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Old 06 August 2007, 20:46   #61
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To get back on thread ........... why would you want a jockey seat in a Thunderbolt anyway? I don't see the point, only the downside! I have raced a Thundercat, and if the Thunderbolt corners anywhere near the speed of its smaller cousin, Jockey seats would not be at all practical ............................ Probably! [/QUOTE]

I have no experience of iether Thunderbolt or zapcat etc and i agree bucket seats have to be the answer if you are going to use it hard .

However I see something in the Thunderbolt that is quite unique .

If Iam correct about what i think it can do it may be a way of owning a boat with the performance and sea keeping qualities of a much larger rib at a fraction of the cost and running costs . The only real problem is making it comfortable and practical .
Some performance or driveability will certainly be lost with a jockey , but unless you are just having fun or racing how often do you need to corner very hard .
The rib i have now corners very flat if its doing much speed and there is no way i can get anywhere near finding its limit with a jockey seat but i have never yet needed to turn hard enough to worry about it .

Working on a different throttle controll would probably make the compromise very useable combining the space and storage of jockey's with the ability to hold on enough to really have some fun . something like a quad bike setup maybe .
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Old 08 August 2007, 21:49   #62
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My demo Thunderbolt arrived today. She is set up with a 90hp Etec, 2 Cobra Marine Bucket Seats, 50 Litre Fuel Tank, Nav Light.

Had a quick play in the harbour but could not fully open her up as the wind was so strong. However first impressions she is a very soft, stable ride across a 1-2ft chop, very impressive and oozes power, itching to go for a proper play now.
Hi there, cool looking boat you got there, what's the workmanship like as in the rigging of the boat, is it of a good standard and are you happy with it !!regards the rigger of ceasar marine.
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Old 08 August 2007, 22:21   #63
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Must. Have. One.
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Old 10 August 2007, 16:33   #64
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Some Long awaited action shots

Courtesy of Rib International
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Old 10 August 2007, 16:36   #65
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Driven a bit harder

:d
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Old 10 August 2007, 16:41   #66
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Last Few

Hopefully will be out for a play tomorrow
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Old 10 August 2007, 18:49   #67
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Looks like you need an extra crew member or 2x bow ballast tanks.

You need to find some waves - nice piccies though!!!
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Old 10 August 2007, 20:27   #68
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Having experience of a zapcat, the thunderbolt looks like great fun...for a lake or a very flat day. I definately wouldn't want to take it out in chop. When in a Thundercat or Zapcat you are lying on your side and theres been many occasion where I've had sore ribs where they've been constantly slamming down on the tube as well as sore thighs, bum etc etc!

Sitting in a rigid seat would transfer all the energy through your back. Imagine being out in your rib with locked knees on a choppy day!

Saying that I'd still give it a go!
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Old 10 August 2007, 21:27   #69
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Having experience of a zapcat, the thunderbolt looks like great fun...for a lake or a very flat day. I definately wouldn't want to take it out in chop.

Sitting in a rigid seat would transfer all the energy through your back. Imagine being out in your rib with locked knees on a choppy day!

Saying that I'd still give it a go!
You'd be pleasantly surprised i think
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Old 10 August 2007, 21:53   #70
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It is a concern though that zapcats seem to rely very much on mobile human ballast - very much like sidecar racing. You don't seem to get that advantage if your stuck to a seat!!!
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Old 10 August 2007, 22:06   #71
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It is a concern though that zapcats seem to rely very much on mobile human ballast - very much like sidecar racing. You don't seem to get that advantage if your stuck to a seat!!!
You don't actually need to ballast it, I think the bow looks high due to the shape of the tubes, it is actually a very level ride, you will have to try one think you will be very surprised, the bow is not that flighty.

Gray, I see you are in Southampton, drop me your email or mobile and come and try the Thunderbolt out, think you will be suitably impressed.
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Old 10 August 2007, 22:25   #72
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Yes but that was only a little wave..................
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Old 10 August 2007, 22:28   #73
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If Gray takes him up on the offer we'll get a good report.

That Guy goes every where on a Zapcat.

NR.
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Old 11 August 2007, 13:43   #74
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Pm sent to NautiBuoy.

Thanks Nick

I'm sitting here writing this annoyed with myself for not finding someone to come out with today as the weather is so nice! Ah well, maybe tomorrow!
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Old 11 September 2020, 08:48   #75
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Hi everyone,
I was just curious how the story continued.
What happened to this Thunderbolt and what's the verdict?

I'm another looney wanting to give a Thunderbolt a try.
Mine is scheduled to arrive from South Africa in about two months and I want to rig a tiller-steered Yamaha F115 with a hydraulic jackplate, 100-140l fuel tank, lights (required by local regulations) and reinforce the floorboards with square stainless tubing.

Will open a thread about my project soon but was also curious to hear how this story went on.

Cheers
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