Classic Birchwood ski boat / speedboat ca. 1968. The
boat was restored by fibreglass experts Jago Developments Ltd and the deck resprayed in 2K
turkish blue – the hull is still original gelcoat. After 15 years of use there are marks
and blemishes, but the boat still looks lovely and attracts attention. There are only 3 or 4 of these boats still
in existance. The boat handles extremely well for it’s size and the ’59 hull
design – I have been out in a Force 4 – has a soft ride and is very
dry too. Top speed, without any modification to the motor and
propellers, is around 39mph (36knots). We have used it on CMBA sea
rallies (it has won prizes) and for water skiing (it has a tiny wake) in Italy and France. The hull is rated to 52mph and 85hp. Healey
Marine Sprite moulds were used by Birchwood / Interglass to make their Thunderski / Thunderball models when Donald
Healey stopped building the Sprite in 1962. The Healey Sprite was a copy of the
successful Glasspar G3, with some modification to it’s sponsons. This Birchwood
Thunderski version (announced at the ’68 Earl’s Court Boat Show) was a more practical 4 seater than the 2
seater Sprite. Boat
length is 13ft 5in, width at widest point (transom) 6 ft, boat &
motor together ca. 15ft and overall on-trailer length is 17ft 3in. The boat is fitted with:3 cylinder rare short shaft 6H3 Yamaha 60hp outboard, dated 1989. Motor was rebuilt with a new 70hp block in 2013. Included in sale are an extra, matched, set of 70hp carburetors and reed block assembly, plus 3 Yamaha ‘K’ propellers (2x 17 pitch & 1x 19 pitch). Autolube removed, but all the original parts will be supplied with the motor. Spare upper lid / cowl and lower 60hp cowling. Recently winterised (see pic above).Yamaha 703 electric start controls plus loom + spare remote parts + 3 sets of spare keys.4 seats – back to back GRP moulded seats have removable / washable custom vinyl / padding.Bilge pump – float switch and manual. Newish leisure battery and battery master cut-off switch.Boat is on a 2009 600kg bunked and galvanised De Graaf trailer with new 145×10 radials and a recent hub / bearing service. 4 jet-ski fenders and assorted hand made mooring lines. Speedo works. Rev counter was never wired in. New Ducksback cover. Viewing recommended. Collection from GL16, GLOS.
Current Price: £3500.00
This Classic Speedboat / Power Boat – 1968 Birchwood Thunderski Runabout boat is located in Coleford, GL16 8JG and is being sold on eBay by mtbigbag.