Trailering a Take-Along

Mike J · Post by **Mike J** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:43 am

I am in the process of restoring a Thompson Take-Along. I intend to trailer it. Could I put an eye bolt in the bow to load and unload or should I use some other method?

W Guy · Post by **W Guy** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 1:28 pm

Mike,
We like pictures!!! And the details inside the bow will help get you your answer.

Phill Blank · Post by **Phill Blank** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 5:23 am

Mike,

Yes, you can add a bow eye to your take-a-long. Infact in the 1950 Thompson literature one is shown on their 14 footer on page 17.
From what you can see in the photo the bow eye is located at the center of the spray rails on the bow stem. That is the same position the bow eyes are located on my two Thompson TVT Super Deluxe Runabouts.

Most of the bow eyes I have seen on the Thomspon TVT's are hot dipped galvanized cast or forged style of eye bolts with a opening size of 1" I.D. and 3/8" bolt diameter.

Good Luck

Phill

LancerBoy · Post by **LancerBoy** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:04 am

Yup, no problem. Pretty sure our family 1958 Take-Along has one (owned since 1961).

Find an old style one. Don't use one you purchase at West Marine or similar. They just look horrible on an old boat.

Andreas

Mike J · Post by **Mike J** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:09 am

Thanks everyone for your advise. I did find a cast eye bolt that will work. It looks old style.

W Guy · Post by **W Guy** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:27 pm

No photos Mike??? I love to see the old Thompson row boats!

Mike J · Post by **Mike J** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:28 am

Here are more pictures of my project. I will try to update as I progress. Comments welcome.

Mike

Phill Blank · Post by **Phill Blank** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 12:27 pm

Mike,

That boat looks in absolutely fantastic shape. You do not find many that good anymore.

Hope to see it at the Rally this June.

Good Luck,

Phill

W Guy · Post by **W Guy** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:11 pm

Thanks Mike. I love the look of natural wood on the sides, rather than paint or canvas. I'm still looking for mine at a price I can tolerate. No $2K-$3K row boats for me!!
Verne