I took more than a year, but I'm getting started on restoring the hull of my 1962 Thompson Sea Mate. I pulled the outboard, removed the windshield & hardware from the deck, then yanked her off the trailer. Tomorrow I will carefully flip the boat keel-side up with the help of Mrs. HB and the Ubergeek.
The gallery of photos I posted when I first brought home the "Hoarded Treasure" is here. I'll be refinishing the hull with paint from the George Kirby, Jr. Paint Co., in business since 1846. I need to remove the outer keel, to seal and caulk it in order to reduce the current leak rate. I should be done well in advance of the Thompson Reunion next August in Marinette.
Partial antidote to minus two Fahrenheit
I just watched the DVD from the 2006 Thompson Antique & Classic Boat Rally held last August in Marinette. The 1959 Sea Coaster we restored in 2005 made the trip. It was so chilly that I had to buy long sleeved shirts for my wife and myself. It must have been in the 60's. I felt warmer just viewing the DVD.
In September I bought our next project, a 1962 Thompson Sea Mate. This boat is in wonderful condition and only requires new paint on the hull and resealing of the keel. Another fun project for warmer weather.
