Home Port: Gig Harbor, WA
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Year Built: 1958
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LOA: 26
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Beam: 7'6"
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Owner: Harbor History Museum
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Designer: Ben Seaborn
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Design: Thunderbird
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Type: Sloop
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The Harbor History Museum is proud to present the recently restored Thunderbird Hull #1. Designed by Ben Seaborn and built in 1958 by Ed Hoppen, the boat was the manifestation of a challenge put forth by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. Number 1 was launched at Eddon Boat in Gig Harbor and served as the prototype for hull #2 and the thousands of Thunderbirds that would be built in the following decades. From Puget Sound to Japan and Australia, Thunderbirds have been built in shops, garages, and front lawns across the world. Hull #1 appears at the Festival this year only, as a “victory lap” prior to going on permanent public display in the Harbor History Museum’s new Maritime Gallery.
