Thunderbird is a 1959 40' Monk-designed cruiser, built by Clyde Wiley of Cornet Bay on Whidbey Island. She was re-powered in 1984 with a single Volvo 700 diesel, and cruises at 14 knots with a burn rate of about 7.5 gph.  She has been well maintained all her life, and has never had to be restored.

History and Construction

Dr. Sheldon Wilkins of Bellingham commissioned Ed Monk Sr. to design a comfortable cruiser for the NW and Thunderbird was the result. Claude Wiley the builder used Alaskan yellow cedar planks on oak frames and fastened with silicone bronze. Her wedge seam construction gives her a smooth hull frequently confused with fiberglass. Her cabin sides are solid Philippine mahogany, and her cabin tops are plywood covered in fiberglass. Her decks are bright finished teak planking.

Thunderbird was originally launched with twin gas motors but in 1984 Dr. Wilkins undertook a massive project removing the gas motors and running gear and replacing it with the current single Volvo TAMD70 diesel engine. Why he elected to undertake such a massive project is lost to time, but we are grateful. The result is a highly efficient cruising experience.

Time eventually caught up with Dr. Wilkins and in 1995 he sold the boat. The next 10 years saw light usage between two owners and in 2003 the current owners brought her home to a boathouse in Port Orchard where she resides today.