The Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 vs Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 at 38,0 ft versus Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 at 41,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 tips the scales at 18 077 lbs — 3 777 lbs less than the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 at 14 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 20 hp for the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 and 29 hp for the Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 carries 126 gallons versus 71 gallons in the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 displaces 18 077 lbs — a 3 777-lb difference over the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 at 14 300 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,6 ft and 3,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 carries a 29-hp engine against 20 hp on the Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Seawind Catamarans 1260 2019 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 18 077 lbs displacement and 41 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Seawind Catamarans 1160 Lite Lite 2005 at 14 300 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.