More Info

This is a 32' Pacific Thunderbird with a 3' bowsprit and fiberglass composite hull, built 1965 in Yokasuka Japan.

Hull:    Planking    5/8” ply over 1” x 3” stringers (longitudinal battens)

Exterior:    Fiberglass covered

Fastening:    Bronze    Frames:    Bulkheads, longitudinal    Floors:    In way of keel

Main Deck:    1/2” ply and FG    Deck Beams:    Sided 1-1/2”    Spaced:    12”

Clamp:    Sheer batten    Stringers:    Chine logs    Ceiling:    Paneling

Rudder:    Ply/FG    Sails:    Main, jib, club jib, staysail

Spars:    Extruded aluminum

Rigging:    Stainless steel standing

 

Thunderbirds where never production made except, is it rumored, for a few 26' made entirely of fiberglass in or around the 1970's along the West Coast of the United States.  The 26's were most popular in San Francisco due to their exceptionally strong hull giving them the ability to withstand heavy seas known in that area.  Due to its size the 32' was more of a challenge to build for the backyard builder thus most of the 32's were commissioned to be built at various boatyards around the world by those who purchased the plans.  Generally 32's that were boat yard built had placards placed somewhere that indicated the builder.  This particular boat had a placard from the Oriental Boat Company in Yokasuka Japan placed in the aft area of the cockpit just under the rub rail for the tiller.  The 32' is usually found to be highly sought after mostly by those who are knowledgeable of the the 26' Thunderbirds.

 

San Diego was another area where this boat was popular and the Silvergate Yacht Club used to have a Thunderbird racing club.  A number of 26' and 32' T-Birds are still seen around the San Diego Bay and in Mission Bay.  The state of Oregon and especially Washington also had a great many T-Bird enthusiasts and still do have until present day.

 

In essence the Thunderbird began popularity and continues to keep popularity because it is a fast, strong, and affordable boat.  Plans are still available to build the 26' however the 32' has fallen into the bins of obscurity.  The speed of the boat is still what attracts the most attention for the hull design and weight allow this boat to plane if you put up enough sail.  This is something you cannot do with any other boat in this class or near this class.

Equipment and accessory list;

  1. Two self tailing two speed winches, Maxwell

  2. Suzuki 9.9 hp auxiliary engine, electric start-generator-oil injection

  3. Bruce anchor

  4. Anchor rode, new

  5. Non corroding thru-hulls and valves, recent

  6. Microwave, 120 volt

  7. Ice box

  8. Refrigerator, 120 volt

  9. Stainless steel water tank 15 gallons

  10. Automatic water pressure pump

  11. Solar powered ventilation, night/day

  12. Halogen lamps in main cabin, head and v-berth, Aqua Signal

  13. Quartz brass clock and brass barometer

  14. Chrome platted bronze bell

  15. Flare gun

  16. Rescue Epirb

  17. Horn

  18. Life rings

  19. Man over board pole

  20. Life jackets

  21. Vhf radio

  22. Depth sounder

  23. Automatic and manual bilge pumps

  24. Fender pole

  25. Whisker pole

  26. Shore power battery charger marine grade

  27. Charcoal barbeque

  28. Battery, 12 volt

  29. Awnings

  30. Fenders, canvas covered

  31. Stereo system, Carver-Panasonic-Boston Acoustic

  32. Bow lights-starboard-port, Aqua Signal

 

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