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August 29th, 2004
Visit to Miami for the purpose of evaluating a stretch option
to the Seawind 1000 offered by a member of the MASF
Ever since I heard of the possibility that there are ways to
extend the waterline of the SW1000, I was very curious about how it feel, look
and perform. Sure you can look at pictures and specifications. But
this is just not the same as trying something out.
So, end of August, I was able to arrange to visit Tom in
Miami, who was kind enough to show me one of those modifications. I also like to
thank the Owner of SW#066, Don Quixote, Rear
Admiral Walter Steinhardt to allow Tom this generous use of his boat.
Tom picked me up from the Hotel and we arrived in a real
pleasant warm weather at the boat location in Coral Gables, FL. The distance to
a large body of water, Biscayne Bay, was just a few hundred yards away. This
body of water is between 7-12 ft deep and protected by underwater coral and
sandbanks from the Gulf. Wind was around 7-10 knots. Don Quixote's
instrument was blown out due to a recent lightning strike and no real wind
measurements were at hand. Wave action was so little, that you needed a
magnifying glass. After some tacking in the bay we decided to leave the bay and
sail to the deeper areas of the gulf stream.
  This
particular Seawind had modified and stiffer sails from Calvert, and a screetcher
on a custom bow sprit.
Even in light wind we achieved 7 knots SOG, currents were
minimal. Several powerboats zipping by and created some wave action during
which I was able to experience the differences that a longer hull was affording
us. The disruption of the wind flow was reduced due to less rocking motion and any rocking motion appeared to be much less annoying, but still noticeable.
 One of the more noticeable effects were the lack of water
rushing into the stern wave. There was hardly any disruption at the water exit
which will eliminate drag created by the submerged stern. Usually at about 5+
knots the rushing of water due to this disturbance can be heard. At 7 knots I
was still waiting for the sound of the rushing water. Following now is a series
of shots under motion from different angles. You can tell which ones were taken
while motoring and which ones under sail. Also noticeable that the leeward
stern is more submerged.
        
 At 3pm we decided to turn back since we could not find any
more agitated water. A storm was building up over Miami and we were worried
about getting soaked. The storm seemed to affect the land locked features
only with us still enjoying a warm and sunny sail. As we got closer to
shore, the winds were picking and whitecaps were found around us. Sailing speed
increased to over 8 knots. We had to turn on the engines at this point
because the wind was shifting such that it would have taken us too much time to
return before the rain. As we returned to the dock the clouds opened up and the
boat got the boat wash that we would have done by hand otherwise. Fifteen
minutes later the water was turned off and the boat was clean.
Worth mentioning as well are a few modifications on this hull.
  The
self tacking jib arrangement that Tom installed is much easier to work with then
the one I have installed on my boat. It does not use sheets to move the
traveler and uses tension in the jib sheet only to handle position. Now mind the
fact that some boats have a windlass mounted in front of the mast.
 The
main sheet block arrangement has been modified to use a single high tensile
strength sheet to attach from the boom to the block thusly eliminating a lot of
line and weight that otherwise has be slung around the blocks and handled with.
It is worth measuring exactly how much line is needed and trimming the excess.
Having all the loops around the block eliminated, a much better view astern
opens up.
 Tom also
installed in the motors a fresh water flushing pipe connected to the internal
water system. Also some people claimed that it was not needed, flushing a motor
that is not used too often and stored in a tilted fashion will prolong service
life.
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