thompsondockside.com

if you have ever replaced this item on a sea coaster (mine is a '57 15 footer), I would REALLY appreciate any advice/hints as to how to proceed. Johnson lumber in charlotte, Michigan suggested quarter sawn white oak which I used. using the method suggested by folks on this site, I steamed the piece for approximately an hour and a half. then, with a jig modeled on the old piece, my son, my son-in-law, and I bent the inner stem (not an easy task). after that experience, i'm going to laminate the outer stem per the suggestion of a friend who owns an award winning chris craft now that the inner stem is bent, there are rabbits (sp) which need to be cut for the first seven or eight frames. i'm not sure of the number because of the deterioration in the old piece. this is where ANY advice would be REALLY, REALLY helpful. thank you...

Andre,

Look under the History Tab on Dockside Views Andreas posted picture of the factory production line which might be helpful. I will try to attach a link here.

http://www.thompsondockside.com/phpBB3/ ... 3420#p7569

If this does not work look it up under "History", the post was titled "Thompson Factory Picture" dated Feb. 15, 2010. It is about half way down the first page of posts (20th down).

Good Luck,

Phill

thanks for your effort phil. I was interested in how to cut the rabbets (although I just found out that is not what those notches in the inner stem where the frames meet it are called - can't recall the correct terms). I can copy the old notches but a few are terribly deteriorated/distorted. nevertheless, the picture was helpful when I go to join the inner stem/keel. as an aside, that is one formidable clamp where the two meet !!!! thanks again...

Andre,

Not knowing what tools you have available, I think you can do this a number of different ways. A chisel and mallet, a vibratory saw and chisel or a router with a jig to guide the bit which you can clamp in place. In any case I do not believe there is any way of doing it easily. I have not had to do this yet, but may have to when I get to restoring my 12 foot Super Deluxe Runabout. I have the vibratory saw so I will try that first.

Good Luck,

Phill

thanks again, phil. I like your suggestion. I know it isn't going to be easy because a boat restoration company in saugatuk, Michigan wanted to charge me seven hundred dollars to duplicate it, and they have the correct tools! when you look at the various angles, it's easy to understand why they wanted that sum of money...