91 thompson 240 Fisherman stringers and transom

Has anyone repaired the transom and stringers on this boat I'm new to this forum and would appreciate any and all suggestions.I've did body work on autos before also if there is any good books on these projects

 

many years ago i worked at Thompson boat's in St Charles Mich .

 

I've repaired several Thompson's over the years. Post some pictures.

 

Once I pull the 305 out of the boat I will be able to assess the transom better
also check the stringers out by lifting the floor I intend on taking pics as I go to see if it will be worth while,the exterior of boat is great looks new just a few scratches and dings, like I said I'm green at this but am retired so have some time

 

Chico the 240 as always had alot of problems because the lack of quality and poor workmanship from not sealing weep holes properly , poor layup ext ext and at that time building a boat was not a matter of quality but how fast it could get out the door and in those years Thompson Boat Co was very close to closing its doors and when ever i go back home to vist friends and family i go right by the old plant which actually is a newer plant and it really is to bad because there are alot of molds sitting out side in a fenced in area and the place looks like a ghost town which at one time employed over have the town .

 

240Thompson

G.G. Have you worked on this type of boat and is it repairable.I like how deep it is and would be using it on Erie .When I'm done there wont be any leaking weep holes

 

Everything is repairable, though often times it's wise to leave things alone, usually an economic issue. Yes, your boat could be repaired.

 

I dont get the economic issue If the repairs are to costly I may be able to pick something up more sea worthy

 

Without pictures and much more detail about the nature of your boat's needs, answering the economic question will be quite difficult.

For example, you'll be ripping out the sole, replacing stringers, the transom core and installing a new sole, what shape is the engine and drive in? With a healthy engine and drive, you're most of the way home, but if these two need over haul, then maybe a better base for your project is in order.

In the end only you can make the economic decisions, but for most people having a reasonably starting point is a good way to insure you don't get into a project that's way over your head.

 

Will be getting some photos soon oil pan did have some water mixed with it was going to re power thank you for your information. the boat sits so high on the trailer and with the deep v I almost need a crane to get the engine out will post photos once its out and can get some looks

 

A common trick with these deep V hulls is to park the trailer wheels in a hole or rut, so the trailer frame is nearly on the ground, then use an engine hoist to snatch the small block out of there. You can also let the air out of the tires to gain a few more inches too. Yes, you're correct you do have to hoist it a long way up before it'll clear the rails. I use a chain fall mounted about 20' off the ground for the hoist, when clear of the boat, it's dragged off to another area of the yard, usually where hull work will be preformed. The engine dangling from the hoist, is transferred to a stand or more often to another hoist (on wheels) to be carted off for what ever.

 

Hey guy i have done more then my share of transom's and stringers on Thompson boat's even when i woked there and when you say stringers are they just the stringer's that support the motor or do they go beyond.......... either way you will have to cut out a portion of the liner to repair and replace the stringers . Hey guy this work is something you very well can do but the question is do you want to.... and really have the time because that is all it involves and how much you are willing to let your wallet bare for purchasing materials from fabric, new Wood , to resin Epoxy or.... Abrasives ,Acetone , Laminating roller , Roller with cover's , gloves, Rubber or Latex ,Brushes , Cabosil , Buckets , ext . Chico , i am not trying to scare you from doing this project because afterall it is only a dumb piece of fiberglass and you are much smarter then it .Chico i know just what you mean by sitting so high on the trailer ha ha and to tell you the truth they are a good rough water boat and widely used here in Mich by sportsman today .

 

Chico, this is a subject we often have to tip toe around as the novice has no idea what they're about to get into. This was my point with the economic decisions. No only do you have to buy stuff, but the worst part is doing some of the jobs. There's just no pleasantness to grinding 'glass, no zen, na-da on finding a groove, it just blows. There are some tricks to lower your discomfort, but some tasks just suck. On the other hand there's absolutely nothing more rewarding then cursing the "beast" for months, but then she rolls off the trailer in to the wet for which she was meant again and the smile on your face and pride in your sole is priceless and for some worth every forgotten itch.

I say go for it, but read up on previous threads where they discuss the same issues you will encounter.

I've saved dozens of boats from the land fill and it's very rewarding, especially when you find a $500 boat, slide a $500 trailer under it and sell it for $7,500 after only putting only 2 or 3 grand into it. Don't hold your breath on these kind of "happenings", it takes skill to know what boat to try this on, but if it's a keeper then it's all good. Give it a shot, the worst that can happen is your wife will divorce you, it'll eat you out of house and home and the neighbors will constantly call the cops on you, for the continuous grinder noise.