Conference vicki::boats

    Thompson boats are made here in Michigan. What year is the boat you are
    looking at?? Thompson used to be made in Minnesota. About 1982 or so a 
    company called Anderson Marine from Michigan bought out Thompson and 
    moved the factory to St. Charles, Michigan. Thompson has been producing 
    boats since the early 1900`s. I own an 18' Thompson and I`m pleased
    with it. Thompson is one of the more favorite boats in these parts. A
    friend of mine just bought a 22' and loves it so far. The only boats
    more popular around here are the Sea Ray & Four Winns (also made in
    MI). They seem to be reliable, otherwise no one would buy one. Michigan 
    has more registered boats than any other state in the union so we have 
    a few boaters out here. My view is of course slated because I own one, 
    and would never tell you I`d made a mistake 8^)
    
    				jeff b. 
    

    Jeff,
    
    Thanks for the info.  I've since found some information on the
    company in a couple of boating magazines.  The background I've
    found on the company so far sounds really good.
    
    The boat we are  considering is a 1985 246A Cabin Cruiser with a
    260 Mercruiser engine.  We've decided to go ahead since we can't
    find anything we like better but I was a little skeptic since all
    I see here on the docks are SeaRays, Bayliners, and Regals.  We're
    buying the boat from a Regal dealership.  
    
    The story is the boat wasn't used at all the first two years of
    it's life.  It just sat in a slip at this same marina where it is
    now.  The second owner bought it two years ago since it had never
    been used.  He traded it in on a Regal. It's always been at this
    same marine since it was new and they have all the service
    records, etc. on the boat.  
    
    Looks like we have ourselves a cabin cruiser - a much bigger
    boat that we originally started looking for.  But since Lake
    Lanier is a big lake, we've heard that it's better to have a
    larger boat than an 18-19 ft.
    
    Judy

    Judy, 
    
    Let me/us know how you like your new (to you at least) boat. I think
    you`ll be happy with it. as I said before Thompson has been around for
    a long time. Sounds like you got a hold of a good one. Not used that
    much. Just curious why did the owner get rid of it for a Regal. Is his
    new boat a bigger one ?
    
    Have Fun !!!!
    
    					jeff b.  

    Judy,
      Good luck with your boat. I know Thompsons have been around a long
    time. I have a SeaRay so can't say much for your boat. I dohave a 260
    Merc in mine an had to have a rebuild last year. It's an 86 and nobody
    could really tell me why it deceided to lose and exhaust valve and
    smoke the engine. One peice of advice I did follow was to start using
    Re-Lead in every other tank of fuel. It's an additive that is suppose
    to help the valves.
    What I'd really like to know is more about Lake Lanier. It appears,
    like the rest of the company, I may have to be moving your way in
    order to get anywhere. How big is the lake? How crowded does it get?
    What are slip fees like? I have a Searay 268 Sundancer and never had it
    on a trailer. Do most folks use trailers? Ant info you can give at all
    will be appericated.
    Happy Boating
    Walt
    P.S. i currently live in Maryland.

    Walt,
    
    Here's some info on Lake Lanier.  
    
    It's a good size lake - approx. 600 miles of shoreline.  It was
    created in 1957 by building Buford Dam across the Chatahoochee 
    River.  Currently, it's full at 1071 ft.  Last summer it was
    around 10 ft. below full but we've had so much rain this past
    year that it's come back.  It was about 4-5 ft over full a few
    months ago.
    
    The Corps of Engineers says this is the MOST visited Corps
    project in the U.S.  The "lake people" tell us if you stay
    on the Northern part of the lake, it's not crowded at all.  
    All the "crazies" are on the Southern part of the lake around
    Lake Lanier Islands ( a major resort - two hotels, golf, 
    water park, etc) and the larger marinas.
    
    Many people who live on or close to the lake use their boats
    all year round.  Slip prices vary according to size of boat but
    are around 300-800 per quarter depending on marina, size of
    slip, covered vs. uncovered, etc.
    
    We see lots of 268's on the lake - you won't be alone with
    your boat.
    
    Judy
    

    Judy, 
    Thanks for the info. If the oppurtunity does arise I guess the big
    decession will be to either get the Sundancer hauled down or if Hon has
    her way sell it and go for a sport boat.
    Have a good and SAFE season.
    Walt