Who makes the Black Thunder?
 

I have noticed a Black Thunder XL 320 Limited Edition with twin 454's in pretty rough shape sitting near where I live. No other names are on the boat and I have been told it is a Scarab 31. I cant find the owner but before I go much further I thought I would ask around to see what the boat is and If I am interested in pursuing it for purchase.

thank you!

uhmm maybe black thunder?

Must not be a popular manufacturer. I grew up in Toledo and spent many days and nights on the Maumee river to the Lake Erie islands and I have never heard of this manufacturer. It looks to be a well built boat but has obviously been neglected. Both engine blocks are split open and the cock pit interior is shot. The gel coat needs some work as well. By the HIN it's a 1994. Thanks for the reply, I will check out Black Thunder Boats and see if I can buy a winter project.

Is it in Toledo? THe bigger BT's are flying condos. If its in Toledo, there are a few of us around that can look at it with you, to keep things realistic and keep you from getting bent....

The 32 BT's have a goofy cockpit layout.

Goofy performance wise, but tons of room pleasure wise.

Black Thunder Boats were built in Hannibal Mo., I don't know if they are still in business, they built a 43 and a 46 ft. that are beautiful boats

What to do, what to do...
 

No. I live east of Cincinnati now. After researching the boat and looking at it with the owner I have found that it was somewhat capsized in a storm in MO. The engine compartment was under water and it was kind of leaning on its right side with the nose up in the air like a bobber. Apparently the engines filled with water and it has been drained. The boat has not been used since then 7 years ago. The owner said he has not cleaned it up since they recovered it and towed it back to Ohio. When I looked at the boat I just saw an old boat that sat outside and weathered. It's all there. The gauges and seating is in pretty good shape. The cabin space is in really good shape and the only interior it needs work on is the sun deck/ engine cover and rear bench seat. Obviously I would be most concerned about the cost of rebuilding or replacing the engines and out drives. I think the out drives stand a chance tho because they are all there and move freely. There is oil in the reservoirs as well. He was asking 6k but by the time we had finished talking he would accept 3500 as is no trailer. Wow it's a project but the boat looks cool. I have some pics I can try to post. I wish it was in Toledo because I could really use some advise on this one. I hate to let what could be an awesome boat when finished like this could be get away. I could make this boat a real head turner on the outside. I just don't know about the structure and the power. Any suggestions?

I would take someone who knows about boats to go look at it, if the hull is dry I would think its worth the money, all the rest is gravy, but then again I don't know your skills to get it completed, if you have to rely on others to do all the work you could be upside down in no time, good luck sounds like a cool project, a trailer in decent shape will be as much as the boat or a little more, post some pics, the key to success is in the motors.

Well I don't know much about posting to this site but I'm going to try to post the pics. As far as restoring the boat goes, I would do all but the interior myself. I have been around and owned boats most of my life. I am a 30+. Year automotive painter and collision tech and i have since moved on to corporate collision center management but I have restored automotive of all kinds and boats to a limit to gel coat repair, floors, stringers and transom replacement. I have done my share of engine rebuilding over the years but its been mostly replace long blocks and swap parts. I have no doubt I can do most everything myself but two 454 long blocks is over 3 grand plus gaskets and other incidentals. The trailer I found is $2500 and needs all the brakes and bunk boards replaced. Plus paint plus wheels and tires for all three axles. With the cost of the boat I just don't know if a 1991 boat would be worth all the cost and work. I would appreciate some assistance in posting pics if anyone knows. I really want you guys to see this.

I cant seem to post the images from my phone to the thread. It asks for a URL and its doesn't appear easy for me to do. if you want to see the images that I have you can email me @ [email protected] and I will reply to your email with the images. if you are able to post the images to the thread then feel free to do so.

[IMG]91 BT XL320 Limited Edition 1[/IMG]

u need to upgrade your membership to post pics

The boat sounds like a basket case. There have been a few 32 Black Thunders for sale in the past few years, for not a lot of money. I'd try to buy a running one if you can.

Lots more info out there:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=32+%22black+thunder%22

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/15977

Unless you get it for nothing, I do mean for nothing leave it sit. The most expensive things in this world are things we get for free. If it's been under water it will need EVERYTHING. Wiring, gauges, motors, new cabin and cockpit etc. Unless you do it ALL yourself, you will have way more into it than it will ever be worth. Try to find a turn key boat. Way less headaches and money spent. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

There was a thread on MWBP if I remember correctly when that boat sank. It was at loto so fresh water at least.

If you take the 7,000 dollars that somebody thats too proud of it wants, put it in an envelope and send it to me, I promise its going to save you at least 20,000 and countless man hours of wasted time.
i have watched people take on projects like that too many times. Your going to spend a ton of money on it and work your azz off. By the time your half way done you will be burnt out on it, tired of the old lady nagging you about the money your dumping in it and your going to firesale it to the first person that offers you 500 to haul it away.


Yes, I sound like a jaded cynical old azzhole, because Ive been there, done that, I have the t shirt and the 25 foot yard ornament to prove it. I will give you a smoken deal on a 250 nova.. new gauges, new transom, 2 spare drives, yard trailer, rebuilt engine tub..gave up on it 5 years ago. needs stringers.

Spot on!!