Boat Timeshare or Smart Equity Share?

With one reef in the main, we are darting across Sydney Harbour on a blustery spring day at a credible 11 knots.

In 20 knots of breeze on Sydney Harbour, our test Seawind 1000XL performed admirably, enforcing their already well established reputation as capable vessels in any blow.

The Seawind 1000XL, with its twin helm, hardtop and wrap around saloon windows, is an ideal cruising boat.

The 1000XL gains much of its popularity from its easy sailing ability.

Equipped with spade rudders, a sturdy keel, self-tacking jib and of course an easily operated battened main mounted on car tracks and the twin helm, this cat can comfortably be sailed short-handed.

Another feature adopted for the Seawind 1000XL is the self-tacking jib, which for social sailing is more important to a relaxed outing than a fridge full of beer.

Non-sailors (or reluctant sailors) love the self-tacker as it takes all the pain out of sailing.

To tack the boat you spin the wheel and everything else is taken care of. Guests are oblivious.

I am reminded again that the self-tacker brings a sailing boat close to the powerboat ideal - once the craft is underway one person can perform the whole operation, and that is how many families like it.

These are family boats...

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty.

What do you get for your money?

The most outstanding feature in my book is the saloon door set-up, which has enabled Seawind to combine the 1000's inside-out feeling with the 1200's ability to close the saloon off with solid doors.

The tri-folding doors can have one or two sections folded back and when not required swing up and lock under the solid cockpit roof.

A great innovation.

Space, glorious space is a big part of the package and there is a wide expanse of gelcoat and umpteen positions seating-wise from which to choose.

The latter range from the voluminous foredeck and trampolines to twin double seats aft.

Richard Ward was suffering from a classic boat builder's dilemma.

The Seawind Catamarans boss wanted to build a bigger brother to the Seawind 1000, but considering the 1000 was going to be a hard act to follow.

The 1160's main claim to fame is the multi-panel door system, which folds to a single panel, hinged at the top.

Its lower edge is winched up to roof level where it is secured by both its attached line and a metal bracket that swings down to lock the structure in place.

The Seawind 1160's other big feature is the self-tacking jib, which can be winched from either side.

The self-tacker system makes this Seawind stupendously easy to handle...