• Guests

    12

  • Cabins

    6

  • Crew

    10

Length GT Built (REFIT)
49.84m
445 GT 1998
(2021)
Beam Draft Top Speed
8.11m 1.49m 30 Kts

Delivered in 1998, Thunder is a multi-award winning 49.84m motor yacht built by Australian shipyard Oceanfast. Her interior design and exterior styling comes from the drawing boards of Bannenberg & Rowell, while Phil Curran Design is responsible for her naval architecture.

Key Features

  • Seven-meter swimming pool
  • Sundeck with seating and sunbeds
  • Full-beam master suite
  • Pool doubles as tender bay

Design & Construction

Designed around a planing composite hull and superstructure she features a 8.11m beam and a 1.49m draft. The yacht is built over 2 decks with an internal volume of 445 GT (Gross Tonnes).

Exterior Design

The exterior of Thunder features a raked bow, engineered for both performance and aesthetic appeal. The deck material is crafted from teak, known for its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments. The hull and superstructure are uniformly painted white, creating a clean and cohesive visual profile. The boot top and below the waterline areas of the yacht are black, providing a stark contrast that emphasizes the sleek lines and form of the vessel. 

At the bow, Thunder includes a 7-meter swimming pool. This pool is designed for continuous swimming, with water flow that allows for exercise without the need to turn around frequently. The pool area doubles as storage for a 7-meter tender and jet skis, showcasing practical use of space.

Thunder's side decks lead to a sun deck with seating and sunbeds, providing outdoor relaxation areas. The inclusion of genuine silver and gold flake in the exterior paintwork highlights the attention to detail in the design.

As Thunder embarks on the next chapter of her storied existence, her interior stands as a monument to the creative spirit that inspired her. For the discerning, Thunder offers a journey not just across the seas, but into the very heart of the imagination.

Interior Design

The interior design of Thunder is a blend of innovative concepts and premium materials. Originally designed by John Bannenberg and later completely refitted by Roberto Covelli in 2016, this yacht deviates from the traditional triple-deck arrangement, opting instead for a twin-deck configuration that maximizes space and functionality.

The galley is a practical space, designed for efficiency and ease of use. It is equipped with modern appliances and ample storage, ensuring that meal preparation is streamlined. The layout facilitates smooth operations for the crew, allowing them to cater to guests without disruptions.

The helm is a functional area, designed with advanced navigation and control systems to ensure smooth sailing. It is laid out for optimal visibility and access to all necessary controls, providing a secure environment for managing the yacht's performance, including its impressive capability to reach speeds of 34 knots.

The lounges, salons, and saloons are designed with an emphasis on space and comfort. The atrium is a standout feature, offering a wide-open area that enhances the feeling of expansiveness. Covelli’s design elements are evident throughout, with intricate woodwork and detailing that reflect a high level of craftsmanship. The use of premium materials, such as silver and gold flake finishes, adds a distinctive touch without overwhelming the senses.

Every element in these communal spaces is thoughtfully chosen to provide both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The winter garden, with its sliding panels, offers versatility, allowing the area to be enclosed or left open depending on the weather and the preferences of those on board. This adaptability is a recurring theme in the design, making each space not only visually appealing but also highly usable.

Accommodation

Thunder offers accommodation for a total of twelve guests. The yacht is equipped with six staterooms, each uniquely designed to provide comfort and privacy for its guests.

The master suite is situated on the lower deck and spans the full beam of the yacht, offering expansive space and privacy. It includes a luxurious bathroom with high-end fixtures, a separate shower room, and artistic touches throughout.

In addition to the master suite, Thunder features five guest staterooms. These staterooms consist of two double cabins and two twin cabins, each with ensuite facilities that follow the yacht's overall design theme. One of the staterooms is currently configured as a gymnasium, but it can be converted back into a sleeping area if needed.

The crew quarters are designed to ensure efficient operation and include accommodations for up to ten crew members. These facilities are separate from the guest areas to maintain privacy and service quality.

Performance & Capabilities

At the heart of Thunder's mechanical prowess lies a formidable engine package that was originally comprised of twin MTU V16 diesels, delivering a combined power of 5,900 horsepower. To meet ambitious speed requirements, an additional powerhouse was integrated—a 4,600-horsepower gas turbine from Textron Lycoming, renowned for their jet engines. This augmentation propelled the total output to an impressive 10,500 horsepower, enabling Thunder to reach exhilarating speeds of up to 40 knots.

It is important to note that during a refit in 2021, the central turbine was removed to improve fuel efficiency. However, the turbine has been preserved and stored, available for reinstallation should a future owner desire to revisit the yacht's original performance specifications.

While the yacht was designed for speed, it never compromised on stability and control. Thunder was equipped with a military-grade trim system by Maritime Dynamics, a testament to its advanced technical features. This system, typically utilized to maintain stability on missile launchers, ensures a smooth and stable experience for guests aboard the yacht. The ride control system, managed from the bridge, is a reflection of the vessel's commitment to safety and comfort.

The yacht's emergency steering system deserves a special mention; it is akin to a torpedo avoidance system, allowing Thunder to swiftly change direction from port to starboard in less than four seconds. This level of responsiveness is crucial for navigating the high seas and adds to the vessel's impressive handling capabilities.

Thunder's hull construction further enhances her performance. Built using advanced composites, including carbon fiber, and reinforced with main beams crafted from bulletproof Kevlar, Thunder is not just swift but also remarkably light, strong, and resistant to erosion and osmosis. This use of innovative materials underscores Oceanfast's pioneering approach to yacht construction.

With her 70,500-litre fuel tanks, she has a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles at 18 knots, making Thunder capable of traversing vast distances with ease.

In striking a balance between high performance and high art, Thunder remains an icon of design innovation.

Thunder Yacht is not For Sale

Motor yacht Thunder is not currently for sale. Explore all new & used yachts for sale globally powered by YachtBuyer’s Market Watch.

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