Wooden Boat Restoration

Technical article providing recommendations for treating Thistle hulls with fungicides to prevent rot and decay, with specific product recommendations.

An article reprinted from Great Lakes magazine discussing bottom paint and slime accumulation, arguing that natural fresh water slime provides excellent speed compared to other bottom finishes.

A collection of practical maintenance and improvement tips for Thistle boats, including techniques for protecting boat covers, preventing hull checking, and improving halyard sheave reliability. Contributions from Hartley P. Dermond, George H. Geil, and Ron Small.

Walt Schuele of Cleveland has produced a new Thistle finish using a bleached or pickled mahogany treatment that is common in modern furniture. The finish is unusual and striking with distinctive coloring that sets it apart from traditional Thistle appearances.

An article explaining that Douglass-McLead boats with hull numbers below 675 should be treated for dry rot using No. 675 rot inhibitor, with detailed instructions on the treatment process and what to expect.

Sandy Douglass provides practical advice on preventing dry rot in Thistle boats, discussing various fungicide treatments and preventive measures that can be applied before the boat is painted or during maintenance.

Technical article providing preventive measures and treatment methods for combating dry rot in wooden Thistle boats, including discussion of preservatives, application techniques, and the chemical nature of rot development.

A technical article discussing methods for maintaining and finishing boat bottoms throughout the sailing season. The author explains their experience with various antifouling paints and bottom preparation techniques, including scraping, sanding, and application of Vinylon coating.

Service announcement for stripping and refinishing Thistle boats, offering polyester resin coating and paint options at a competitive price.

A comprehensive technical guide for maintaining and repairing fiberglass Thistle hulls, covering seasonal washing, gel coat touch-ups, patching of holes and punctures, surface repairs, and specialized maintenance techniques.

Comprehensive guide to maintaining and repairing fiberglass Thistle hulls. Covers cleaning, patching, touch-up repairs, and surface restoration techniques to keep fiberglass boats in optimal condition.

Practical maintenance advice for Thistle owners, including tips on proper batten pocket stitching and zigzag stitching techniques to prevent sail damage.

Comprehensive guide to refinishing wooden Thistle hulls, covering hull removal, reconstruction planning, structural work, and detailed techniques for replacing inwales, outwales, gratings, and structural components.

Dick Bayard describes how he refurbished Thistle number 301 with new rails by creating a wooden jig from plywood and using a traditional wood gluing technique, which proved to be more efficient and produced better results than expected.

Detailed account of how one Thistle owner tackled rail refurbishment by building custom rails using mahogany and plywood, with instructions for replicating the jig-based construction method and clamp assembly process.

Comprehensive maintenance guide covering fiberglass care, varnish application, touch-up repairs, fiber glass hull restoration, and proper finishing techniques to preserve boat appearance and performance throughout the year.

Detailed technical article on the comprehensive restoration of a wooden Thistle hull, covering removal of outwales and gratings, the use of various epoxy and finishing techniques, and step-by-step procedures for woodworking and refinishing.

Detailed technical article about the comprehensive restoration of Thistle boat #1619, focusing on the removal of hull inwales and outwales, transom replacement, and refinishing work. Written with humor and practical guidance for restoration projects.

Detailed account of painting Thistle No. 3475 in tartan colors including preparation, paint selection, pigment combinations, and the challenges of applying the pattern.

An account of painting a Thistle hull with a Scottish tartan pattern (Robertson Tartan), including technical details on preparation, painting techniques, materials used, and the challenges of transferring the pattern to the boat.

Story of the restoration and renovation of Thistle #3, the oldest Thistle in existence and first national champion, brought back to racing condition by new owners.

Collection of letters to the editor covering various Thistle-related topics, including stories about boat restoration, sailing adventures, and personal anecdotes from Class members.

Two letters addressing technical sailing topics: one regarding how to right a turtled Thistle, and another discussing epoxy saturation methods for boat hull construction.

Ron Smith provides detailed advice for restoring old wooden Thistle hulls. He covers topics such as dry rot treatment, trunk installation, seat repair, flotation options, anti-skid strips, diagonal braces, and final finishing with epoxy. His guidance helps owners maintain their vessels in good condition.

A brief note announcing the resurgence of wooden Thistle hull restoration. Smith explains that old woodies are being restored and refurbished with new spars, rigging, and epoxy finishes, making them competitive vessels despite being older designs.

Letter noting that Thistle #376 was successfully restored and exhibited at the 1987 Newport Wooden Boat Show, where it won a Concours d'elegance award for best in show.

Laber provides a comprehensive guide to replacing Thistle rails, covering considerations for deciding whether to replace, factors to consider including skill level, time and manpower requirements, tools needed, and detailed instructions for the rail replacement process.

A detailed account of the restoration of Thistle #474 (the "C" Sharp), documenting the techniques, materials, and challenges involved in bringing a wooden Thistle back to life after years of storage.

A first-person account of the extensive restoration process for Thistle #371, a wooden boat purchased in 1986, documenting the challenges and triumphs of bringing a 40-year-old wooden sailboat back to life.

A humorous letter from the spouse of a wooden boat restorer, describing the life changes and personal independence gained from two years of her husband's obsessive boat restoration project.

A detailed technical guide on how to safely remove and replace the rail system on a Thistle hull, covering plug removal, outward screw extraction, and inward grating fastener separation with diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

An obituary-style account of the final days of Thistle 71, a fiberglass hull that served many owners through racing and casual sailing before meeting an unfortunate end at a mooring.

Gerondale provides detailed instructions on restoring wooden rails and gratings on a Thistle, including techniques for removing screws, replacing wood, and reinstalling rails with minimal visible fasteners. He shares practical tips from his own restoration experience.

Hugh Johnson describes the creation of a memorial plaque for his old Thistle #502, detailing the boat's history, construction, and the reasoning behind the plaque's design and specifications.

Rick Trowbridge recounts the history of Thistle #1466, which he discovered by phone call in early spring. The boat, originally built in 1961, spent decades in Houston before being restored and brought back to active sailing. The article chronicles the boat's journey and significance to the author's family.

Comprehensive guide detailing the process of restoring a Thistle boat, with step-by-step instructions for finding a used boat, working with a Naval Architect student, planning restoration phases, acquiring materials, and completing various stages of the project.

A detailed account of the challenges and solutions encountered during boat restoration, including dealing with dry rot, selecting materials, veneering techniques, and practical advice on tools and supplies needed.

Graul provides detailed instructions for repurposing an old Thistle mast into useful items, featuring innovative projects like a floor lamp, desk organizer, and decorative pieces made from the mast materials.

Don Schaffner shares his personal journey of owning and restoring vintage wooden Thistles, including his boat #1313 (Black Cloud), reflecting on sailing accomplishments and the joy of maintaining classic boats.

DOZEN SERIES article providing photographic examples and detailed advice on practical maintenance and storage solutions for protecting Thistle sails, components, and equipment.

Dennis McCartney advises on proper tank maintenance for Thistle sailboats during winter storage, covering foam removal inspection, water management, and prevention of structural damage.

Advertisement for McCartney Boatworks specializing in repairs, refurbishing, and new boat building for Thistle Class vessels.

History of the W.D. Schock boat building company from 1946 to present, focusing on their construction of approximately 300 Thistles from 1959-1974, and the distinctive features of Schock-built boats.

Laber provides practical step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing the most common cause of bailer leaks—a bent lip or accumulated grit. The fix typically requires less than 5 minutes of boat-side cleaning and maintenance.

A reprinted Sailing Magazine article about restoring a vintage Thistle, covering hull inspection, parts sourcing, rigging upgrades, painting, varnishing, and refinishing work needed to bring a 25-year-old boat back to racing condition on a budget.

A touching story of how Hu Visscher's wife Emily surprised him by commissioning a complete restoration of his beloved wooden Thistle 596, which he had sailed since 1967 but had to retire due to water leaks. Master craftsman John Riddle spent two years restoring the boat to race-ready condition. The restored boat, renamed "2nd Chance," was christened at Lake Allatoona and immediately competed in the Dixie Regatta.

Comprehensive technical account by master boat craftsman John Riddle of the complete restoration of Thistle 596, including hull inspection, structural repairs, veneer work, interior refurbishment, and exterior finishing. The process involved approximately 500 hours of work over two years, transforming the deteriorated wooden boat into race-ready condition with modern specifications and finishes.

A detailed technical account of refinishing a 27-year-old Thistle hull, from fairing and filling to painting and polishing, including the process of dealing with moisture issues and achieving a high-quality finish.

The restoration and return of the historic wooden Thistle #1619 Windlassie, piloted by Charlie Steigerwald at the Great Lakes Championship. The boat inspired many sailors and Steigerwald's restoration work was celebrated as a gift to the class.

A comprehensive technical guide from Great Midwest Yacht Company on repairing minor scratches and dings in gel-coated boat surfaces. The article provides detailed step-by-step procedures for preparation, application, scraping, and polishing to achieve a seamless repair.

Feature article about Mike Gillum, an accomplished Thistle skipper and boat enthusiast, and his collection of wooden Thistles. After 20 years of searching, Gillum acquired #1010 (formerly Buddy Ebsen's boat named Rebel Yell), a 1940 Plymouth woodie wagon for restoration, and plans to commission John Riddle Boat Works to build "The Virgin," an unbuilt D&M kit estimated at $24,830.

Account of Dave Fahrmeier's two-year restoration of wooden Thistle #815 (L'il Rogue), including centerboard trunk repairs, structural issues encountered during racing, and successful improvements that allowed the boat to compete in 2007 events.

Kneibert provides detailed step-by-step instructions for upgrading a Thistle's wooden rudder to a modern fiberglass rudder head with aluminum tiller, including refinishing and assembly tips.

Scott Latham profiles the restoration of Mad Cow, a wooden Thistle sailboat owned by Tom Lawton and Sarah Hatsell of Connecticut, detailing their meticulous rebuild process with epoxy and varnish, and their racing success in this beautiful classic boat.

An in-depth article about the restoration history of Thistle #603, 'Maid of Pligh', following the legendary boat through multiple owners and restorations. Pollak describes purchasing the wooden boat in poor condition and spending years restoring it with Larry Liggett, his competitive sailing career with the boat, and its current restoration for return to racing.

A detailed progress report on the restoration of Thistle #875, documenting the work done to reinstall the rear grate, center thwart supports, seat supports, and the techniques used with epoxy and fiberglass for boat repairs.

A comprehensive technical guide to fairing fiberglass Thistle hulls, including the process of smoothing high and low areas, applying fairing compound, and polishing the finish. Benzur provides practical advice on tools, materials, and methodology while cautioning about the time investment and cost considerations.

A detailed photo essay documenting the restoration and rebuilding of Thistle hull #875, including structural repairs, centerboard wing modifications, jib tension system installation, and various finishing work to get the boat ready for racing.

Feature article about Brian and Sean Joyce and their wooden Thistle, Tabasco #1394. Discusses their approach to wooden boat restoration, technical innovations, and the practical challenges of maintaining and racing a wooden vessel.

An account of the restoration project of Thistle #875, a wooden hull in Wichita, Kansas. The article details the major repair work being done by Tim Fitzgerald with Gary Pierce, including re-epoxying joints, replacing seats, and preparing for a complete flip-over to assess and repair the bottom. The project is progressing quickly thanks to Gary's woodworking expertise.

A personal narrative about restoring Thistle #2020, a wooden hull built from a kit in 1965, that was returned to the author so his grandsons Ben and Brian Goldberg could sail it. The restoration involved extensive repairs including replacing rotted sections, re-glassing the hull, new rails, and ultimately racing successfully in junior events.

An in-depth profile of Ron Smith's passion for Thistle sailing, chronicling his restoration and maintenance of two wooden Thistles over several decades. Smith shares his philosophy on boat care, including using Awlgrip polyurethane paint and regular maintenance. The article highlights his success racing #1285 at the 2007 Pacific Coast Championships.

Comprehensive feature on Elmer Richards' passion for wooden Thistle boats, tracing the history of boats he has owned and restored. Includes the story of Goat Boat (#9), its extensive restoration, and Elmer's 51 consecutive Mid-Winters and 50 Nationals.

Scott Latham recounts the multi-year restoration of wooden Thistle #1329 from 1959, built by Howdy King. He describes finding the boat in Florida, shipping it north, and the complex restoration process involving Michael Parramore, Che Hale, and Doug Laber, ultimately resulting in a competitive racing boat.

President Gillum reflects on the importance of sharing knowledge about maintaining and restoring Thistle boats within the class community. He highlights recent efforts to create instructional videos and credits dedicated craftspeople like Larry Liggett and Doug Laber for their contributions to preserving the class.

Dave Deptula describes the restoration of Thistle hull #16, one of the original 20 hulls built in 1946, tracking its history from the West Coast to Oregon and then through its winter refit as a racing boat renamed "Between the Sheets."

Detailed account of Scott Dalin's restoration of a 1965 W.D. Schock Thistle #2239 over five months to prepare for the 2011 Midwinters West in San Diego. Covers structural repairs, paint work, varnishing, rigging, and the collaborative effort that brought the boat from neglected condition to racing readiness.

A technical article on boat restoration techniques using the Veritas Cornering Tool set to round over rails and grates on Thistle boats. The author compares this molding plane method to router and sanding approaches used in previous restorations.

Detailed account of an extensive restoration project on boat #3675 during COVID-19 lockdown, including varnish stripping, hull repairs, centerboard log repair, deck painting, new non-skid installation, hardware cleaning, and rigging modifications.

A humorous cautionary tale about wood restoration chemistry gone wrong when attempting to remove black oxidation spots from boat #48 using hydrofluoric acid (WHINK) and baking soda, resulting in unintended chemical reactions.

Comprehensive DIY guide for weatherproofing a Thistle using a travel cover and a custom framework with ABS pipe, wood stringers, and plastic sheeting to protect exposed wood during winter storage without lowering the mast.

During the canceled 2020 racing season, John Yingling created garage hangings depicting past Thistle boats his family has owned, starting with #1447 from the late 1960s and growing in size to his current #1619. The project uses triangle plywood sheets from his wife Betsy's geodesic dome construction.

A practical guide to eco-friendly boat cleaning using common kitchen ingredients. The article provides recipes for all-purpose cleaners, fiberglass stain removers, aluminum and stainless steel cleaners, life jacket cleaners, mildew removers, and sail cleaners, along with tips for minimizing environmental impact.

Nicole Shedden provides research-backed guidance on safe and harmful silver polish products for cleaning TCA trophies, recommending specific brands and warning against harsh chemicals that damage both trophies and health.

Jim Spiegel details his multi-year restoration of a classic wooden Thistle (#927) from the 1950s. The article covers the discovery and disassembly, hull preparation, structural repairs, modernization of rigging and systems, finishing with epoxy and Alexseal paint, and successful test sails.