Monk Express Cruiser

Accommodations

Starting in the forepeak you will find the chain locker immediately followed by the sleeping accommodations with two 6’5” bunks with custom mattresses. Drawers and hanging lockers provide room for your gear.

Moving aft we enter the galley and dinette area. On the port is the U-shaped dinette which can seat 6 comfortably. The upholstery was recently renewed. To starboard is first a pantry followed by a 9’ galley counter. With four burner stove and oven double, double stainless sink, you still have plenty of room left over for food prep! Back to the port side you will find the large head and shower.

Up the steps to the large wheelhouse with plenty of space for you and all your friends to stay out the cold. The aft deck is accessed through a large sliding glass door where you can relax on the full width transom seat. Large windows throughout let in plenty of light.

Systems

• Anchoring:  Vertical Simpson Lawrence (up-only) windlass managing a Bruce 44lbs anchor with 100’ of 5/8 chain and 200’ of nylon 3-braid ¾” rode.
• Batteries:  House bank: 8-six volt wired in series to 12Volts. New in 2016. Cranking bank: 1-8D. New in 2019. Charging of all batteries is by the inverter or Balmar high output alternator.
• Electrical:  Trace inverter Model M2512 for charging and 120V. 5- 12Volt distribution panels, 1-120V distribution panel, Galvanic isolator, 30AMP shore power outlet and cord.
• Safety Equipment:  3 bilge pumps, 8 adult life jackets, 4 child life jackets, Fire extinguishers, flares (out of date).
• Electronics:  Furuno Radar/Uniden UM525 VHF/Standard Horizon Depth Sounder/ HP Laptop with Open CPN Navionic Charts Olympia to Desolation Sound
• Galley:  Propane 4 burner cooktop and oven/ two basin stainless sink and faucet/ Torrid MH10 10 Gallon Hot water tank/ New 120V undercounter refrigerator/ Galley counter is 9 feet long with plenty of storage below
• Heating:  Mikuni forced air furnace supplemented by a propane Force 10 external exhaust heater in the wheelhouse.
• Blackwater System:  Electric macerating toilet to a 17-gallon poly tank evacuated by either deck fitting or overboard pump in legal waters.  
• Tender: 1965 10’ Roberts Mini-Craft built in Seattle carried by twin davits. All period correct and functional.
• Generator - N/A

Engine

• Model: 1986 Volvo TAMD70D Diesel, 286HP, 2794 hours
• Transmission: Twin Disc 1.5:1 with Mathers controls
• Engine Notes: precooler and intercooler. Dual Racor filters, Block heater, Mathers Controls, Balmar high output alternator

Engine Compartment Description

Originally built to hold two gas engines, this space now has a single diesel which leaves a huge amount of space.  Additionally, there is no separation between lazarette and the forward bulkhead increasing the space available. You can enter through a hatch in the back deck for simple maintenance checks or pull up the wheelhouse floor hatches for bigger annual maintenance tasks. The engine room also holds batteries, inverter, fuel tanks, compressor for air horn and floaty toys, diesel furnace, hot water tank and finally, shelves for spare parts and equipment. All this and it still feels spacious!

Tankage

• Fuel: 140 gallons in two 70-gallon black iron tanks
• Water:  90 gallons in stainless steel tank
• Blackwater:  17 gallons in poly tank

History and Construction

Dr. Sheldon Wilkins of Bellingham commissioned Ed Monk Sr. to design a comfortable cruiser for the NW and Thunderbird was the result. Claude Wiley the builder used Alaskan yellow cedar planks on oak frames and fastened with silicone bronze. Her wedge seam construction gives her a smooth hull frequently confused with fiberglass. Her cabin sides are solid Philippine mahogany, and her cabin tops are plywood covered in fiberglass. Her decks are bright finished teak planking.

Thunderbird was originally launched with twin gas motors but in 1984 Dr. Wilkins undertook a massive project removing the gas motors and running gear and replacing it with the current single Volvo TAMD70 diesel engine. Why he elected to undertake such a massive project is lost to time, but we are grateful. The result is a highly efficient cruising experience.

Time eventually caught up with Dr. Wilkins and in 1995 he sold the boat. The next 10 years saw light usage between two owners and in 2003 the current owners brought her home to a boathouse in Port Orchard where she resides today. Come step aboard, you will not be disappointed!

Exclusions

All personal gear; artwork; loose items; galley gear; CD's; clock & barometer sets; charts; fishing equipment; tools; spare parts; supplies & items not specifically listed on equipment list specifications sheet.

Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.