Seawind 1260 Catamaran Review 2021 & Prize Giveaway | Our Search For The Perfect Catamaran. 

Don’t forget to leave you vote for the Seawind 1260 Www.chicagostreet.com/rubyrose

I'm not a sailor, but I'm a designer of small spaces, and I really appreciate the thoroughness with which you review these. I find all of the nerdy moments like standoffs, fuel breathers and sealed conduits extremely satisfying and I'm sure the designers and manufacturers appreciate you pointing these out when they have gone the extra mile. All in all, for thoroughness I give you 10 out of 10.

This boat wasn't even on my radar for dream boats until now. And it's so affordable in comparison!

For the use of the word, "obviate", I give this video a perfect score of 10 out of 10. Well done, Nick.

Simple solution for additional storage is to convert one of the guest cabins into a storage cum workshop area. If you are going into remote areas for extended periods of time a decent workshop is pretty much essential anyway so carry one less person/couple - besides - how often do you have four extra people on-board anyway. As always another excellent review of a catamaran that, in this case, I would generally not considered, thank-you for opening my eyes yet again. As always stay safe and keep having fun. P.S. those books look like an excellent read right up there with the Dashew Offshore series.

This boat is a surprise when you walk in and poke around, it’s a very practical boat because it’s born from Australian summertime sailing in Sydney harbour with friends, which means space to lounge around and swim from the boat and drink beer wearing swimsuits . It’s a spacious thing and oozes practicality . The galley down is so darn big and has so much counter space and ventilation that is seems obvious. It’s a home away from home boat which brings the outside in . And those front windows make the boat almost like an open tent it lets air in and heat out. There are so many simple solutions built into this boat love it.

I've been waiting on this one. I have a rather large bias when it comes to this boat. My wife and I have been looking shopping online and boat shows for almost 5 years now. We decided on this boat prior to Annapolis. This boat has met and tick so many boxes for us. The safety, the ability for a couple to sail this boat together. As far as storage for us it should not be that big of an issue, personally I will be turning the aft guest cabin into my garage. The deposit has been made and the build slot reserved now we just wait as the excitement builds. Thank you for the review and confirming a lot of what I had already thought of this boat.

Ahoy. Thanks for the tour. I enjoy to see you videos really straight forward. To go around the Seawind is in my opinion the best choice. Price, quality, performance and even space. There is enough space. You are only 2 and there are 3 cabins. Anyway keep going on with your production and stay save.

There it is, winner. Nothing wrong with galley down and the livability in the 1260 is incredibly similar to the 1600 (which is top of my list). Selfishly, I hope you do end up with the 1260 so I can witness the build up, commissioning and the 12 months of refinement that follow and the route taken from Vietnam (wish list request please head into Thai gulf and spend time around Koh Chang and other similar islands). Thank you both for another great review.

On the storage front, I view the 1260 as the ideal boat for couples cruising where want to be able to have another couple/ kids along occasionally. As such I think that 4 bedrooms and probably even three dedicated staterooms is unnecessary. What about converting the starboard aft bedroom into storage? Could set up a proper maintenance/tool storage area, pantry, probably install a deep freezer, etc. You would still have two proper staterooms assuming went for the master cabin in port hull + salon convertible bed for when have a larger group. If planning to do extended cruising and you want 4 bedrooms, I think you need a 45-50' boat.

I know this is an old video But I have had a Seawind for two months And it’s a terrific boat Very useable and fast and easy to sail This boat is a beauty The layout is easy to live with and it’s a practical boat very stiff construction in big seas it’s easy to operate and sail and you feel safe There’s no need to go forward or leave the cockpit when sailing or anchoring all anchoring is through a chain counter at the helm We really love it and we are so glad we didn’t buy the lagoon we wanted to buy originally now we’ve had the seawind we can see how that would have been a terrible mistake .

This boat has been on my radar a very long time. It’s all been said so I will stay brief with something I don’t think anyone has mentioned. I have looked for all the info I can find on this boat and e drives. I suggest an alternative setup for the 1260: substitute an electric drive (ie Oceanvolt) to replace one of the yanmar diesels along with a bank of lithium ion batteries. Why? Takes less room. Use it for storage (I would also use the aft cabin over the e-drive and combine extra space) Takes less diesel. Use your one e-drive for moving for boat in marina and other short jaunts. Charge your batteries with solar, the prop gen. of your e-drive and finally your Yanmar alternator. Run them both at once, should be fine as yanmar charging can offset electricity usage and charge batteries. Eliminate the generator. Yanmar is your generator. Generators are heavy, especially in a performance low weight oriented boat like a Seawind, expensive to buy and maintain. Also use your battery bank for induction cooking in galley. Eliminate your gas (except maybe for your cockpit bbq which we all love!). Food for thought.

My husband who is a veteran would really appreciate being able to sail around the world. Thank you for the inspiration.

I am in LOVE!!! THANK YOU!! I’ve been long anticipating your review of the 1260 and it did not disappoint! After my husband and I sat down for this video, it’s practically solidified our decision on the 1260. The only thing left is our test sail which we will be scheduling this spring! * I do secretly hope that you decide on a 1260 as well so we can continue to live our 1260 dreams vicariously through you until our purchase! ;) * Thank you both for continuing to produce such quality reviews. Your feedback will undoubtably be an important part of the decision making process for so many sailers and we can’t thank you enough!

My fav so far! We have just started the cruising life in Australia, and have a Peter Snell Easy catamaran. Which has many similarities to this sea wind. If we could afford a new boat we would choose this. It’s perfect. ..and I ha ve become a galley down convert. I love my spacious functional kitchen! We use the spare berth for storage and have more than we need.

The 1260 is our No.1 & has been for the last 6 months. Thanks so much for the review, you just secured another sale for Seawind! 3 more years of working life & she’s ours! Can’t wait.

Your videos are detailed and really good reviews from a true sailor perspective. I learn a lot from your videos and would love to buy one of these catamarans and go exploring. At an age now, have a bit of money and comfortable, maybe too much so! Trouble is I need to work out how to get it (catamaran or monohull) out of the marina without damaging it, another boat or myself, possibly drowning in the process as I cannot swim. So at least I can continue to be a couch potato in wet and windy London and dream of a better life on the high seas.

This is by far my very favourite catamaran. It's just so practical

As a person that sailed solo (32' Endeavour) for years, this is a boat that I would feel comfortable circumnavigating solo, and would be able to buy this new, customized the way I want it. Looking forward to your sailing video on this and what you feel about having to solo this boat. Solo, the amount of space needed would not be the same as a couple. The performance for me is a big safety feature. Being to get out of the way of weather at 12 kn vs plodding along at 5-7 kn in a mono-hull is huge.

A sail boat in it's simplest form. Perfect for just the two of you most of the time. You could almost live in the cockpit and saloon alone with eskys and BBQ built in. Light, bright, airy, safe and cost effective. And let's not forget, AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!

This cat has pulled out all the stops & has surpassed all my expectations of a sailboat. I love the roll down windows and the helmsman / woman can have their drinks passed directly to them from the galley. The double helm with, removable glass door with hard shaded top & wide access outside along the cabin are another fabulous feature.. This Seawind 1260 is at the top of my list for catamaran.

Brilliant presentation. I love the 1260. It’s my favourite Catarmaran. Seawind makes the best boats & have so much experience. It ticks all my boxes. It has a beautiful practical design. So well thought out. It’s built for safety & comfortable sailing plus it’s fast. Simplicity always works. Great review from you both 🏄‍♀️🐬

Designed by an experienced sailor and many innovations are evocative of Amel.

How many people saw their Tweet and thought "Holy cow! They are giving away a catamaran!" I really hope you guys don't stop doing boat reviews after you find your perfect catamaran. You do them so well. I'm not in the market to buy a boat but I always enjoy watching your reviews.

The thing about the Seawinds I like the most is the simplicity & workmanship, hence reliability for the money.On top of that they sail well. When your living on board, you dont want to be spending all your time doing repairs or maintenance over enjoying your lucky life in the surroundings. Seawind just make a great sailing boat for a great price. No I dont work for Seawind....Thanks for the review guys & love the mantra from LP.

We fell in love with this boat in Annapolis ( met you on her) we have been waiting impatiently for your review! We are also going to charter her in March to experience her on the water. It looks like this may be our next boat!

Love this boat! My favorite of all the boats you've reviewed so far. Go simple, go small, go now! Thank you both

Who doesn't love Lin & Larry? Their books were a massive inspiration for me to learn to sail. Also, that was the best argument I've heard to have a galley down. I've always preferred the idea of galley up, but you made some really excellent points, and as I'm also looking for a 40-ish foot cat, it makes a lot of sense to have it down. Thank you. Loving this series!

I looked over and sailed a 1260 at Annapolis last fall and really fell in love with the boat. I'm really glad to see you guys give it such high marks. That means a lot knowing it wasn't a confirmation bias on my part.

Thanks for another great review. This is one that I was waiting to see. Can’t wait to see the test sail.

Thanks for a sailor’s perspective on the Seawind 1260. It seems like a really sailable catamaran at a price that encourages me to go sooner rather than later. A good Aussie boat!

I would read both of those books. I love these reviews. The most informative information without a hidden agenda.

Love the simplicity and functionality of this design. Wonderful use of space. Can’t wait to one day be out on the water but I know the hard work will pay off one day.

Great review, you nailed most of the boat spot on. We are a little based of course living on one for 12 months now, but we have had 4 adults living full time, sailing from Australia out to the Pacific and found space not to be any great issue. That said, one thing you do not cover is the pro and cons of dagger boards and mini keels. After cruising for 12 months in and out of sand bars, reefs etc, I am an enthusiast for mini keels. When you bump the bottom, you are not going to rip out a sail drive or bust up a rudder. They are all nicely protected out back. And yes we all touch bottom at some time, or your not exploring exotic places.

The overriding reason for this boat: It is made for a couple/solo sailor. That means it isn't made to impress the neighbours. The only reason to not buy this one is if you lack the space to store stuff.

Your review has made me look at this one a little closer. Thank you for all your honest comments, GO SMALL, GO SIMPLE, GO NOW. Perfect

I love your reviews, you do a really good job of taking us to the yachts and see the little details others pass right over

This boat has been my favourite cruising cat for a while(even if we own a L450S...). Love the twin helms, the door and the speed. Also nice to see you guys so worked up:-)

This boat just makes sense. Best value for money for practical real world cruising

This is the most authentic review i have ever seen/heard.. And thank you so much Guys for being true and simple. For me, the best commentary review is Attitude.

galley down is just a way better use of space. bigger saloon and make use of a more 'wasted' space in hull . only if you cook 8 hours a day is it worth, but in reality nobody does.

Guys, thanks for another brilliant review! Go small, go simple, go now! I guess we have a winner... Love, Carlos

You do such a great job of explaining the trade-offs. Boats are all about compromise and trade-offs no one boat does it all. One of the hardest things is deciding what you wanted to do and what the important things are for you. Doing a great job of helping figure that all out.

I love this series of boat reviews and particularly like this one as a much more realistic boat in size and price. Love the ventilation and the open design and the clever folding doors!

Hi Terysa, I’ve been looking forward to this review since we talked at the Seawind Party in Annapolis. We share the same view as what you mentioned: Pro: enclosed helm position, large open saloon, super easy to sail as couple, large Bimini+Davit that can fit up to 1.2kW solar, interior access to both engines, sailing performance, indoor-outdoor space, ventilation Cons: storage, shroud obstructs the companionway, sketchy step up to main sail, lack of storage in guest cabin to put more than a carry-on, lack of storage in main cabin closet, lack of storage in saloon behind or under the settee (all taken up by electrical and battery), lack of storage in 2 smaller forward locker to put anything other than spare lines and fenders, lack of storage in the main forward locker if genset and water maker is installed (where will I put spinnaker and spare sail), lack of storage under cockpit seats (taken up by steering cable), lack of storage for food (small fridge and pantry),lack of storage for spare parts. Lack of outside storage is really our main concern. If Seawind can somehow utilize the space at the bow and add a hatch access (like outremer 45) so we can put some spare sail and a folding bike, I’ll feel a lot better. As other mentioned, we can probably convert the smaller aft guest cabin to a dedicated storage space. I Really looking forward to your sea trial impression, since Seawind does not publish the polar diagram. We did a sea trial in Annapolis with take-the-wheel class, but the skipper on that sea trial was more focused on getting his female friend tiller time than allowing paid guest opportunity to really push the boats performance (no code 0 on a 10 knot day). I suspect the boat can sail to under 40deg apparent wind.

This is one of my favorite boats you have reviewed...also I like when you get nerdy!

In for a penny, in for a pound... you can afford this boat if you want it, a leap of faith is what your future plans require if I understand you rightly. Best wishes whatever you decide to do and look forward to watching it unfold.

Most of your other boats are a dream. $1M + is no where what I can afford. This is practical. I like the layout, price, and speed. This is the most practical boat I have seen on your channel that is affordable and reasonable.

I like this boat, pretty amazed at the price also. I'm just a couple of hundred grand short of the asking price though ;)

How does a 35 minute video seem so short? I love how you guys had all the counter-arguments for the negatives on the tips of your tongues. You clearly like this boat. Could easily see you two choosing this exact model for your new adventures. And why not? Having to get a bit creative with your storage seems a 'no-brainer' for all the advantages. Besides, it's not like there is any other possible way to get all the things you liked about this boat without this exact trade-off. Use that rear guest berth as temp storage and drop off the grid.

I wonder how many people you have given the final push with your energy and passion, Watching you both for ages it is a way of being in your bubble for a few minutes and is very inspirational. Excellent!!

Wow !!! The more I watch your videos, and I've watched a ton, the more brilliant and clear thinkers you both seem to be. Keep those vids coming !! :-)

Loved this boat and the one piece concept. It makes me think they will hold their value in the future. Also, on top of the sturdiness Nick pointed out, I think it will make less noise.

Hope to welcome you to the Seawind family someday. We've had our 1160 Lite for 3 years now and love it more today than when we took delivery. The other thing that is worth mentioning is how great the factory support is after purchase.

I love the Go Simple, Go Small, Go now approach. Much like the Billy and Sierra in Tula's endless Summer. Love this video because its a boat that I could quite possibly afford. Of course I still have to convince my wife.....but then again maybe the Go Simple part would apply and I could just go now....please don;t tell her I said that. BTW YES I WOULD LOVE A COPY OF THOSE BOOK!!! Tight lines and fair winds my friends!!

Love the review! We're in saving mode for a lifestyle change and we really appreciate the inspiration we've gained from your videos so far. Looking forward to more great posts!! And that ventilation! Something we're definitely looking for...thank you so much!

I think this looks great! Like your review a lot better than the other sailing channel did on this boat.

I really like galley down on this boat. It looks perfect for the two of you.

After sailing a Jenneau for years and wasted days on end in repairs, I believe your review on the 1260 has truly opened my eyes to Aussie innovation. You have made me a believer. There is a Santa Claus!

I’ve been watching your videos for several years now, and I’ve been wanting (quite badly) to leave the rat race behind, and your videos keep that dream alive. Thank you for that. I have a family of 4, so naturally having a large space/catamaran would be very nice. Everyone can have their own space, but still plenty of room to have everyone together. But as the years tick on I’ve realised that my girls are growing up and I’ll see them move off into the world on their own, thus the need for something with ridiculous amounts of room won’t be needed shortly. After watching this review, the motto slapped me in the face. And it didn’t even bother with the wet kipper. Time for a rethink. Keep it up guys.

I've really being enjoying your cat reviews, thanks. I have to give you a hard time about two things. You liked the 1260 so much you forgot to properly criticize the nav. station. With the bigger living area, it would have been nice to have a bigger desk area, for navigation and a computer. Also, you never talk about interior ceiling heights. :)

Go Now! After watching dozens of your cat reviews this one is my fave!

Another great video folks! Thanks for your work. For me the go simple go small go now is a good mantra for avoiding the mistakes people make oh too often. Whilst you can navigate the world in a large boat the extra complications that come with it often hold people up. So many times I have people talking about wanting to sail the world and that they are prepping for it, but they are generally still around because you can never be fully ready, and sometimes you have to just go now, when enough is enough.

Hey guys, great to see more reviews. If the next year works out, we are looking seriously, cheers mate!

Thank you so much for doing this video. I love this boat! I'm really interested to see what you say after a test sail.

I would love the books. Also, glad you like the same cat I do. I think it is a fantastic boat! The wife of my catamaran sailing instructor loves the galley down on their Seawind 1160

This was my favorite review by you two! Great job. I would love to get the Pardy books and add them to my library.

I don't know why, but long before i knew that you would like this cat. And for what you're telling us about your needs in an ocean passage, this very boat fills almost all your requirements, and you can buy it brand new. I assumed that all this stuff that i thought just recently, you've did it long before.... But well, if i have the opportunity to tell you something, i would said to you two, go ahead and buy this boat.

This review was perfect.. makes me want to drop it all and go now!

So far, this is my favorite boat of the series (and I'm loving the whole series). Thank you very much for putting this together, it's an incredibly useful tool when looking into what boats I should look into as potential homes for traveling the world. I hope you consider me as a contender for the books. Lin is an inspiration! :)

thank you for spending your time in reviewing all these boats. its nice to see a boat reviewed by sailors from a sailors point of view. love your channel and all your adventures. i really enjoyed the french canal series of videos.

I LOVE THIS BOAT. This might be my favorite catamaran (in the realistically priced category). The quality/performance/price is outstanding! Not loving the Kitchen down but with only a 40ft boat you have to expect some compromise and its not the end of the world since I prefer grilling on deck anyway. With that hide away door system its like a living room lanai like they have in Florida/Hawaii homes. When it comes time for me to get my retirement boat, if I don't have a spare extra million to throw at an Exquisite, this is absolutely a contender.

Hi again guys.Great review. I sailed one of these last year in Sydney. Great boat for the money and all your points are accurate about how well it is thought out and considered in nearly all aspects, and I can confirm it is nearly a wind speed boat and really sails well. We had 9-11knts with 12-13 on the beam. However there is one absolute deal breaker for me if I was purchasing. The forward view for a skipper from the helms is just not good enough. A bit of rain/sea on the forward salon windows combined with the large/wide beams/window frames and its a nightmare, especially in busy marinas or waterways. Trip hazard of a raised helm or a crash - choose your risk........Fair winds.

Tough one. I agree, as a sailor, that this is an interesting boat. I see how this would catch the eye of a monohull sailor, hard to articulate why, great "package" - but it is so light and seems to be lacking storage space. This is maybe for a reason, so you don't overload it and make just another "multihull minivan pig" out of it...maybe dedicate the single berth to storage/workshop?

Another fantastic job guys! Until your review, we wouldn't have even seriously considered the Seawind for full tune sailing. But with all the clever innovations and stellar price range, it has to be a real contender. Well done!⛵️

ok. I've watched this episode a few times and I have to say one thing... Nick's restraint from talking for almost 5 minutes (17:34) is MOST IMPRESSIVE!!! You should be crowned "Male Partner of the Year". That is incredible for someone that loves to state his opinion.

Such an amazing boat, I’m surprised some of the scores weren’t higher!

Finally a cat that is well thought out and simple. Excellent review.

I really like the way your reviews are broken down and compartmentalized . As a person with a dream of eventually casting off and seeing the world slowly and in depth, I would love the books.

This is my dream boat. Saw it in Annapolis and fell in love. Lin Pardy’s book would be a nice addition to my current boat library.

Looks as though you have chosen you boat, good choice.

Regardless of the specs, I know from experience that when it's the right boat you feel it the moment you step onboard. I think you guys felt it. This boat seems to tick your boxes, suits your lifestyle, and you love it. So question: Would you go new or look for a 2 or 3 year old 1260? Keith from Zatara recently talked about new boat problems and how buying a reasonably new pre owned boat let's someone else deal with the crap. Thoughts?

Great review once again. The best reviews on the internet.

You have to think outside the box towards storage. I would suggest that that small aft berth be converted into a garage/ pantry! It solves the problem with out destroying the integrity of the boat. As for the books, I'd love either copy since I do not own either in my library of seamanship books. Great shows and keep safe. Patrick

This is a stunning boat.... I would put money on you guys doing a deal to build the perfect Seawind Ruby Rose II .... :D

Love this cat and maybe its because us Aussies have extreme weather that they have designed max ventilation? Also like that it has been designed by sailors so you can feel confident that it will all work they way you want it. André

Ahoy Nick and Terysa- I just bought my first sailboat! (35 ft. monohull). Thank you for sharing your sailing journey. I'm Inspired! Why I love your videos: detailed, well presented topics, Nick's zany British humor and nerdiness, and all 'round good quality.

I had a dream I was sailing just like all the videos and it was a w e s o m e. . . Then I woke up...the rest of the day was so meaningless, I wanted to go back to bed too dream I was sailing again...true story....please keep the videos coming,it's a form of freedom watching these videos it really is...Thank you

Thank you for this review it was well done, just a point on the space situation, if your looking for more space you could always turn the aft guest cabin into a pantry come spare parts/ workshop area as it is really not a useful guest cabin anyway, also you forgot to mention that the salon table will compress down to become a day bed or for a watch bed, otherwise excellent review, personally I love these boats

Nearly a perfect cat for a perfect budget! Why to look for extra sugar when this one is soooo sweet? This is how a cat looks when sailors design and build them! Congratulation for yours impartiality !

Hey Guys. Thanks for an excellent series! I'm new to the concept of sailing and have avidly followed your reviews and vlogs. I have learned SO much!

Having followed your journey, I have to say that I saw "that look" in both of you, even before the dialogue began. I'm guessing this is the boat that you can/will customize to your style. Thanks for the giveaway offer.

Would love to see what you thought of the Aventura 34

This boat is pure genius, I too think ventilation is the biggest key to a great live aboard. Honestly I think I have just found my retirement home... thanks

You summed it up wonderfully when you said "it is physics"! If you don't want a condo-maran and would like performance you have to make trade-offs. The low windage of the coach roof, the self tacking jib, helms all on one level, and so much more. This is a boat designed by sailors for cruising. i would have given it one more point for "value for money" One small comment for your reviews: when we cruised I found that my dinghy was our minivan. It was our provisioning boat, our scuba boat, our laundry & provisioning boat... I would like to know which boats have given the most thought to the davit system, securing the dinghy, perhaps removing the engine (with a place for it on the rails) for passages, etc. You can't cruise without a good dinghy -something that almost all monohull builders seem to ignore! (T - I would have sworn you were taller that 5'2"!) ~Peter (just over 6'7")

Love this cat...Beautiful and great use of space even with the modular features 👍 this is a great example of minimalist lifestyle...the more things that can be useful in more ways than one is excellent..the cost leaves it open for more people to enjoy and I LOVE the hard top and glass windows in the cockpit..huge. We will consider this when ready for cat. Thank you for all the info..keep up the great work.💝 we appreciate all of the time and effort put into these vids.

Interesting your reaction compared to Craig and Janice from Cruising Off Duty who did not seem to consider it very seriously for their eventual cruising cat. It appeared to me that you guys both had THAT glint in your eyes about this one. I think sailors pick boats with their hearts as much as anything. This looked like it FELT good to you both. And full of clever touches that will continue to endear it to you as you live with it. It also seems to me that if one is buying a cruising cat, it ought to sail pretty well. Some of the condocats are barely faster than a comparable mono. The Seawinds in general seem to really focus on building boats that sail well. One of the big winning features is the athwart ships berth with easy access from both sides. I can't imagine crawling over my partner in the middle of the night on a live aboard! So many of these have side entry only, which would be a deal killer for me. You've been looking a long time. You will KNOW when you've found the right one! (And I think you know.) 😊

i cant believe im going to be wrong on the account of a few shelves and cabinets! cant they bespoke something?! feels bad losing like this. seawind to the win!!

Love your catamaran series. I did not consider this one, but the innovations you kept bringing up have piqued my interest!

We walked on the 1160 at the Sydney boat show a few years back and that was the turning point for me on this crazy sailing dream because I’d never been on a proper sailboat to realise that it didn’t have to be a vacation, it could be a lifestyle. Back then I knew approximately zero about sailing but the Seawind dealer still took the time to explain everything to us and treated us like serious buyers (despite the fact that we were dressed substantially less rich than most of the other boat show attendees and did not have the money to buy then). It is likely because of that care (and the fact that even as a non-sailor I still found myself saying “that’s clever” and “that makes so much sense”) that Seawind will be the brand of the boat we purchase in two years once we’ve saved enough. Two years and a lot of learning later and I still agree with newbie me - Seawind is a brand I trust to make a boat that will take us safely around the world. Also shout out to the Seawind dealers who are great people who love their boats and care about their customers - seriously no other brand really gave us the time of day in our middle class attire. All that being said I’d love to see how you guys manage the slightly less storage in the Pacific if you go for this boat - it does seem manageable from people’s comment suggestions but without actually trying it you’ve got no way of knowing I guess.