PRESS….PRESS RELEASE….PRESS RELEASE….PRESS
New Seaward 39 motor cruiser highlights a local success story
Dateline 15th September 2017 – Southampton Boat Show.
Paralympic Gold Medallist Helena Lucas MBE highlighted a local success story at the Southampton Boat Show today when she presented the all-new Seaward 39 motor cruiser to press and public.
These Seaward Nelson-type boats, which have a reputation for being the best all-weather boats in the world, are designed and built by a committed team on the Isle of Wight, and Helena’s husband Stephen Thomas happens to be the Managing Director.
The Boat Development Co Ltd, builders of the Seaward range, has been in Cowes for almost 5 years now, and as a specialist British manufacturer has brought much needed employment to the area.
Employing 20 staff at its yard in Prospect Road, Cowes, the Company produces a range of specialised commercial and pleasure boats under the Seaward brand. These are shipped worldwide to discerning users who want to have the ultimate sea boat built in a rugged and refined way.
Recent deliveries have been to The Channel Islands, Italy and Spain where the unique sea-keeping and quality build of these boats are well recognised.
These Seaward boats range from 19 to 46ft, and commercial versions are used by Harbour authorities and pilots across the world. This new Seaward 39 is the first in its class of private motor cruisers, and highlights the quality of workmanship available on the Isle of Wight.
“This new Seaward 39 is the latest product in a massive development programme to heighten quality, comfort and ride right across the range.” Says Mike Burnham, Director of the firm. “Among the innovations to reduce noise and vibration are special isolation for the engines, extensive noise absorbent materials incorporated in the layup of the hull and deck, and a wheelhouse that ‘floats’ on an isolation membrane separating it from the hull and machinery. “We have also made considerable improvements to the interior furnishings by bringing these craftsmanship skills in-house. All electrical installations are now carried out by the in-house team as well. In reality, our boats are now built like small superyachts.” Burnham adds.
Owner David Harland is just as enthusiastic. “This is my 5th Seaward and I’m delighted with her. She is exceptionally quiet – so much so that some of my crew didn’t even realise that the engines were running when we were about to cast off – very spacious, lovely joinery and remarkably smooth in a seaway. Recently after our visit to The Nelson Boat Owner’s Rally, we planned to return to Guernsey on the Tuesday, however it was clear from the forecast that the weather was set to deteriorate so we cut and ran on the Monday afternoon. We experienced a typical Solent chop with the wind against tide and a big breaking swell, as we crossed the Channel. The winds were gusting strong F5 but the boat handled without complaint and maintained a cruising speed of 18 knots, with ease.”
The layout accommodates four in the owner’s suite and mid-section guest cabin. She also has a large well-equipped galley amidships and spacious wheelhouse that doubles as a day saloon and dining room offering panoramic views.
The aft cockpit, which is easily accessed from the wheelhouse and side decks, also has a large table for al-fresco dining, together with a stern platform, which is moulded into the hull to provide a safe and stable boarding point from a dinghy and for swimming from.
Paralympic Gold Medalist Presents the new Seaward 39 from the Isle of Wight.
|
Length Overall |
12.81m inc. platform |
|
Beam Mtrs |
3.96m |
|
Draft Mtrs. |
1.22m |
|
Air Draft Mtrs. (excl. Mast) |
2.9m |
|
Displacement (full load) |
15 tonnes |
|
Cruising Speed (largest engines) |
18-22kts |
|
Top Speed (largest engines) |
26kts |
|
Fuel tanks (litres) |
2000 L |
|
Water Tanks |
463 L |
|
Range (Normal cruising speed) |
400nM |
|
Design Category |
A |
For further information about Seaward Boats contact:
Mike Burnham or Stephen Thomas
The Boat Development Co Ltd
1, Prospect Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AD UK
Tel: +44 (0)1983 280333 Mobile: +44 (0)7733 474847
web: www.seawardboat.com E.mail: admin@seawardboat.com