1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

[Raffus]

I'm thinking about purchasing this boat. Does anyone have any advise, input or experience with one of these. Good or bad would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

Hi-

Always helps to post specifics about the engine(s) and drive system (make and model). There're plenty of drivetrains of that vintage that I wouldn't touch because they're either obsolete or prone to issues (like Mercruiser 3.7 engines) Does it have A/C? On-board generator?

You're looking at a 30 year old boat. Brand is practically irrelevant at that age, and old boats tend to have issues. If you know how to confirm integrity of the hull, stringers and transom, then you know what to do. If you don't, hire a surveyor. Same for the mechanicals. Go over the boat with a fine-toothed comb. The subsystems (plumbing and electrical) can cost a lot of money to fix, and they're usually buried pretty well, so labor becomes a big factor. Is the head system legal for where you'll use it (with holding tank)?

In short, you need to check that boat inside and out so you know exactly what you're buying.

 

[rbyham]

Re: 1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

What he said. Plus try to assess care level of previous owners. At that age, lack of proper care/maintenance is a huge issue. And if a full survey is more than you can pay at least get a local marine tech to do a PPI for you. Approached rightly local techs can tell you tons and charge just a couple hours labor rate. Also a purchase like this I would not do unless I had at least $2k available to get it ship shape post purchase.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

I'm thinking about purchasing this boat. Does anyone have any advise, input or experience with one of these. Good or bad would be greatly appreciated.

An Express and a Flybridge are two different configurations. f the two I do not like the Express as it sucks exhaust fumes into the cockpit/cabin/helm. With the Flybridge the helm is above the cabin and less likely to be bothered by the fumes.

Having said that I would not go near a nearly 30 year old boat in any condition unless I had a fair amount of experience with boats and marine powerplants.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

An Express and a Flybridge are two different configurations. f the two I do not like the Express as it sucks exhaust fumes into the cockpit/cabin/helm. With the Flybridge the helm is above the cabin and less likely to be bothered by the fumes.

That can happen on some boats, but it isn't common by any means. Express cruisers are pretty popular where I boat, and nobody I know (including me) has experienced that problem. The terms 'flybridge' and 'express cruiser' aren't mutually exclusive. Google it and you'll numerous examples.

My .02

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1983 Thompson 29ft express Flybridge Help!!!

I never noticed a fume issue on my express, or the bridge boat.

I've heard decent things on the old Thompson boats. Not familiar with them, but agree a fine tooth comb to go over it is necessary.