How old is it?

Trina · Post by **Trina** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:39 pm

I have acquired an 8' Thompson dinghy and am wondering how old it is. It is cedar strip/canvas with a data plate on the bow which states that it was made in Peshtigo. The number on the inside of the transom is: DX3 361. Any ideas? Thanks.

a j r · Post by **a j r** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 11:28 pm

I'll be darn. I didn't think Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co. made anything as small as 8 ft. in the 1950s. But lo and behold I looked at the 1953 brochure and sure enuff they did.

The hull ID "DX3361" indicates the 361st boat made in the year 1953. They made 'em in 7 ft. 8 ft. and 10 ft. lengths and they were just plain and simply calld "Dingys." They were constructed similar to the Take-Along models and the brochure says "plastic covered." I am not sure if that indicates canvas or fiberglass.

This probably is a very rare Thompson.

Pictures can be obtained on the Thompson Boat Brochures CD-ROM available from Dan Miller at www.dragonflycanoe.com

Andreas

Trina · Post by **Trina** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 5:14 am

Thanks Andreas. It is a very cute little boat and will hang in my game room with Dad's 1950 Old Town canoe.