Advice on a little talked about classic

[ericmower]

I am currently looking seriously at a seawind 30. Personal surveys have gone great, and a professional survey by an accredited marine surveyor is next. The diesel is the only thing I have not had a chance to look at properly. (I understand that the auxillary power is a huge part of the boat $$$) I understand that these were the first plastic boats to circumnavigate, but as other posts have stated, it is not whether or not a boat can do it but what level of safety the boat itself offers in inclimate weather. (most safety admittedly comes with an experienced helmsman and crew.) I was wondering with its somewhat shallow draft (4ft and some change) how well it can be expected to heave to. Also, can anyone speak to known weaknesses of these predecessors of the more easily found Seawind IIs. This is a rare sloop rig instead of ketch, so no mizzen cluttering up a small cockpit. (That seemed a weakness or at least inconvenience to me when looking at both rigs)

The main things I believe that may need to be changed in the boat are an icebox instead of refrigeration and dropping some unnecessary electronics that all boats still in operation today always have.

There is not a lot easily found on the 30s as most searches end with results about seawind II. Any info, ideas or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[bubb2]

they were build by allied great full keeled boats. here is a link.
Allied Seawind II Home Page

[ericmower]

Thanks for your help, but I am asking for input on the Seawind IIs predecessor, the Seawind 30. Thomas Gilmore desinged the 30 first and then improved it in the Seawind II (from what info I can gather). I am falling for this boat and want to snap out of it if something better is out there for my price range (read CHEAP to 20k). The deck suffers no delamination that I can find and no ports SEEM to be leaking. I believe that one of the cockpit drains has a leak in its piping but the yard where it is floating is looking into that as well. It seems to be pretty fair so far... Only a professional surveyor and a haul out (and some negotiating with the final price) remain. HELP ME, if you can that is... Maybe this is finally the one though....

[johnshasteen]

Here's a Good Old Boat article on Gilmore and the Seawind 30 - sounds like a good bluewater boat.
http://www.alliedseawindii.org/gillmer/Gillmer.html

[bubb2]

Originally Posted by ericmower

Thanks for your help, but I am asking for input on the Seawind IIs predecessor, the Seawind 30. Thomas Gilmore desinged the 30 first and then improved it in the Seawind II (from what info I can gather). I am falling for this boat and want to snap out of it if something better is out there for my price range (read CHEAP to 20k). The deck suffers no delamination that I can find and no ports SEEM to be leaking. I believe that one of the cockpit drains has a leak in its piping but the yard where it is floating is looking into that as well. It seems to be pretty fair so far... Only a professional surveyor and a haul out (and some negotiating with the final price) remain. HELP ME, if you can that is... Maybe this is finally the one though....

I know i sent you to a Seawind II web site. I work with an a Alleid 35 owner. These owners are like Cubs fans. They know the boat they got and the whole history of how it got there. try them out!

[ericmower]

thanks. i should have taken the time to look at the link and get what you were intending. I just figured it was another brick wall. Thanks again man

[sailingdog]

On a boat this age, it would probably be worth getting separate diesel and rigging surveys. IIRC, it should heave to fairly well, being a full-keel design.

[bubb2]

Allied's are built like tanks. if you are looking for a racer then this is not the boat for you. But if you are looking for a blue water boat they are one to consider. I personally have great respect for the boats. again I know a owner who did the Newport to Bermuda race and brought her back and got caught in a nor easter every body is still here the boat and and my buddy.

[camaraderie]

Our resident expert Jeff_H had nice things to day a couple of years back:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying...html#post51138