FIBRECRAFT/CHASE MARINE
THUNDERBIRD
Specifications
Length                                                   17' 0"            5.20m
Width                                                      7' 6"             2.30m
Weight - Boat                                                 240 kg

Recommended Horsepower                     90 - 250hp
Ideal Horsepower                                        150hp

Standard Equipment

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Boat Report
(by kind permission of the African Fisherman  October 1977)
The Thunderbird is a result of tremendous local research, personal experience, and a rich tradition of purpose built boats by Fibrecraft. Following the wake of the bass fishing revolution which is sweeping Zimbabwe - and which drives much of the International fishing development - the Thunderbird is a natural progression in the quest for the ultimate bass boat.
Based on a popular racing and skiing hull which made its mark in the heyday of Zimbabwe's powerboat racing, the top deck has been developed over several years to suit a growing requirement amongst serious bass fishermen.
Our Test Boat was the first out of the mould, and has already seen quite a bit of serious fishing on the Zimbabwe BASS circuit. Powered by a Mariner 150hp Magnum III (the maximum horsepower allowed by the BASS federation), the combination provided the ideal yardstick by which to judge its application.
 Construction and Finish
Hull and deck are constructed using fibreglass mats, core mats, and high density foam, giving immense strength and light weight. Careful thought has gone into the under deck storage, reducing unnecessary compartmentalization, improving space and further minimising weight. Quality gel coat work in up to five colours is offered as standard, and completes what is an impressive and unique boat.
There are several features which deserve special mention, as they make the Thunderbird unique. The pilot and co-pilot seats are a variation of the modern day car seats we associate with luxury. Sculpted foam, on a shaped base, gives a bucket type seat which provides support rather than just a bench on which to park one's posterior. Windscreens have never really been popular on decked boats, and the Thunderbird has a higher than average, profiled console which not only creates immense dash space, but also acts as a windshield, directing the wind blast over the drivers head (a dual console is planned and will make travelling at speed more comfortable for the passenger). Rod rests along each side of the boat clear the casting decks, while the shear size and space created by the decking is unmatched in any other specialised bass boats manufactured in this country.
Trailer
The trailer is neatly finished with mag rims, spare wheel, and winch. Incorporating many of the modern features which make trailering, launching and retrieving simple, it tows easily behind a light pickup or sedan.
Fishability
The Thunderbird is a Bass fisherman's dream. Ivor Kesson once pointed out that the trend in Zimbabwe has been to cram all the features of a 20' bass boat into 14' 6" hulls, compromising many important bass boat features. While fishermen have accepted this due to our relatively small water bodies, the Thunderbird proves conclusively that bigger is better, and creates a boat which is both comfortable and practical for the serious anglers.
Indeed, perhaps its most significant feature is that it is built for two anglers. All facilities are duplicated throughout the design. The dual on-deck storage area which runs down either side of cockpit enables both anglers to have their rods easily at hand, leaving fishing decks uncluttered. Dual 70 litre livewells, complete with individual electronically controlled aeration systems, allows anglers individual control of their fish in every respect. Two rod boxes will store 30 rods of up to 9', while general underfloor storage exceeds anything previously seen in a Bass boat, in both size and depth.

As a fishing platform, and especially a Bass fishing boat, the Thunderbird is in a class of its own. During the test, we fished three anglers off the front deck alone, never really getting in each others way. The wide beam and 17' length make it very stable preventing any listing as anglers move around, while the low profile offers little wind resistance, and gives a clear, unobstructed fishing area. Dual pedestal seat positions on the foredeck are a good idea, and when used for all species fishing, could be used to great advantage.

I was very impressed with the performance of the Thunderbird. Again we have been conditioned into thinking that big boats have no place on our smaller dams. From its ease of launching and handling, to the feeling of safety at maximum speed, she filled every requirement of a performance bass boat. At 67 mph there is no tendency to chine walk, a problem associated with smaller boats at high speed, and I feel that anyone could drive the Thunderbird safely. At full speed, Ivor put the boat into a full lock turn, and sticking to the water, she banked and whipped around without any tendency to skip or break her hold.

The medium vee handles relatively rough water, making her application on Kariba a viable option, within reason. Interest has been expressed in the boat for all species fishing, an application which would suit the Thunderbird well. As a purpose built bass fishing rig though, the extra space and suitability for tournament fishing will ensure the Thunderbirds niche in Zimbabwean bass fishing circles.
Fishing boats have undergone dramatic changes over the last decade, and I believe the Thunderbird is spearheading another revolution in fishing. It is easy to be spoilt by the luxurious space and design offered by this boat, and I predict it will become as popular as Ivor's Bass Ranger was in the 1980's - it too was the forefront of development.
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Test Results
Performance
Load               -  Two people, 50 litres petrol, 3 batteries and fishing tackle
Propeller        - 23 inch pitch four bladed Quicksilver Trophy
Engine           - 150hp Mariner Magnum III (carburated)

Maximum RPM                     - 5300 rpm
Maximum Speed                    - 67 mph (108 km/h)

Minimum Planing Time         - 3 Seconds
Minimum Planing speed        - 21 mph (34 km/h)

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