First time boat owner, maybe?

zilla300

Cadet
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
6
Nice board, LOTS of info. I?ve been cruising the boards for a few days and about to take a plunge into ownership. Never owned a boat but have been in many over the years. I have an opportunity to acquire a 1970 Thunderbird 18? Comanche tri hull open bow with a i/o 6cyl motor for $1k. The boat is very clean, I plan on using the boat for delta and bay fishing in N CA but have heard mixed comments about the boats ability to ride in rough water. It looks like a pretty deep hull for a tri hull and after reading some of the posts I?m a little mixed about it. It does need a throttle cable, it was replaced last year but now ?binding??? and warranty is out on the repair, otherwise it looks great.
Any input greatly appreciated.
 

jnewtonsem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
100
Re: First time boat owner, maybe?

I had the 15' version of that boat as a kid. Good solid boat! You are right about the hull, it is not your normal Tri-hull, the main hull is much deeper than the outer hulls and as I recall is almost a V hull in the stern. I believe it is a pretty good rough water boat, can cut through chop almost as well as a V hull but provides more stability. A friend had a Boston Whaler and the T'bird was much more comfortable in rough water. As kids we would take it out in rough water and launch off waves. Only time I was scared was when someone who didn't know what they were doing went into the waves broadside and the boat went up vertical on its side. Outer hull caught the water and came down on the main hull and kept on going. Closest I've ever come to flipping a boat.
As with any old boat check the transom and floor to make sure they are solid.
Good Luck
 
Top