Introducing “Seas the Bay”, born in 1981 as a passion project of the famous and prolific designer Bill Hardin at Hardin International Co., Ltd. She is reportedly one of only eight Hardin Europa-style trawlers, and the only known twin-screw among them.
The vessel’s heavy solid fiberglass hull, high freeboard, tall gunwales, protective keel, generously wide decks, and twin screws, allow safe cruising in all navigable conditions and docking with confidence. With an air draft of only 16’ 6”, she can slide under bridges that delay, or even turn away, other otherwise similar vessels. As a 42’ trawler with a beam of 14’ 1” and a draft of only 3’ 6”, “Seas the Bay” is perfect for navigating the shallow coastal waters of Florida and the Bahamas, as well as popular river systems, and she fits right into commonly available slips. Her generous, solid fiberglass water and fuel tanks, and modern plastic blackwater tank, and great fuel economy enable comfortable, worry-free, and convenient long-range cruising. And her Lofrans Tigres windless and Rocna Vulcan 55lbs anchor make sleeping at night and leaving in the morning just as easy. The fully equipped lower helm, in addition to the usual flybridge helm, provides for comfortable all-weather cruising.
The classic but truly unique lines of the vessel, and her striking Burmese teak trim, immediately grab attention at any new port of call. Her timeless Mahogany interior shows beautifully and has been thoughtfully updated into what can only be described as a modern classic.
Large windows and sliding glass doors surround all sides of the salon and galley, while two hatches open up the ceiling, providing for an open and airy feel, while her covered decks keep the inside cool, dry, and protected. Even stepping down and forward into the twin-cabin sleeping space and full head with large stall shower is surprisingly bright and welcoming thanks to her forward 4 portlights and 3 hatches.
Thanks to her low-deck, high-freeboard design, the truly spacious flybridge with generous seating and a modern, well-equipped helm is an easy few steps up. The bimini is adorned with 420W of solar panels regulated by a modern MPPT controller keeping the modern, efficient, and reliable 6kw Kohler 6EOD generator quiet for longer at anchor (or during pesky marina power outages).
The navigation electronics were most recently updated only two years ago, offering all of the modern conveniences with all of the reliability of “new, but broken in.”
The reliability and serviceability of her twin Perkins 6.354(M) engines and Borg Warner CR2 gears is legendary. And her modern Kohler 6EOD generator is robust and also powered by a Perkins engine, a 3-cylinder 403C-07.
In part, thanks to taking on some water at the slip in 2014, reportedly due to a corroded weld on a muffler, all of the vessel’s electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems, have been replaced or rebuilt since then. In some cases, e.g. navigation electronics and radios, they’ve been upgraded again, even more recently. Documentation available to seriously interested parties upon request.
This vessel shows the pride of ownership that can only result from a long chain of owners who care. Her five owners since new have owned he boat for an average of more than 8 years each. The most recent four owners know each other, and chat occasionally! Join the club!
