Boat Overview
This Omega 828, an open cockpit sports cruiser with a deep vee planning hull, was built by Trident Marine of Portchester, England, based on a design by the renowned Renato "Sonny" Levi. It is now available for sale. The deep-vee hull with a fine entry provides excellent handling in a seaway.
Engine Specifications
She is powered by twin six cylinder Cummins 6BTA 5.9L 210Hp diesel engines on shafts and propellers, designed for fast offshore passages. These engines were supplied from Cummins and reconditioned in December 2010.
Owner's Comments
I purchased Thunderbird in February 1989 and have enjoyed many years of use with several cross-channel and coastal trips to the West Country in the 1990s, and in recent years mainly in the Solent. Trident Marine built 28 Omega 828s in the 1970s using a mould from the Levi-designed Corsair from the 1960s. However, the flared bow does not resemble the Corsair bow and prevents “submarining.” The deep V hull allows for good progress into a head sea when it is best to have the trim tabs in the down position. Being a deep V hull, it will lean into the wind, which can be corrected by pushing down the tab on the side the boat is leaning.
Replacement of the original 180hp Mermaid Engines with the Cummins 6BTA 210 hp engines has proven a great success, with these engines being completely reliable with only routine service items replaced. They are lighter, quieter, and more fuel-efficient at cruising speed than the Mermaids, and in particular, they are smokeless even on cold start.
Thunderbird is, however, in need of some refurbishment and TLC, which I, now in my 70s, am no longer able to give. Hence, this much-loved member of the family comes onto the market for the first time in 31 years.
Engines
2X 210hp Cummins 6BTA 6 cylinder 5.9 litre (Factory Recons) supplied and fitted by Cummins UK December 2010
Hours: PORT 327
Hours: STARBOARD 329
Full Cummins Instrumentation and overheat and low oil pressure alarms.
Engines last serviced May 2019 by Vasi Marine.
Performance
Economical Cruising Speed: 22-23 knots. Maximum Speed: 30 knots plus.
Gearboxes
Original Borg Warner Velvet drive gearboxes ratio 1.1 to flexible couplings, 1 3/8 inch shafts, and 3 blade 17x18 1/2 inch bronze props.
Tankage
Fuel Tanks
2x 55 gallon Tek Tank custom built polypropylene and professionally fitted (2001).
Water Tank
Approx 20 gallon stainless steel tank custom built and professionally fitted (Dec. 2019 – unused).
Accommodation
Double V berth forward. Dinette table with seating for 4 converts to a very small double/large single berth.
Galley: Plastimo 2 burner with grill gas cooker. Stainless steel sink.
Separate heads compartment with Jabsco manual sea toilet.
Cockpit
Single helm and double navigator's seat. Aft seating with loose fitted cushions.
Sprayhood with zipped vents and roll-up side. Rear cover. Separate full cockpit tonneau (blue).
Deck Equipment
- Claw type galvanised steel anchor stowed on stem with bow roller fitting. Chain and Warp.
- Manual Simpson Lawrence anchor winch.
- Removeable Plastimo Hoist with socket to aft deck for lifting dinghy outboard etc.
- Folding stainless steel bar fitted to aft deck suitable for holding light dinghy.
- Bathing ladder with outboard bracket fitted.
- Teak laid cockpit sole and engine covers.
Electronic Equipment
- Cabin - GPS Map 162 – black and white plotter.
-
Kelvin Hughes Husan 70 VHF radio (Call sign MEHW 4).
- Cockpit - VDO electric log (not working).
-
Isotherm Grey line 12volt refrigerator.
-
Sony bluetooth audio (2018).
-
NASA Echo sounder (2018).
- Bracket and wiring for small Garmin handheld GPS at the helm (set to be retained).
- Individual rocker switch controls for fitted Bennet trim tabs.
Hull
Professionally epoxied (2015).
