The spec list

I took the advice of the other owners and wrote down a list of things that I wanted in the boat.

I also did as much research as I could on electronics, winches, outboards etc. to get an idea on what is better and what isnt. As I mentioned in an earlier post ...I dont like having things break down on me, so I wanted to try and choose the best most reliable components that I could. After taking it to Preston Craft and discussing the list in detail, this is what came out.

SPECIFICATION
7.5m Thunderbolt as per standard specifications.
Preston Craft dual axle aluminium trailer with electric/hydraulic braking system and walkway.
250HP Yamaha four stroke outboard fitted with stainless steel propeller and hydraulic steering.
Yamaha digital controls with premium gauge.
2 x start batteries and 2 x deep cycle house batteries with BEP battery cluster.
Lewmar electric anchor winch with extra switch on the bow .
Stainless steel bow ladder.
Side Portholes in V-berth.
Offshore hatch.
Built in storage under bunks.
Side pockets in V-berth.
Bungy net on V-berth roof.
Electric flush toilet in V-berth with holding tank and digital tank monitor.
12V outlet on passenger side with input jack for audio line in.
Bench seat on passenger side with forward facing back rest .
Passenger seating layout as per drawing supplied with sink aft and fridge slide under with lockable door.
Helm seating layout as per drawing supplied with benchtop aft and storage under.
Fresh water tank +- 140L .
Electric deck wash system.
Dive tank holders in catch tank.
Cleats to be flat style with extra two spring line cleats midships.
Dive ladder with 4 x steps with grab rails.
Red LED light over helm station.
Removable full hard top extension with camper covers and fly screen covered windows.
Aft removable seat on transom.
Removable side seat on side pockets.
Removable teak table.
Volvo QL trim tabs.

Prestoncraft website has lots of photos of other boats that they had done. A particular boat had a layout that was very close to what I wanted for the front seats.

I liked the handles, to hang on to, the stove location (although I wanted a sink where the stove is in this photo. I also wanted to be able to put my 40L Engel fridge in a lockable cabinet where you see the hatch. So a few teaks were required to change it to what I wanted.

I also liked the Table behind the skippers helm. The one down side was that the boat in these photos is a 7.85m boat, while mine would be a 7.5m boat. Thus I knew I would have to compromise on the size of table and chair.

I also wanted canvas covers much like this boat has.

So we had a starting point and now the build has started