1963 Thompson Damages (Lots of Pics)

[Roger Stouff]

Apologies to any folks using dial-up. smile.gif

First, the bow, showing how it was messed up resting on the trailer:
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-bow.jpg
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-bow1.jpg

Now, a view from the stern, showing the twist in the forward hull:
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-twist.jpg
And a shot of the stem and keel joint, where I think the twist originated. This is right over the point where the stress from the trailer in the first two pics falls:
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-stem.jpg
Further damage to the ribs in other sections along the keel:
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-ribs.jpg
http://www.banner-tribune.com/ftos/thompson/thompson-ribs1.jpg
I learned the that boat is a 1963 Super Lancer. Does anyone have any information on it? 19 feet long, by the way.

So what's the verdict? Total loss? Or with time, patience and loving attention, a worthy project? I have my runabout to enjoy, so I'm not itching to get on the water all the time.

Recommended restoration books?

Recommended therapist? Shaman? Alcoholic beverage?

Humble regards from the Rez,
R

[Noah]

Well, it looks like a lot of work. It is tough to say if you should restore or not. Try getting the twist out of the hull, and then see where you are. Here is how to get the twist out of the hull...

Get some old tires, and soak them in Diesel. Arrange them on the ground to support the whole boat evenly. Slide the boat off the trailer and onto the tires. Build a small fire in the center of one of the tires, making sure that the tire will light up good. Get boat really hot. Watch boat burn. Drink a Gin & Tonic (Good with heat).

Now your decision on whether to rebuild her or not will be much easier.

Good luck.

Noah

[Roger Stouff]

:D
Actually, a much less drastic measure I tried: I had a friend watch down the centerline from the back, while I pushed up on the right side of the bow. He said that when I did, everything lined right back up perfectly. So I'm thinking that, if flipped over onto a level cradle, it's own weight will do most of the correction. Then, with some slight adjustment here and there, I can replace the damaged sections with new wood and she should stay back in shape.

If that doesn't work, I'll look for tires. ;)

[Noah]

Without seats and a proper deck these boats are prone to twisting. If you decide to restore the boat I'm betting that you will be able to get it and keep it in the correct postition. You should note that it is very crucial to get everything straight, as the boat will act funny at high speeds if it isn't...

Good luck. BTW, I just got a 19ft 1963 or so Penn Yan Inboard/outboard. It looks very similar to what your thompson. I haven't found much rot yet, and all the ribs/hull seem to be in great condition. I will try to post pictures soon.
BTW, I paid $325 for it.

Noah

[Dan Payne]

I always liked the Thompson look (being a Wisconsin Cheesehead) and its always a heartbreaker to give up on a wood boat. However, lots of small runabouts out there, as you know. How deep do you want to get into this? Best of Luck. dp

[Roger Stouff]

Noah,
I think you're right, it can go straight again, and also, it HAS to be straight to run properly. As mentioned, I have plenty of time and patience. smile.gif

Dan, you are quite correct, but err only in geography. Wooden boats in my area are rare, particularly classic woodies. The occasional bateau or skiff from a garage shows up, but this is the first classic I've seen from a manufacturer in my whole life. But that notwithstanding, I am looking forward to the challenge. If it seems I've bitten off more than I can chew, what have I lost? A little time, a few bucks. I think I can do it, with the advice and knowledge base of all you fine people here.

Man, can I butter up or what? smile.gif

Best regards from the Rez,
R

[Hugh Paterson]

Roger, get the boat off the trailer onto "hard standing" and jack it back into shape/position using car hydraulic jacks slowly. A couple of builders spirit levels fore and aft and a plumb bob should help tell you if your eyes tell lies or not. I would then "lock" it into that position using a box section cradle built under the boat to hold it like that while you carry out the rebuild but 4" x 4"'s would do the same job, as long as the ground below the boat was solid (not dirt). Happy woodhacking, OF course its worth
saving ;)

Shug.

[Biofish]

I am jealous.. You have 3 boats and all i have is 1/2 a boat and a messy garage!...

Heeh.... Good luck Rog.!~

Rob

[gary porter]

Roger, looks like your going to have alot of fun and learn alot along the way. You know , most anything wood can, even if not economically feasible, be repaired. Your already tied into a great resource of folks here that can and will help. Its kinda like this,, you can do it, and you told the guy you would. There you have it. Try Frame, Stem, and Keel Repair by the Wooden Boat folks and Walter J. Simmons has a book called Repair thats a good read too. Your gonna have fun. Gary smile.gif

[Alan D. Hyde]

Roger, if you want to do it, it will be gratifying: a chance to develop skills and ingenuity, to learn more. There's nothing needed that persistence, resourcefulness and effort can't put right.

On the other hand, if you don't wish to do it, it'll be a PITA. And we do, increasingly, live in a "throw-it-away-and-get-a-new-one" society. So you'll likely hear some comments along that line.

It's up to you, Roger; you decide. No one else. Just you.

Alan

[John of Phoenix]

So what's the verdict? Total loss? Or with time, patience and loving attention, a worthy project? With that combination, anything is possible. (Except my ex. :D )

Sure, go for it. Every time I see a boat like this, I'm reminded of the "spirit" comment from the Restoration thread. This one needs a bit of spirit mending, but she'll love ya that much more for it.

[Ed Harrow]

We assume this to be a gift? What about the sail boat, the experience of sailing which you wrote such a wonderful piece. When are you going to build that ;) ?

[G. Schollmeier]

Sure, you brought a puppy home. Now you want to know if you should keep it just because it has a bent tail and a few fleas. :D I think you knew you would keep it before you got it home. Good luck we'll be watching. smile.gif
Gary

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

Congrats on obtaining a THOMPSON. Restore it - don't destroy it. I have six of 'em and only one floats. The second, a 1957 Sea Lancer 17 ft. lapstrake will soon be water ready again!

What is the hull ID (stamped into the wood of the transom) and what is the serial number(on a metal tag)? Note that these are two different and distinct IDs. Is there an OBC tag with maximum ratings for HP and weight? Getting this data along with the lengths should narrow down (or in your case, confirm) the model and year.

The 1963 Model 1800 Super Lancer is 19'-11" in length around the gunwale and 18'-4" long at the centerline. Transom width is 74" and width amid is 88".

The second annual THOMPSON ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT RALLY takes place 9-10-11 August 2002 at Nestegg Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin (six miles from Peshtigo). I am founder and coordinator of the Rally.

Have you checked out the Thompson Dockside newsletter and webpage? www.thompsondockside.com (http://www.thompsondockside.com)

[GROOVY]

Go for it ....
You CAN do it.

[Roger Stouff]

Andreas,
I certainly have been to your site, as pointed out to me by another forumite.

I haven't look for the numbers stamped on the boat, but the registration lists it as 24688. The measurements you listed sound right, but I'll verify them. I believe it is a Super Lancer by the emblem on the dash, which does not appear to have been modified.

You'll be hearing from me again!

G., you're right, of course...I just need a cheering section some times. smile.gif

Ed, I'm afraid the sailboat will have to wait. However, you'll be pleased to note, the young lady who took me sailing for the first time back in November and I are now dating seriously, so I do have access to a sailboat! :D

JohnT, you know, you're right. I can feel the pained spirit in it. I think that's why I wanted to bring it home so badly.

Rob, do a good job on Zip, and somebody'll give you a Thompson, too! smile.gif

Hugh, sounds like the plan I have in mind. I still need to do a lot of prep work just to get it ready to work on. But it's stable now, and not deterioating any further.

Gary, those books are on my list, for certain. I plan to order in the next couple weeks.

Alan, I want nothing to do with a throw-away society! That in itself is reason enough to restore, you're right.

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

Hey Roger, don't trust a state registration to be at all accurate. The "24688" you mention could possible be the Thompson serial number. Or it could be the hull ID stamped into the transom (these two are different and distinct and have different meanings). I highly recommend getting to the boat and finding that hull ID stamped into the wood of the transom, inside the boat. It usually is on the starboard side, sometimes it is stamped upside down. It usually starts with a letter followed by several numbers and ends with another letter.

I have made the assumption that this is a boat made by Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co. of Peshtigo, Wisconsin and NOT by any of the other "Thompson" boat firms.