I had a mid 70's Thunderbird that had nearly the same lower hull shape.
I believe it was a 1975. No pics but there's a pic here of one just like the one I had: http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/g...Daniel_001.jpg
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As TD stated, looks like a European design with the cabin so far forward. But as reelfishin stated, the HULL design is very similar to the Thunderbird pic he posted.
It's what's known as a "trihedral" hull, or tri-hull. Very popular in the States during the '60's and '70's. Was the result of early attempts to use new materials (fiberglass) in more complex shapes than could be molded from wood. They were known for having the stability of a flat-bottomed boat, but with a much smoother ride. In today's world they're generally known as hard riding boats, but they were truly innovative at the time.
They kind of fell out of favor as even more advanced hull shapes (courtesy of the rise of computers and CAD?) were designed that provided a better compromise between ride and stability.
Popular examples of pure tri-hulls here included Boston Whaler (a pioneer in that hull type) and Thunderbird (and literally dozens of others).
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I agree that the boat looks somewhat like a Thunderbird Cheyenne or Commanche, but I suspect that the resemblence has nothing more to do with such an association, than the fact that tri-hull boats were popular in many places, at the time that it was most likely manufactured.
As far as the forward located enclosure is concerned, it reminds me a lot of boats that I have seen built for use in northern European areas, were the weather can be chilly even in summer. The boat also reminds me of boats that I have seen built for the Australian and New Zealand market.
Regardless, its an interesting looking boat and I hope you have lots of fun with it.
BTW, here's my Thunderbird. The photo was taken the day that I bought it. I am slowly refurbishing it and hope to have it in use sometime soon.
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I'm trying to track down where or what U.S. boat the hull shape is derived from.
I agree with JoLin, the hull design was popular across many manufacturers during the 1960's.
Are you asking who designed the first trihull? I have heard that Richard Cole is credited with inventing the trihull design for Thunderbird in the late 1950's.
Indeed.. not sure why they are not more popular here.. better use of space if you ask me. Large fishing area at the back, and a nice sheltered area for the wife.. would love one!
Thanks for your interest guys. The make is a SeaHog SeaJeep. Made by a company in the north of England. They have been making small sea angling boats for 20 years. I also had an earlier 1992 version before this one fitted with a similar year Evinrude 50. Called a Shortie. Same hull but an even smaller cabin (hence the Shortie name) We call these small cabins Cuddy's over here.
I bought the bare hull new 2 years ago and fitted her out myself. She flies with the MD 50 Tohatsu. Very rare though to get WOT in the sea conditions over here. The sea is very rarely flat unfortunately.
As TD stated, looks like a European design with the cabin so far forward. But as reelfishin stated, the HULL design is very similar to the Thunderbird pic he posted.
It's what's known as a "trihedral" hull, or tri-hull. Very popular in the States during the '60's and '70's. Was the result of early attempts to use new materials (fiberglass) in more complex shapes than could be molded from wood. They were known for having the stability of a flat-bottomed boat, but with a much smoother ride. In today's world they're generally known as hard riding boats, but they were truly innovative at the time.
They kind of fell out of favor as even more advanced hull shapes (courtesy of the rise of computers and CAD?) were designed that provided a better compromise between ride and stability.
Popular examples of pure tri-hulls here included Boston Whaler (a pioneer in that hull type) and Thunderbird (and literally dozens of others).
Interesting point about the ride. I find the ride just fine. It is very flat and stable. Also for a small boat very stable when fishing at anchor. No dip or very littlw when two are at the one side. There is a lot of bouyancy because of the hull shape at the hull edges. The youtube video posted below shows the ride well in lumpy conditions. That Jeep is the MK1 version my one is a later model with a redisigned top half.
The current popular trend in the UK is away from these gull wing tri hull shapes to the V hull shape for small angling boats. UK makes like Warrior or Predator are very popular.
It is an observation that I find interesting, that any time I see those boats motoring at speed the throw up a lot of water and don't look lateraly stable. See the Warrior youtube video for a comparison between the two hull types.
I like it - very cool boat and very practical where the weather stays chilly.
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I had a 1965 Leavens with almost an identical hull shape. It a very small area in the bow where me and my daughters would sit during rain storms. I had removed all seating except for two Volkswagon seats.
It was a stable boat but would spray lots of water to anyone sitting near the stern if it was rough water.
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Anyone recognise this hull shape?
I agree........
Re: Anyone recognise this hull shape?
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