New all-weather Seaward 27 E18 Motor Cruiser
by Mike Burnham 24 Jan 2018 07:06 UTC
Pilothouse detail showing steering position, chart table and entry to the forward cabin © Barry Pickthall / PPL
The Boat Development Co Ltd, builders of Seaward boats based at Cowes, has commenced production of the first all-weather Seaward 27 E18 motor cruiser. Her pedigree has evolved from the well-proven Seaward 25 and boasts a larger wheelhouse and longer hull with in-built transom platform.
Designed and built for the discerning motorboat user and ex-sailor alike, she shares the impeccable all-weather capability and handling of the other Seaward models. With a cruising speed of 18 knots, this is the boat to run across to the Channel Islands for dinner, knowing that you will be safely back home the following day - even if the weather changes!
Fitted with twin Yanmar 4JH 110hp common rail inboard diesel engines with V drive gearboxes and shaft drives, they are installed completely independently of each other with individual fuel tanks and electrical systems to ensure reliability.
The Seaward 27's deep 3/4 length keel, twin rudders and contra-rotating propellers make it easy to negotiate the most difficult berth. This amazing manoeuvrability, which allows the Seaward 27 to rotate in her own length, is not just the result of having two engines, but a combination of many other factors that are unique to a craft of this size and type.
The extended wheelhouse has all round vision, the option of Seaward's innovative and comfortable sit/stand steering position, and is long enough to accommodate a pilot berth. 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 in some layouts of a hanging locker beneath.
The forward cabin has two V berths with a fixed table that acts as an infill to covert this to a large double berth when desired. The table can also be used in the cockpit. There is a fully enclosed heads to port and galley to starboard fitted with an Avonite worktop, the option of a neat ceramic diesel-fired hob instead of gas, a stainless steel sink and 240v microwave cooker as standard. There is also a layout option where the galley is fitted in the wheelhouse.
The cockpit is fully self-draining with easy access to the engines through hinged cockpit seats and a neat transom gate allowing easy access to the aft bathing/boarding platform.
The first Seaward 27 E18 motor cruiser will make her debut in September. Then the differences between the Seaward and its proven performance in any conditions, and that of other vessels that look similar will become apparent. 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.
Seaward 27 E18 Motor cruiser specifications:
- LOA - 8.32m
- Beam - 2.69m
- Draught - 0.80m
- Engines - 2 x Yanmar 4JH 110hp diesel engines
- Gearboxes - V-drives
- Displacement - 3050kg
- Fuel Capacity - 300 litres
- Max Speed - 20 knots
- RCD Category - B