Anyone who has boated in Howe Sound is likely familiar with the powerful Squamish winds that funnel down the sound. For those who aren’t, these are cold outflow winds that pour out of the interior of British Columbia and accelerate down into Howe Sound, typically near Squamish. These winds are one of the defining local systems on the South Coast with speeds often reaching 20 to 40 knots, sometimes exceeding 50.
Heavy whitecaps crested the waves when I crossed on the ferry from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay. Fortunately, it wasn’t as bad an hour later when Thunderbird Yacht Sales brokers Cormac O’Kiely and Conrad Kaddu and I headed out from Horseshoe Bay aboard the brand-new TG 7.9 Supreme. While the winds had eased, the seas were still sloppy and confused, making for a bouncy ride. Despite this, the 7.9 powered through at 30 knots without any of the bone-jarring slamming I expected.
HISTORY
An easy to clean, utilitarian interior suits the all-weather design aboard the TG 7.9.TG Boats is a Finnish builder known for compact, rugged fibreglass pilothouse boats designed for the Baltic and Nordic coastal environment—cold water, short steep seas and year-round use—not unlike British Columbia. TG boats are considered more functional coastal cruisers and all-weather commuters than luxury craft, and that earns them points. While not as globally prominent as some Scandinavian brands, TG has built a solid reputation for practical, no-nonsense utility boats.
TG Boats was founded in the early 1970s in Porvoo, Finland, by boat-builder Tage Gustafson. He initially produced fibreglass racing boats before shifting into practical cabin cruisers suited to Baltic conditions. In 1989, Gustafson sold the original TG-Marin company but retained the designs, continuing production by forming TG-Boat Oy with his brother. The business later operated under Freja Marine Oy, still led by the second generation of the Gustafson family, until 2021 when it was acquired by Oy Otto Brandt Ab. Today, TG Boats are built in Finland as part of the Brandt Group’s marine division with ongoing involvement from the Gustafson family. Brandt is a multi-generational Finnish family-owned company whose marine division produces vessels in the four to eight-metre (13’ to 26’) range, including rotomolded plastic boats (Terhi), aluminum/hybrid boats (Silver) and fibreglass TG Boats.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The 7.9 is a good-looking boat with an almost straight sheer, but with a stylish shallow scoop midships, a large pilothouse and forward-sloping windows. The test boat was powered by a 4.2-litre, 300-horse-power V6 Yamaha outboard. It is the largest of TG’s enclosed wheelhouse models alongside the TG 6.1 (20’) and 6.9 (22’6”), and it’s the beefier sister to the standard 7.9 with additional reinforcement in the hull and transom to accommodate larger outboards and higher speeds, along with enhanced soundproofing for a quieter ride. Built for all-weather use, it has a top speed of 40 knots.
One notable design feature is that the hull is engineered to ventilate while underway, preventing condensation buildup and helping keep internal structures dry even in wet offshore conditions. The system helps maintain the integrity of the fibreglass and reduces the chance of mould or mildew. A thoughtful detail.
ON DECK
The compact cockpit has seating for four on three seats. I was immediately impressed by the amount of storage under the seating. The 7.9 is set up to deploy the anchor aft, with a stainless anchor rack on the port side and a molded triangular extension that keeps the anchor clear of the transom.
The bow arrangement is unusual and departs from a conventional bow-anchoring setup. Access forward is via narrow (but workable) raised non-skid side decks with solid cabin-top handrails or through the pilothouse via a forward door. The starboard side of the foredeck is raised to accommodate a compact double berth below, accessed through a hinged door and hinged lid, with the optional electric head tucked beneath the cushions. The port side remains open, with molded steps leading to the bow, where a removable ladder can be fitted for shore access—a layout clearly rooted in Nordic practice. A very large scupper ensures that any water that comes aboard drains quickly.
All hardware is finished in black, powder-coated steel rather than stainless. It’s an uncommon choice, but the black paint suits the boat’s utilitarian look.
More notably, there is no obvious provision for a traditional bow anchor system. The bow locker was empty on the test boat with no visible strongpoint for securing the rode and no hawse pipe or deck feed. A panel forward appears intended for mounting the optional bow ladder rather than anchor gear.
This points to a boat configured primarily for stern anchoring rather than conventional bow anchoring. In Nordic use, this typically means approaching shore bow-first, deploying a stern anchor to hold position and running bow lines ashore. It’s a practical system in areas with limited dock infrastructure and tight anchorages, though the lack of a dedicated bow anchoring setup may be a limitation in markets where bow-first anchoring is standard practice. That said, Thunderbird believes a windlass could be installed with a proper backing plate.
PILOTHOUSE
The walkthrough cabin is entered through a wide, half-width sliding door. A similarly wide hinged door (with integrated windshield wipers) provides access forward. Combined with the large manual sliding skylight, the 7.9 opens up nicely on warm days. Inside, large, bonded glass windows provide excellent light and 360 degree visibility.
The interior is a mix of dark grey faux suede upholstery, carpet-lined cabin sides and a soft beige cloth headliner. This contrasts with removable grey carpets and a gloss white gelcoat. With the carpets removed, the interior can be easily washed down. Sturdy handholds are well placed throughout, and storage is everywhere—impressive for a boat this size. Headroom is 1.9 metres (6’ 3”).
The dinette to starboard is fitted with a removable teak table. When removed, a filler section creates a double berth. That filler section and the cushions are stored neatly in the opposing settee locker. That settee also converts into a berth. Combined with the bow berth, the 7.9 can sleep five—impressive for a 26-footer, provided you’re all on good terms.
Forward of the dinette are twin helm seats. Under the port seat is a sink with a hand pump and a 10-litre (12.6-gallon) portable water tank. Under the helm seat is a small fridge and icemaker. There is no stove or cooktop, though a barbecue can be fitted to the cockpit rails.
The helm is clean and uncluttered with a central wheel, chartplotter to starboard and rocker switches to port. Nothing blocks the forward view. Vents tied to the soon-to-be-installed optional diesel heater should help keep the windshield clear. To starboard are the throttleand trim tab controls, along with a deep storage pocket and drink holder. Overhead is a panel with radio controls and the Yamaha digital engine display.
Even in steep chop the 7.9 handles with ease, reaching speeds up to 40 knots.UNDERWAY
As soon as we cleared Horseshoe Bay, we were getting bounced around. Hoping for calmer water in the lee of Bowyer Island, we headed toward Sunset Marina. Despite the conditions, we were quartering the seas and maintaining 30 knots in relative comfort while staying completely dry. The prominent forward chines and fine entry likely contribute to the soft, dry ride in the short, steep chop. I expected more pounding, but the ride was better than anticipated. Visibility was excellent through the large windows.
Fuel numbers were approximate due to the conditions: at a displacement speed of eight knots (2,000 rpm), our fuel burn was 12.9 litres per hour (3.4 USG); on the plane at 3,500 rpm our speed was 23 knots and we were burning 26.5 litres per hour (seven USG). At 31 knots (4,500 rpm) we were burning only 53 litres per hour (14 USG). Top speed was an impressive 40 knots—even in those conditions. These are strong figures, roughly two to three miles per gallon. There was almost no bow rise coming onto plane and none when using the SeaStar trim tabs. Hydraulic steering was precise with a good, responsive feel. The boat leaned nicely into turns with no prop slip. The 7.9 proved easy to handle and can be fitted with a bow thruster to simplify docking.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
While the 7.9 is not a luxury yacht, it checks most of the boxes as an all-weather commuter and capable weekender. It appears well engineered and well built. The two combination start/house batteries should be adequate given the modest electrical load, though a charger is optional. Its 40-knot speed means you can get where you need to go quickly—and do so efficiently. With forced-air heat and an enclosed pilothouse, the 7.9 is well suited to year-round use. Price as tested: $262,000.
SPECS
LOA 8.03 m / 26′ 4″
Beam 2.59 m / 8′ 6″
Draft 0.60 m / 23′ 6″
Weight (w/o outboard) 1,550 kg / 2,417 lbs
Fuel 250 L / 66 USG
Water 10 L / 2.6 USG
Holding 40 L / 10.5 USG
Built by
TG Boats
Finland
tgboats.fi
Sold in North America by
Thunderbird Yacht Sales
West Vancouver
604-921-7457