So you bought a Thistle that needs some work. Now what?
If you’re trying to rebuild and rig a Thistle, we recommend asking for input at your fleet events and regattas. There are many, many Thistlers who have done this work before and are happy to share their insight. (Looking for a nearby fleet? Check our Fleet Finder to get contact info for one near you.) If you’re a TCA member, take advantage of of the Thistle Class Google Group (click here to request to join). You can search the discussion archives or ask for suggestions on your project. It’s worth becoming a member just for access to this great resource!Resources that will help you rebuild and rig your Thistle:
While there are many ways to repair, rebuild and rig a Thistle, here are some resources that Thistle sailors have posted online. Please note that there may have been changes to the official Thistle specifications since these resources were published, so check the specifications in the Green Book before making any changes. Thistle repair and rebuild resources:- Thistle Repair with Larry Liggett – Installing Rails Part 1 [YouTube video]
- Thistle Repair with Larry Liggett – Installing Rails Part 2 [YouTube video]
- Rebuilding Thistle 2060, Jason Rziha [Blog post]
- Resurrecting Thistle 2682, Jason Rziha [Blog post]
- Building rails, fixing chainplates, repairing fiberglass and more, Dan Winchester [Blog posts]
- Installing a bow tank on Thistle 448, Paul Nelson [PDF of blog post]
- Centerboard trunk rebuild on Thistle 48, John Howell [Google photo gallery with notes]
- Rigging drawings and photos, Dan Winchester [Blog posts; note the menu on the left]
- Rigging photos of Thistle 818 (woodie), APS* [Google photo gallery]
- Rigging photos of Thistle 1115 (woodie), APS* [Google photo gallery]
- Rigging photos of Thistle 3742 (fiberglass), APS* [Google photo gallery]
- Rigging photos of Thistle 3994 (fiberglass), APS* [Google photo gallery]
