thompsondockside.com

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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

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