Seaward 29, ENDEAVOUR

Broker’s Comments

ENDEAVOUR is a very clean and evidently carefully maintained 2014-build example of the wonderful Seaward 29. Resting on a true Nelson semi-displacement hull drawn by the wizard Arthur Mursell of TT Boat Designs, she handles weather with aplomb, in conditions that would see similarly sized craft held in port, making her an exceptionally reliable passage-maker – especially when the water gets rough. The model was originally launched by Seaward in 1989, which speaks volumes for how capable and trusted this design has proven to be. While the boat has been upgraded in terms of machinery and interior fit-out, the unbeatable cockpit, wheelhouse, heads, and berth concept remains unchanged.

And the Cowes-based Seaward boatbuilders pack a huge amount into her nine and a half metres of hull. She sports two long facing sofas in her wheelhouse (the port seat-back hinges up into a useful pullman bunk as required), with a pair of the wonderful sprung KAB suspension seats for helm and navigator. These seats suck up all the work that the hull is putting in – and ensure that her crew remain unshaken and unstirred after a good long day on the water, and having spent many hours out on the water on these vessels, we can happily confirm that her slender hull is beautifully soft through the water to begin with.

The wheelhouse windows ensure superior all-round visibility – with sliding panes for ease of ventilation, and the aft cockpit doors are usefully split as per a stable door – so movement in and out is super-easy. Everything is solid, well thought-out and has lasted very well – testament to the rugged and well-crafted initial build, and quality of construction materials. Her navigational kit is very clear and easy to read – with a second stand-alone plotter for redundancy – and the helm station is uncluttered, well labelled and business-like.

Moving forward, a couple of steps lead past a hanging locker, and down to the galley area, which is smartly located aft of the double berth. This is a well tried and tested format, and proves easy to use and large enough, whilst not wasting valuable space. The large central double berth can be split into a vee, or infilled, and the heads/shower has direct access from the cabin, with excellent access to all essential electronics, good ventilation and easily maintained and cleaned linings.

The protected aft cockpit, is cleverly moulded to make boarding a breeze, and moving around her wide, safe decks is simple and safe, thanks to grippy non-slip deck paint and high, solid guardrails leading forward. There are plenty of grab holds where needed, ensuring one feels secure heading forward or aft, and a neat set of dinghy davits are fitted at her bathing platform to carry your escape vehicle.

With plenty of service history for her twin Yanmar 240s (a peppy, well-regarded engine choice) she is no slouch, but allows trouble-free access for daily checks, and amazing access for any servicing. This Seaward 29 is, therefore, a superb coastal cruiser, designed and built to be enjoyable to drive, even when the going gets a little rough.

These pocket cruisers are remarkably safe, practical, seasure and easy to handle. Please do feel free to call us for any further information, and we would look forward to showing you over her at your leisure.

Owner’s Comments

We purchased ENDEAVOUR when living in Bath and would spend most of the week on her sailing in and around the Solent and along the South Coast. We enjoyed our time so much that we decided to retire and move to Lymington permanently.

We found ENDEAVOUR easy to dock and she has always made us feel safe whenever the weather turns rough. With her bow down she will cut through the waves without any difficulty.

We are sad to sell her because to us she is a very special boat but we are now of an age when we have other interests and would like someone else to enjoy her.

Manufacturer’s Comments

The Seaward 29 is a powerful twin engine, four berth, offshore motor cruiser from the Seaward design stable. With its round bilge semi-displacement hull and weighing in at over 6 tons this is a craft designed to provide a high standard of sea keeping, handling and comfort for the cross-channel and cruising owner. The predictable and precise manoeuvrability achieved with the 3/4 length keel, contra-rotating propellers, and large twin foil section rudders, make this a very user-friendly craft when it comes to mooring up.

Press Comments

“It is easy to see why these boats have such a devoted following. They isolate you from some of the less popular aspects of boating and, being built to handle a force 8 and 4m seas, they simply create confidence. Being an old-school semi-displacement design, based on a proven concept that cuts through rough weather.” Powerboat & RIB.