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 Find A Fleet page 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 Thistle Rails, Dan Winchester [Blog post]
- Repairing Fiberglass Hull Damage, Dan Winchester [Blog post]
- Reattaching Chain Plates in Glass Thistles, Dan Winchester [Blog post]
- 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]
- The Thistle Trailer, Dan Winchester [Blog post]
Thistle rigging resources:
- 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]
Thistle Class Google Group conversations** (available only to TCA members; click the “Ask to join group” button after clicking one of the links below):
- Thistle bottom paint and gelcoat products and procedures
- Tips and tricks for removing and installing Thistle rails
- Stern scuppers / rear bailers on Thistles
- Tuning the Thistle mast step
- Rebuilding Thistle bailers
- Filling seat and transom screw holes on wooden Thistles
*When APS went out of business, they gave the TCA permission to save and distribute their gallery of Thistle rigging photos.
**Not a complete list of relevant Google Group conversations
