I was just in Banda Sea in early October. Conditions were quite rough, to the point that many boats (phinisis or those without a steel hull) had to alter their itinerary or turn around. Actually, you may find this somewhat interesting given the topics at hand.....I knew someone who was on the Ambai the same time I was on the Mermaid 1 and she e-mailed me while out there that the Ambai had to turn around and go back to Ambon due to the conditions. She also said Seahorse was out that way the same time and was getting inundated by the conditions. I heard the conditions were not normal for that time period, but it can happen. A steel hull was a lifesaver. We continued with the crossing and it was quite the toss around the first day or two; you know it's rough when even crew on board the Mermaid 1 were taking pills to prevent seasickness! If you do decide to do it, I highly recommend that boat for the crossing, or considering a steel hull boat if you are worried about conditions, or are more sensitive to seasickness.
I can't even imagine little Seahorse being out in those conditions.
But then what do I know. Perhaps she has an advantage of some sort.