However, Seaward's inaugural attempt needs re-examining. Most importantly, the boat is inordinately wet, even in moderate conditions. Unless you have been scuba diving recently, you are unlikely to comprehend just how wet. Fortunately there is a simple solution. We recently tested the Hinkley Picnic boat (MBY September 1997), which uses an open-backed hardtop (wheelhouse) to great effect, and Seaward could similarly employ their standard wheelhouse, as they have done in the past. It would immediately solve the problem of inadequate visibility, allow improved sidedeck handholds, and also provide a permanent place to shelter from the sun and rain. Of course, the alternative would be to enlarge the fixed front screens, install windscreen wipers, and fit a smaller folding canopy, but we feel that the fixed wheelhouse version would be considerably more effective.

Other considerations centre around detail and quality variations. Some details are inexcusable at any price - for instance, the lack of drains in many areas. Others depend largely on your expectations of quality and specification in relation to cost. With the 100hp engines and teak decks, the Seaward costs just over £75,000 inc VAT. If you find the exposed edges of the glassfibre mouldings in the heads an acceptable sight, and you don't expect a log, echo-sounder or spring cleats, then the Seaward will not disappoint. However, although the 30-knot, £78,000 Fairline Targa 29, for example, is unlikely to be on the same shopping list as the 22-knot Seaward 25, it is probable that this, or something similar, will be used as a reference point for expectations of quality and value for money.

We believe that the concept is likely to have broad appeal, and the detail and quality variations could be easily addressed. Despite our reservations, we think that Seaward have a potential winner on their hands.

DIMENSIONS
Length overall	27ft 1in	8.26m
Hull length	25ft 5in	7.75m<
Beam	8ft 10in	2.69m
Draught	2ft 5in	0.74m
Air draught ex mast (estimated)	6ft 3in	1.91m
Air draught inc mast (estimated)	9ft 10in	3.00m
Displacement	3.2 tons (light)
Fuel capacity	64 imp gal	291 litres
Water capacity	20 imp gal	91 litres

Engines

Twin Yanmar 4JH2-UT(B)E 100.6hp@3,600rpm 4 cylinder 1.82 litre turbo diesels Four-bladed propellers 17in diameter 5 18in pitch (430mm 5 460mm)

RPM	Speed	Trim	GPH	MPG	Range
700	3.6	0.0°	n/a	n/a	n/a
1,500	7.2	0.50°	1.08	6.67	341
2,000	8.8	2.5°	2.53	3.48	178
2,500	10.8	4.0°	4.51	2.39	123
3,000	15.3	5.0°	6.25	2.45	125
3,300	18.2	6.0°	7.63	2.39	122
3,600	22.2	6.0°	9.08	2.44	125

Range figures allow for 20% reserve, 70% fuel, 70% water, 2 crew.
Sea state: 18in (460mm) chop.
Wind strength: Force 2-3

Performance
Maximum Speed	22.2 knots
Maximum Range	125 miles at 3,600rpm
Cruising Speed	18 knots
Cruising Range	122 miles at 3,300rpm

Price from	£58,187 ex VAT
Price as tested	£68,388 ex VAT

BUILDER/SUPPLIER: Seaward Marine
Hure Mare Industrial Estate,
Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5UB, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1481 45353.
Fax: +44 (0)1481 48767.