2000 East Bay Works Thunder

The 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman is a 55-foot-class Custom Carolina sportfishing boat built by East Bay Boat Works in 2000. The vessel measures 55 ft 3 in (16.84 m) in length with a 17 ft 4 in (5.28 m) beam and is listed with a displacement of about 50,000 lb. Its layout and performance are centered on offshore sportfishing, while the two-stateroom interior also provides practical accommodation for extended fishing trips.

Thunder is powered by twin MTU 8V2000 diesel engines, with available listing data identifying each engine at approximately 900 hp. Published specifications put cruising speed around 27 knots and maximum speed around 33 knots. Historical sales information also places the boat in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and identifies it as a fiberglass sportfishing boat.

Is the 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman for Sale?

The 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman has appeared on the used-yacht market, although availability can change as individual brokerage listings are sold or removed. A historical listing identified the vessel by the name “Thunder” and presented it as a used Custom Carolina sportfishing boat in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Because this is a 2000-built custom sportfisherman, buyers should evaluate the specific vessel rather than assuming that every listing represents the same current condition. Hull condition, engine hours, maintenance records, electronics, fishing equipment, generator systems and previous refits can have a significant effect on its actual market value and readiness for offshore use.

2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman Price

A historical sales listing for the 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman showed an asking price of $1,195,000. However, this should be treated as a historical listing price rather than a current market valuation, since used yacht asking prices can change substantially depending on condition, equipment, location and refit history.

For a boat of this age, the purchase price is only part of the financial calculation. Buyers should also budget for a professional survey, haul-out, sea trial, engine inspection, insurance, dockage, maintenance and potential replacement of aging mechanical or electronic equipment. A well-maintained example with documented upgrades may command a very different price from another 2000 Thunder requiring major refit work.

Performance and Propulsion

The 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman uses twin MTU 8V2000 diesel engines. Historical listing information specifies approximately 900 hp per engine, while YATCO lists the propulsion system as inboard diesel with MTU 8V2000 engines. Published performance figures indicate a cruising speed of approximately 27 knots and a maximum speed of about 33 knots.

This propulsion package gives Thunder the speed expected from a dedicated offshore sportfisherman while providing enough range and power for longer fishing runs. The available listing data also gives a fuel capacity of approximately 1,987 liters and freshwater capacity of about 567 liters. Because the vessel is more than two decades old, actual performance should be confirmed through a sea trial and mechanical inspection rather than relying solely on historical specifications.

Exterior Design and Construction

Thunder follows the traditional Custom Carolina sportfishing approach, with a relatively large 55-foot hull, broad 17 ft 4 in beam and an exterior layout designed around offshore fishing. The vessel is identified as a fiberglass boat, with its overall dimensions providing a substantial working platform for anglers, crew and fishing equipment.

The exterior should be assessed primarily from a functional perspective. Buyers should inspect the hull laminate, bottom, running gear, rudders, shafts, hardware, deck surfaces, fighting chair or cockpit equipment and any areas exposed to prolonged saltwater use. On a 2000-built sportfisherman, evidence of previous repairs, water intrusion or structural modifications is particularly important when evaluating the boat.

Interior and Accommodation

The available specifications identify two staterooms aboard the 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman. The interior is designed more around practical offshore operation than the expansive accommodation found on larger cruising yachts, making the vessel suitable for owners who prioritize fishing capability and time offshore.

For a used sportfisherman of this age, interior condition can vary considerably depending on refit history. Buyers should inspect the cabins, heads, galley, salon, air-conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing, freshwater system and interior joinery. Updated appliances, electronics and soft furnishings can improve usability, but the condition of the underlying mechanical and electrical systems remains more important when assessing the overall vessel.

What to Check Before Buying a 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman

Before purchasing a 2000 East Bay Boat Works Thunder Sport Fisherman, arrange a full marine survey and professional sea trial. Particular attention should be given to the fiberglass hull and structure, moisture levels, bottom condition, shafts, propellers, rudders, steering system and through-hull fittings. The twin MTU 8V2000 engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, service history, cooling systems, oil condition, transmission performance and electronic fault records.

The buyer should also review generator operation, batteries, wiring, fuel tanks, pumps, navigation electronics, air-conditioning and all fishing-related equipment. A detailed review of maintenance invoices and previous refit work can help establish how the vessel has been maintained over its long service life. Since the historical listing price was $1.195 million rather than a current confirmed asking price, the final purchase decision should be based on the boat's present condition, survey findings and current comparable listings.