New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Crazei · Dec 21, 2011

Hello,
I just got a boat yesterday and have begun to search around for a place to hang and learn more. This site looked quite active and i thought i would see how things are here. This is my first boat, and i don't even know what i don't know yet. I got this boat from a friend that just didn't have time for it, and I was looking for something that my son and i could use and maybe restore if we found it interesting. What I know so far is only what i have been told about it; I am told it is a 1969 19' Thompson. My friend is currently digging around for the title and paperwork he has on it so I have not had a chance to look into that yet, but I figured I might find some good info here to get me started. Any help and direction I could get would be greatly appriciated.

sdw41lite · Dec 21, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

This is a great site for everything you want to know. I joined in sept and have learned alot here.

produceguy · Dec 21, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Welcome to iboats Crazei.

HANGEYE · Dec 21, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Welcome to iboats Crazei. You have come to the right place. More info here than at the library. Just a little FYI, you will be asked for pictures of your boat. Lots of pictures.

Crazei · Dec 21, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Cool. Tomorrow i plan to take a bunch of pictures; front view, back view, dash, seats, all the rest. I am hoping someone will know more about this boat, at the moment all I know is that I was told is was a '69 Thompson, and that the previous owner thinks it is a Sea Lancer. There is not a hull identification number that I have found on the boat yet. The picture at the beginning of this thread is viewable, correct? I do have the serial number that is stamped on a plate on the inside of the hull, but apparently that is near useless to gather info so far lol.

chriscraft254 · Dec 21, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

That is one COOL ride man. It is definately a Thompson Sea Lancer. And it looks to be in pretty damn good shape! You got very lucky imo picking this thing up! What did you give for it if I might ask. I know a little about these boats because they were actually purchased by Chris-Craft industries in 1962, there basically what started the Corsair line for Chris Craft! 1970 was the last year of the Mahogany boats for thompson, so you found a jewel.

Here is a link that will direct you to some good info and pics of the old Thompsons. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...9NCBAg&usg=AFQjCNGuBgTDhAM17M-VcBH27KGuD9d2pQ

Good luck and enjoy. Post the pics, can't wait to see the rest of her.

Mi duckdown · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

It looks to be a Thompson also. There is probably not a hull number at that age.
Nice Boat. and handles well.
Buy any chance do you boat on the great lakes?
There were tons of them boating in the 70/80' on the detroit river.
Nice find.

Mi duckdown · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

From the hull design it may also be a Penyann.??
I'm leaning that way NOW.
Inboard?
Can't read the rear sticker. Wood or glass?

Crazei · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

I am in Northwest Washington, Bellingham to be exact. It is wood with an inboard. I paid $1,200 for it, with some other parts (forgive me if I name anything incorrectly lol; an extra riser, prop, and some other stuff I can't recall the name of atm). My friend has two other boats, much larger, and this one was just sitting on it's trailer. He did not have time to care for it and knew that I was looking for something. The white paint is flaking in spots and the seats look as if they might need some TLC, but the wood looks like it will need just a bit of love to bring out the luster. I am really looking forward to pulling this into my garage this weekend and seeing what I want to get started on. He was restoring it with his son this summer and put alot into the engine, but i guess the son changed his mind, so his loss is my gain it appears. Thank you all for the welcome, please keep asking me questions, lol, then I at least know what i need to find out. =)

JoLin · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Welcome to iboats! I can't stress enough the importance of getting some formal training before you put that boat in the water for the first time. A basic boating course by the United States Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary will start you on your way. Take a course with a local chapter and you'll learn a lot about boating in your particular area.

I'm a Power Sqwuadron member, and you won't meet more helpful and knowledgable folks anywhere.

Best of luck to you.

southkogs · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Sure looks like a Thompson. Nice looking boat.

Welcome aboard! If you've got good floors and no leaks - engine runs smooth and shifts properly - you're probably in pretty good shape to start using it. Strong 2nd on a little formal training. USPS or CGA are great places to start - or if your friend want to go out with you a couple of times to get the hang of it. Surprisingly, even running on protected waters (bays, rivers and inland lakes) has some dangers to it that can sneak up on the inexperienced.

Best wishes.

Crazei · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Yes, it is my plan to take a boating course. It is also the law in Washington to take a training course before piloting a boat in the state, as far as I am aware.

Texasmark · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Read my signature below....food for thought. Good Luck.

Don S · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Here is the official Wa. state boating info. You can also take the course online.

http://parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/

http://parks.wa.gov/publications/boating/Boating Safety Class Schedule.pdf

Mohawkmtrs · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

I totally agree with JoLin...I'm a member of Canadian Power Squadron. I gained my Celestial Navigator designation a few years ago and teach the Marine Maintenance course also.

You won't meet any friendlier and knowledgeable people than here and the Power Squadron.

steelespike · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Looks like its an I/O that will be easier to handle. Is it a Mercruiser? $?,6, or 8 cyl.?
Wood boats can be very attractive They do require a little different up keep but if you keep it protected from the weather with a well vented cover or under a roof of some sort
The finish will last many years.I refinished a boat in 82 and the finish was still respectable
in 2002. I was lucky enough to have a boat house to keep it in winter and summer.

Crazei · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Here is the first batch of pictures I took today. Let me know what you think.

Crazei · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Second batch

Crazei · Dec 22, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Final batch

southkogs · Dec 23, 2011

Re: New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

Yep. She's a great lookin' boat. Could be a real "stunner" if you do some fixin' here or there. You did getcha' an OMC electric shift ... welcome to my world

How does it run?

New Boat Owner: I don't know what I don't know yet.

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