our own decisions. Also given that the average time of ownership is about 5 years, most owners are very careful about protecting the brand of something they will sell at some point in the near future. We appreciate the time you took to watch our video and to comment!!! 👍👍❤️

[@HarborsUnknown]

We would definitely buy this boat again!!

[@enriquecordovanovion6069]

Thank you for the video, honestly sharing your opinions. very very useful messages

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching 😊😊

[@billhanna8838]

Interesting point on the age of components on a new boat Hmm Thank you .

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you, something to think about!

[@dr.paulhoule9470]

Thank you so much for this video. you have answered so many questions that I have. Fabio you and I have similar career paths (and know some of the same people) and I plan to do something similar in the future so this video was extremely valuable to me personally.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you Paul!! I am happy to be of help. Let’s try to connect, please send me an email through our webpage at Harbors Unknown

[@krispress7824]

Nice boat guys. Agree with steering positions. Just looks good

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you so much!!😊😊

[@stevehaase3287]

Really great video - thank you! Was the dragonfly to too small? What were the advantages of upgrading

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching!! We loved the dragonfly and yes it was too small for our needs. The DF35 is not designed for full time liveaboard and long ocean passages. A wonderful boat nonetheless 😊😊💪💪

[@mwide100]

Just found the channel but really enjoyed the first two episodes.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We're so glad you found us and you're enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching!!

[@ThiagoMaiaSs]

Honest review, thank you for the information

[@HarborsUnknown]

We're glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.

[@Gladtobeleaving]

Quite a few YT'ers are buying new boats after going the used boat/refit path at first. This is first video that I've seen that draws the point that accessories you order for your boat 1 1/2 to two years before taking delivery will be at least that old by the time you get them, and probably a lot older.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. We are happy to share our experiences, good and not so good😂😂

[@mikemendes7598]

Stunning that the factory mainsail came apart so quickly. Hopefully they fixed it under warranty. And if it's losing shape after 3 years, one would hope they are doing something about that as well. (Like a free recut and repair?) Unless you guys have REALLY abused them, that just doesn't seem right from a loft like Doyle. Interesting and enjoyable video!

[@HarborsUnknown]

We were really surprised as well! We don’t think we’ve abused them too much but unfortunately Doyle didn’t offer anything like that, though it would have been nice. When the headboard broke they referred us to the nearest sail loft in Shelter Bay and they did the best they could to get the sail back in working order without the original headboard part. We’re glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.

[@KirkThomson]

Great video! There are a lot of videos on how to change the Starlink Router to 12V so that might help with your power consumption. Might save you getting more solar.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you Kirk, I have not seen a kit to convert the in motion antenna to 12 V. I am definitely a few steps below novice when it comes to electronics and I need something easy 😂😂. Are you aware of one?

[@KirkThomson]

@HarborsUnknown I will send you some links. It does involve cutting the gray cable and putting on a shielded CAT5 end (ethernet) but that looks like the hard part .

[@HarborsUnknown]

@KirkThomson thank you so much!!

[@KirkThomson]

@@HarborsUnknown This guy knows his stuff. I would just buy the $50 aluminum case. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ2of6B3ntCGh7Msi=0jJMnPVeCu2XYNu8 This one looks a little easier and has links to order. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKqZdqSPj9Gmmbcsi=yhrfCjXvqoZYIcp1

[@carlfrost6291]

Don’t you love being test subjects for engineering solutions at lowest possible price. I went through the same thing on another vessel I took blue water cruising. Excellent presentation and very diplomatic too.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching. Seawind has just refitted our steering system under warranty and is refitting all earlier versions. Thank you for watching and for your comment!! 😊😊

[@Four_Words_And_Much_More]

This has been one of the most useful reviews of a catamaran that I have seen. I have seen way too many reviews. If you have found what you want, why keep looking? Other than the price of the 1600, it is an amazing boat. But the evidence is you get what you pay for. Thank you for a very useful view into the 1600. I am not as certain about the dagger board option which is mandatory on the 1600. It does give better upwind performance, but I don't enjoy upwind sailing all that much and tend to arrange the sailing plan to minimize upwind. But even if you have a boat that is 20% less upwind performance, who is racing? I am cruising. So the extra speed and convenience is reduced by the need to manage the daggerboards. The other options are not adjustable and therefore the boat is easier to manage. But I confess that I like the minimal draft when you pull the daggerboards and rudders up. It allows you to go places you otherwise would not consider. Plus/minus considerations.

[@HarborsUnknown]

You are 100% correct! Everything is a trade off! Shallow draft is a plus. Daggerboards are also nice but add a level of complexity that should not be discounted. We recently sailed upwind from Tahiti to Hiva Oa and we appreciate the ability to point a bit higher, but as you say, you can get there when you get there regardless 😊. The boat is priced competitively respect other same size semi-production boats. Most of our troubles came from third party equipment, and whatever is SW responsibility they are addressing and taking full responsibility. Thanks for watching and for commenting 😊

[@DaBinChe]

Seawind screwed up by using a throttle that was not rated for intended use. That is just a big screw up on their part. Great video recap of your experience.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for your comment!! I really think that Yanmar is responsible. I am copying what I put in an earlier comment. Let me know what you think. Waterproofing rating uses the IP codes. The IP plus two numbers for dust and liquids, but on a boat we typically just look at second number, liquids which ranges from 0-8 -IPX0: No special protection against water. -IPX1: Protection against vertically falling droplets, e.g., condensation. -IPX2: Protection against vertically falling droplets when the device is tilted at an angle up to 15°. - IPX3: Protection against water sprayed at an angle of up to 60° from the vertical. -IPX4: Protection against water splashed from any direction, with no harmful effects. - IPX5: Protection against water projected from a nozzle from any direction. - IPX6: Protection against powerful jets of water, often specified for marine or outdoor equipment. - IPX7: Can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. - IPX8: Can be submerged deeper than 1 meter, usually specified by the manufacturer. Yanmar VC10 were rated on paper IPX6, Seawind correctly installed them in that position, outdoor and with sprays. When they started failing and we spoke with Yanmar they admitted that they were not designed for exposure to water. In the second generation Yanmar VC20 the company writes. “The reliability of the VC20 helm controls has been enhanced through the use of highly durable materials and by improving waterproofing up to the IPX7 rating level.” It’s a pickle!!

[@DaBinChe]

@@HarborsUnknown If it was trully rated IPX6 it should have been fine...maybe yanmar up rated it from an actual lower rating. Or did not test it to those ratings. Seawind can only take what info they were given by the manufacturer, so I think you are right.

[@HarborsUnknown]

@DaBinChe definitely!!

[@sukavihodson3325]

Great video thanks for sharing I’m taking delivery in November next year so it’s very interesting to me thanks a lot 🙏✨ I wonder with the solar can you fit much more one there .. would you consider a wind prop to supplement the green energy ?

[@HarborsUnknown]

Congratulations!! Seawind 1600? That’s so exciting! We can fit 2 more panels that you could walk on next to our existing panels. Some owners have put panels on a tilting structure over the dinghy davits but we’re not sure we like that. We could also possibly put some walkable panels on the coach roof. We talked to people that have wind props and they don’t add that much plus many of them make a lot of noise. Thanks for watching!

[@sailingsandy7971]

Great and honest video. I can resonate with some of the issues you highlight. I recently did a 1000nm 1250 delivery and you had to make sure you balanced the fuel usage. We also had autopilot isssue (Raymarine unit), but ours was the autopilot disingaging and it seemed to happen on following seas also. All part of the sailing lifestyle 😂

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching and for your comment!!

[@laurapitre5797]

Often you can help the autopilot cope by turning down the response level on the autopilot to cruising or leisure and it will still work fine. We did this on our sporty crossing from Fiji to Indonesia to reduce power consumption. More than likely that unit is undersized for the vessel.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Exactly correct!! We did that to no avail😊

[@jerrylowenstein1899]

I love your honesty, why are you not sailing a mono?self tacking sucks

[@HarborsUnknown]

We used to sail a monohull for many years up and down the US coast, 473 Beneteau. We then sailed a speed demon Dragonfly 35 and got hooked on speed, the catamaran was a great compromise. We hope to make more performance videos and in the future to show how this boat sails beautifully. Monohull or multihull, at the end of the day, we all sail to enjoy the same breathtaking sunsets with a cold one in hand, with the same love for the sea and adventure.

[@martinbeaumont1135]

Super interesting video, thanks for sharing.

[@HarborsUnknown]

We’re so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@MK-gr9qz]

Really great work With your video, nice🏅👌🏅

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you 😊😊 for watching and for your comment 😊

[@josemiguelsarmiento9359]

Increíble video!! Muchas gracias por tan valiosa información!! Saludos!!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Muchas gracias! Estamos muy contentos de que haya encontrado el vídeo informativo. gracias por mirar y por sus comentarios uniformemente amables 😊😊😊

[@haydenwatson7987]

Rather than laminated sails, you might look into the woven Dyneema cloth sails. It has greater strength and much longer life. I have a friend who used it on his 65' monohull with a huge fat-head big roach main. I am not sure which cloth he used but Nautosphere Voyager is one. They offer a 6-year 25,000-mile guarantee for the design shape of the sail.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Wow!! That’s a great suggestion!! For now we are going to save some money and sail with our beat up main sail. Hopefully soon we will be able to afford a better one 😊😊 thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@jlc928]

We want to come aboard. We are thinking of buying our own catamaran but want to try it first. We live in Canada. Thanks for sharing!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Very exciting! Visit harborsunknown.com and send us a message. We’d be happy to discuss!

[@laurence9695]

Buy an Outremer. Weeks of training on EVERYTHING. Incredible performance yacht, amazing after service. I'm so impressed with them. Around same price as a Seawind, but oh, what a difference!

[@HarborsUnknown]

Good to know!😊

[@BoulderMTBR]

Thank you for letting us know that SEAWIND IS A SECOND RATE BUILDER. Like an American RV builder.

[@HarborsUnknown]

😂😂 thank you for watching. We think that Seawind is a great catamaran builder, and like any other boat builder encounters opportunities for improvement, and unlike some other builders acts on them on subsequent models, listens to owners criticism and acts on them. Great company. The only difference is that we tell the true story bout our boat while other just tell the story that will sell their boat 😂😂

[@todd-617]

I read somewhere that's it's easy to tell when something on a boat begins to break. It starts as soon as it's installed.

[@HarborsUnknown]

😂😂😂😂 that’s what BOAT stands for, Broken Or About To!!

[@bengale6693]

We pick up our cat next year so this is great stuff thanks

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you!! Congratulations, what cat are you getting?

[@will-bi4pj]

Terrific...very informative, thanks

[@HarborsUnknown]

Thank you for watching 😊😊

[@HD46409]

It sounds like the best thing to do is hire a consultant or agent to manage the purchase process. The information disparities between the buyer and the shipyard seem really high and the detail involved would make a qualified agent or consultant worthwhile.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Definitely a great idea!! Now that we have gone through the process we will be happy to help buyers who have questions 😊💪

[@slacker2101]

Re the bilge pump leak, it sounds like a siphon effect. Have you tried looping the output hose above the waterline and fitting an anti-siphon valve at the top of the loop, as is done with wc output hoses. You have probably thought of this, but in case you haven't.

[@HarborsUnknown]

Bingo!!! Exactly what is happening, easy fix! Thank you for watching and for offering the correct solution.