1982 Thompson Fisherman

[Jasper]

Hello-<br /><br />My wife and I are looking for our first fishing boat, and don't have alot to spend. We found a 1982 Thompson Fisherman Hardtop, that appears to be in excellent condition. It has a 270 HP I/O, with less than 100 hours on the new engine, a recently rebuilt E-Z load roller trailer, loran, radio, trim tabs, new bellows and gimbal bearings. Does anyone have a rough idea of the value of this boat? I couldn't find a Fisherman model for 1982 listed in the blue book. What should we be looking for on a 20 year old fiberglass boat? Problems? How is the quality of Thompson boats? Would this still have a number of years of good service as a family great lakes salmon boat?<br /><br />Thanks for taking time. <br /><br />Jasper

 

[suzukidave]

Re: 1982 Thompson Fisherman

You don't mention boat length, motor or leg. I would get a full survey on a leg from that era because its a big $ item if it goes.<br /><br />Very hard to price without this info and it's also subject to local market preferance. Out here an old Thompson would be a solid but not sought after fishing boat. For some reason on older boats that are not sought after, size works against you over 19 feet around here. A 19' with that hp would be worth more than a 23', and an express cruiser less than a hardtop or softtop. So you need to figure out what people like in your area.

 

[Jasper]

Re: 1982 Thompson Fisherman

SuzukiDave-<br /><br />Thanks for the post. It is a 24 footer, with a 350 chevy v-8, and a mercruiser stern drive. You mention the "leg"...I'm not familiar with that term. What is it?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Jasper

 

[suzukidave]

Re: 1982 Thompson Fisherman

A "leg" is short for the outdrive/lower unit on an i/o as distinct from the motor so yours is a mercruiser which I don't know well. Some legs from that era are better than others and some are very hard to find parts. Depending on its condition, maintenance and hours, yours may be entering the sunset phase of its life, and your reference to some recent repairs worries me a little. I would get the particular model name and number and post on the inboard engines and motors site for comments about reliability and cost of repairs.<br /><br />Assuming it the leg is in good condition, I would guess the rig would sell for $4-6000 CDN around here, which is pretty good value for your dollar. I'm sure it will give you lots of pleasure for years to come if you baby it.

 

[Jasper]

Re: 1982 Thompson Fisherman

Suzuki-<br /><br />Thanks a million! I'll get someone with some expertise with "legs" to go along with me when I look at it and give it a test float.<br /><br />Flat Seas...<br /><br />Jasper