2003 Custom 27

In 1991 Yanmar wanted to test how fast a Yanmar diesel engine with a Mercruiser Bravo outdrive could propel a 27 foot boat with an 8.5’ beam.  They commissioned Denny Garrison of Aggressor Boats to design a boat that would accommodate such an I/O set-up with an accent on speed.

Garrison patterned his design after a Sea Craft hull, because he favored its strakes and unique transverse chimes.  He believed these attributes would provide a significantly softened ride.   He then added length, height and flare to the boat he designed for Yanmar.

Two hand-built, cored and bagged boats were constructed for Yanmar, but only one was used for the tests.  It was rigorously tested in various sea conditions and proved very fast, stable, solid and dry.  Yanmar engineers reported that the test boat achieved a top speed of 73 MPH.  The location of that test boat is unknown.

The second customized hull sat at the Yanmar facility for years and attracted the attention of Mike Vernese, owner of Ugly Boats, Inc. of Ft. Pierce, Florida.  Over the years he had asked Yanmar if they would sell the hull, but they always said no.

In 2002, however, Vernese got a call from a Yanmar representative asking if he was still interested.  Yanmar was moving to a new location and decided they would sell the boat rather than move it.  Mike jumped at the chance and acquired the hull, which had been sitting upside down in an indoor facility for 11 years.

He transported it to his facility in Ft. Pierce where it was noticed by Dr. James V. Baker of Jupiter, Fl., who was in the market for a new boat.  Baker was impressed by the hull design, the family-owned nature of Ugly Boats Inc., and the workmanship evident in the company products.  He was also impressed by the desire of Mike and his sons Brandon and Damon to do something special with this unique running plug.  Baker contracted with Vernese to design and build his boat.

Baker took delivery of that boat, which he named “Thunder”, in November 2003. It epitomizes what a custom boat is all about.  It is Hull #1, a boat that has been faired by hand and lovingly constructed with a sense of pride.  People are drawn to it like a magnet.  They sense it is special!

Thunder is powered by a Volvo Penta 5.7GXI-EF paired with a DP-SM+ (1.95:1).

It jumps quickly up on plane and tops out at about 45MPH. Its unique hull design allows it to cut smoothly through waves. Passengers have marveled at its comfortable ride.

The engine and outdrive on this seldom used boat only have 127 hours of use and have been maintained by authorized Volvo Penta servicers since new. The boat has always been on a lift.

This one-of-a-kind boat is located in Jupiter, Florida.  It was professionally detailed in March 2024 and is ready for its new owner. 

Thunder is a true “Dock Queen” reluctantly being sold by its elderly original owner at a price of $120,000.