BigBendFishing.Net

My BIL in Pensacola was given this antique boat that has been in the donor's family for years. It was a planned restoration project that never got off the ground and the boat has been kept stored inside. No identifying logos or placards. The wood is solid throughout. I'm going to check with some of my sources to try and determine the make, but with all the expertise on this board, thought I'd check here as well. The boat is 18-20 feet LOA and has extensive hardwood construction. The engine that came off it is a 1957 Sea Bee with dual cable steering. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'd post this over on iboats.com and thehulltruth.com as well. Lots of old salts over there and plenty of restorations to follow.

Thanks for the suggestion, Lonesouth. Not a fan of THT and not a member of iBoats. I'm hoping Pa sees my post. I've also reached out to my contacts in the marine industry so we'll see what develops. I'll do a follow-up if I learn any details.

I would have to guess a Chris Craft or Thompson. That looks like it could really be worth saving and also very costly but a great project.

I thought about Chris Craft too, Reelbad, until I saw the photos. Don't believe CC built any of this style. I'll see what I can find out about Thompson boats. Thanks for the lead.

It would be a fun project to restore, but unfortunately I didn't win the PowerBall drawing again Saturday night and I've got enough to keep up with on the Bayshore.

SORRY FOR THE LATE REPLY. I WOULD ALMOST BET THE SOUTH FORTY THAT THE BOAT IS A THOMPSON, WE HAD ONE LIKE THAT BACK IN THE EARLY 50'S , WE WOULD PUT THE BABIES UP UNDER THE CABIN AND BABE AND I WOULD TROLL FOR HOURS ON END.
PA
SEMPER FI

Thanks PA. Do you have any more details on Thompson Boats, like where they were made, models, power packages?

Reelbad, any relatives of yours?

Cool boat Dave. Let us know what you find out.

Thompson's have an interesting history it appears:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_Boat

Looks like these guys put you on the right track as well:

http://www.boatsforsale-ads.com/ads/196 ... _25693.php

silverking wrote:Thanks PA. Do you have any more details on Thompson Boats, like where they were made, models, power packages?

Reelbad, any relatives of yours?

As Forrest Gump would say about Bubba, we are not of relations. Thompson Bros. was bought by Chris Craft in the early sixties?

Thanks Brian. That looks like the winner. Interesting read on Wikipedia. I've tested both Rampage (owned by parent company of Cruiser) and Chris Crafts over the years but didn't know the connection.

It appears my BIL has a nice project boat that is museum worthy, but he hasn't won the PowerBall either.

Woodenboat.com

Thanks Chalk. Don't you need another project boat?

Thanks for all the replies and help, gang. It seems my BIL has indeed found a classic Thompson cabin cruiser that is in need of some serious TLC. Here's one that's already been restored. Found it on Thompsondockside.com.

No! Thinking of selling the bhass boat