Seaward 24 questions

[AuntB]

I am looking at a 1985 Seaward 24.4 with a swing keel. She is clean, in good shape, and a fair price. No engine, she has a bracket for an outboard. She seems to be a good solid well designed boat. Of course, I would get a survey before purchase.

Normal use would be the Chesapeake Bay. Most of our use will be day sailing with some longer trips. For more adventure, we may go around the DelMarVa or down the IWC to the Florida Keys. We have a family of three and I often sail alone or with one crew. I want a safe, simple, honest, comfortable, reliable boat with good performance that is easy to single hand.

My questions are the usual: How would the Seaward preform in the Bay and on the longer trips we would like to take? How is her build quality? What experiences have others had with this model?

Thanks

[AuntB]

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about the Seaward 24?

[MarkCK]

Since no one is chiming in I will contribute what little I know. Seaward is a reputable mass production builder. There boats are meant to be near coastal cruisers. They are well built but not meant to be taken offshore. I think they put most of there emphasis on comfort instead of speed. Although I have never heard that they are a "slow" boat.