Active Thunder Reintroducing Banshee As Open-Bow 23-Footer

Originally built as a closed-deck 22-foot outboard-powered sportboat, Active Thunder’s 22’ Banshee is the smallest—and most dormant—model in the company’s V-bottom line. “I haven’t built one in 10 years,” said Patrick Haughey, the owner of the Pompano Beach, Fla., company.

banshee23

The new 23’ Banshee will feature an open bow. Design rendering courtesy/copyright Chris Dilling/Grafik EFX.

With the reintroduction of a slightly longer and totally restyled version of the original, Haughey is hoping the new 23’ Banshee will revive sales at the entry-level price point. The model will ride on its original patented DDC hull created by Harry Schoell, but the deck has been redesigned (hence the expansion in the boat’s length overall) with an open bow.

“I think that’s what people want now—and what will sell,” said Haughey, who was inspired to revisit the model by a recent order for it from Mercury Marine. At present, he’s building a 23-footer as a validation platform for Mercury’s new 6.2-litre engine. “We are actually building it for the Mercury testing facility in Panama City, Fla., as an endurance boat to test their engine packages.”

While Haughey said he believes most clients will order the 23’ Banshee with an outboard engine, he will offer it with stern drive power. The original model reportedly topped 70 mph with existing outboard power, and Haughey said he expects the same performance out of the hull with a 250-hp Verado offering. With that engine package—the boat also will be offered will lesser outboard power—Haughey said he expects the 23’ Banshee to retail for less than $85,000.

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