Thursday October 23, 2014

The restoration of an 18 ft, 1963 Thompson…or “Rob’s Folly!”
This marine ply lapstrake Thompson runabout was purchased in Michigan this past June for $1500, including the trailer. It seemed like an excellent value, as the owner had dropped the price by about 75%. A close inspection was impossible, as the floor boards and sides had been covered with stapled and glued indoor-outdoor carpeting. When the carpeting was removed, a significant number of broken, rotted ribs, several bad planks and a damaged interior keel were discovered. It seemed a shame to scrap the Thompson, so restorative work began.
At first blush, the boat looked great!


Unfortunately, the engine needed removal to access the affected planks and ribs. The shop ceiling was too low to allow for interior removal so an excavator was employed for the job!


This view shows the Thompson interior stern end minus the engine! It’s difficult to see the damaged areas without a closer look.

Finally, the Thompson was hauled to a friend’s shop so work could begin on removing the affected planking. As this Thompson’s lapstrake planking was fastened with nuts and bolts, (countersunk and puttied over, removing the hundreds of fastenings can up to five minutes for each one!(Video below)