thompsondockside.com

Recently I had the good fortune to purchase my second Thonmpson, a TVT 13'6" row/motor boat from the late 30's or early 40's. What was a suprise for me was that the boat was purchased from Thompson Marine in Woodruff/Minocqua and the boat came with its original set of oars and a Thompson boat trailer. The trailer has a metal oval tag rivited onto a cross member with the wording "Thompson Bro. Boat Mfg. Co., Peshtigo, Wi." "Thompson Boat Trailer ser. no. 724". I've never seen or heard of this trailer before, yet all seems to be original and was purchased from an old woman who bought the family lake cottage in the 40's and the boat and trailer came with it. Andreas is aware that Thompson sold trailers but hasn'r seen one nor does he have much history with them. Does anyone know anything about these trailers, or know where I can go to find out. I plan on completely restoring the entire package. Thanks in advance for your help.

FISHNTIME

FISHNTIME,

Not much is known about Thompson trailers. I noticed they where first shown as an accessory in the 1949 literature and last shown in the 1958 literature.
I have no idea if these were made by Thompson or if they were made for Thomspon by some other trailer company.
The earlier catologs show two models Model 1 for 12 to 14 foot boats and Model 2 for 15 to 16 foot boats. Standard tire sizes were 4.50 x 12. The trailer weight was 200 lbs. with a Capacity of 700 pounds.
Constructed with a square tubular center frame with coil springs, shocks and steel fenders. They state the trailer is desided to allow the keel to rest on top of the square tubular steel tongue. For ease of loading and unloading, the trailer is equipped with end rollers on the trailer frame, and a powerfull geared winch, which makes it easy for one man to handle the boat. Painted in attactive Thompson Green, to match you boat. The lirerature also states th trail can be furnished with standard size tires - price on application.
The later literature shows small rollers set into the top of the tubular frame instead of the keel resting directly on the tube as the earlier photos show.

Good Luck and let us know if you find out any additional info on these trailers.

Phill

The Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co. brochures show trailers in the 1920s or 1930s for a few years. They again appear later. I don't have any of my archive with me anymore (it's in a PODS for my pending move), so I am going on memory.

The one in a 1958 accessory brochure looks just like a Tee Nee.

I highly doubt that Thomspon made any of the trailers. I am sure they were made by some other firm and just badged "Thompson." This was common. Aluma-Craft Boat had trailers for a few years and they were made by Tee Nee.

The only place I have ever encountered anything about Thompson boat trailers is in their own literature.

Andreas

Phil,
Thanks so much for the information. SWounds like I have model #1 due to its age, however the trailer frame stops just behind the rear axel and only one square tube extends another 6'+ to support the keel. It is equipted with rollers on the center tube. If you can forward a catalog page so I can ID it correctly, I'd be greatful. Ypu can send directly to twupnorth@nnex.net. Again, thanks for your help.

fshntime

Andreas,

Thanks again for the update. Slowly, I'm learning about this trailer and still would like to learn the year. Thanks for all your help.

Fshntime

Hey, Any chance you can send me some pics of your TVT ?? I'm trying to restore one that had some bad restorations done on it, so i'm winging it on some things. I could use a pic of the transom inside and out showing the transom braces, and maybe a couple of shots of the side hull either portside or starboard and lastly one of the bow. I think mine has the original oars too. Are yours painted gray ?? thanks for you time.

fshntime wrote:Recently I had the good fortune to purchase my second Thonmpson, a TVT 13'6" row/motor boat from the late 30's or early 40's. What was a suprise for me was that the boat was purchased from Thompson Marine in Woodruff/Minocqua and the boat came with its original set of oars and a Thompson boat trailer. The trailer has a metal oval tag rivited onto a cross member with the wording "Thompson Bro. Boat Mfg. Co., Peshtigo, Wi." "Thompson Boat Trailer ser. no. 724". I've never seen or heard of this trailer before, yet all seems to be original and was purchased from an old woman who bought the family lake cottage in the 40's and the boat and trailer came with it. Andreas is aware that Thompson sold trailers but hasn'r seen one nor does he have much history with them. Does anyone know anything about these trailers, or know where I can go to find out. I plan on completely restoring the entire package. Thanks in advance for your help.

FISHNTIME

TCVC
Sure, I've got a 12 foot restored and a 13.6 that's in good shape to photo. They're both a little different since they've changed slightly over the years of production but as soon as I get the camera out and get my wife to download them I will. Forward ypur e-mail to twupnorth@nnex.net.
Fshntime.

Great thanks, the more pic's the better. E-mail- "Beach-bum-willy@hotmail.com"

fshntime wrote:TCVC
Sure, I've got a 12 foot restored and a 13.6 that's in good shape to photo. They're both a little different since they've changed slightly over the years of production but as soon as I get the camera out and get my wife to download them I will. Forward ypur e-mail to twupnorth@nnex.net.
Fshntime.