- No doubt she will prove just as formidable as her previous siblings.
- … in keeping with the bespoke nature of this yard, there is a wide range of customisation available.
Seaward 27
Greg Copp looks at the latest, traditionally built, go-anywhere offering from the Seaward stable …
The Boat Development Co. Ltd, better known as Seaward boats, based at Cowes, has just commenced production of the first Seaward 27. Her pedigree comes from the well-proven Seaward 25, and boasts a larger wheelhouse and longer hull, with in-built bathing platform. Designed for the discerning and serious motor yachtsman and ex-sailor alike, she shares the tough all-weather capability and handling of the other Seaward models. Like the Seaward 25, this will be a boat that punches way above its weight, capable of easily stretching its cruising legs across the channel and beyond.
Fitted with twin Yanmar 4JH 110hp common-rail inboard diesel engines, with V-drive gearboxes and shaft drives, she has a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of just over 20 knots. These engines are installed independently of each other, with separate fuel tanks and independent wiring harnesses, for twin-system reassurance – important in any long-legged cruiser. The Seaward 27 has a deep three-quarter-length keel and twin rudders, along with the ability to turn in her own length, making it easy to negotiate the most difficult berth,. This set-up also gives her plenty of purchase on the water in rough weather. The extended wheelhouse has good all-round visibility, and is long enough to accommodate an optional pilot berth. There is also the option of Seaward’s innovative and comfortable sit/stand helm position should you want it – a wise choice for rough-weather passages. The steering, engine controls and main instruments are all mounted in an ergonomic console, and a chart table/stowage locker is fitted to starboard with the option, depending on the layout, of a hanging locker beneath.
The forward cabin has a V berth with a table that acts as an infill to convert this to a large double berth when needed. The table can also be used in the cockpit. Below, there is a fully enclosed heads to port, and if you choose the ‘galley down’ arrangement, the galley is fitted to starboard. It comes with an Avonite worktop, the option of a ceramic diesel-fired hob instead of gas, a stainless steel sink and a 240V microwave cooker as standard. There is also a layout option where the galley is fitted in the wheelhouse, which, unless you need extra berthing up top, would be a better choice. It not only provides badly needed additional room below, but the extra space available for it up top allows for a bigger galley. The cockpit is fully self-draining with easy access to the engines through hinged cockpit seats, and there is a neat transom gate, allowing easy access to the aft bathing/boarding platform. There are three layout variations as shown, but in keeping with the bespoke nature of this yard, there is a wide range of customisation available.
The first Seaward 27 E18 motor cruiser will make her debut in September. No doubt she will prove just as formidable as her previous siblings. Anyone wanting a traditionally built, go-anywhere motor cruiser tailored to suit their exact requirements should contact The Boat Development Co. Ltd for further information.
Specifications
- LOA: 8.32m
- Beam: 2.69m
- Draught: 0.80m
- Engines: 2 x Yanmar 4JH 110hp diesel engines
- Gearboxes: V drives
- Displacement: 3050kg (dry)
- Fuel capacity: 300 litres (66gal)
- Max. speed: 20 knots
- RCD category: B