Searching for my Steamboat's History
Posted: Thu May 30, 2019 5:11 pm
I recently acquired a 17 foot long steam powered Thistle launch, 90% restored. As soon as my right shoulder rebuild gets better, I will complete the restoration process.
I am trying to uncover this boat's history, and here's what I know already:
The cold-molded Thistle sailboat hull was built in 1964, according to the last Wisconsin, USA, registration papers.
The usual Thistle Class Association Hull Number is nowhere to be found on the hull.
It is equipped with a 1960s vintage Blackstaffe/Wood boiler and steeple compound power plant.
The boat was sold at auction in Wisconsin in 2016-ish. (See the auction picture below, with its black hull.)
It was purchased by Bill Palsoulich of Port Ludlow, Washington State.
He totally restored the hull (down to bare wood), fiberglassed it all, rebuilt the engine, and fabricated a new replacement boiler identical to the original, using all new copper coils and Duplex stainless steel for the 3 drums and down tubes! Bill was a perfectionist at all that he touched.
Unfortunately, Bill passed away early this year before finishing the project. It is now mine to complete.
Pictures below.
My interest in Steam Thistles began in 1960 when my Family built Thistle #1419, and sailed/raced it for many years. I owned it for another 20+ years.
I always thought a Thistle would make a great stream launch with its light planing hull and classic plumb bow.
I am also searching this boat's history with the Thistle Class Association and the NW Steam Society in Washington State.
I wish to find the original Thistle hull #, when it was converted from sail to steam, and any other knowledge you Folks may have to share.
There are some who think this conversion to be on the evil side, but it truly is a dream come true for me!
Thanks for any info you can share.
Russ Noe`
Mount Hood Parkdale
Oregon, USA
I am trying to uncover this boat's history, and here's what I know already:
The cold-molded Thistle sailboat hull was built in 1964, according to the last Wisconsin, USA, registration papers.
The usual Thistle Class Association Hull Number is nowhere to be found on the hull.
It is equipped with a 1960s vintage Blackstaffe/Wood boiler and steeple compound power plant.
The boat was sold at auction in Wisconsin in 2016-ish. (See the auction picture below, with its black hull.)
It was purchased by Bill Palsoulich of Port Ludlow, Washington State.
He totally restored the hull (down to bare wood), fiberglassed it all, rebuilt the engine, and fabricated a new replacement boiler identical to the original, using all new copper coils and Duplex stainless steel for the 3 drums and down tubes! Bill was a perfectionist at all that he touched.
Unfortunately, Bill passed away early this year before finishing the project. It is now mine to complete.
Pictures below.
My interest in Steam Thistles began in 1960 when my Family built Thistle #1419, and sailed/raced it for many years. I owned it for another 20+ years.
I always thought a Thistle would make a great stream launch with its light planing hull and classic plumb bow.
I am also searching this boat's history with the Thistle Class Association and the NW Steam Society in Washington State.
I wish to find the original Thistle hull #, when it was converted from sail to steam, and any other knowledge you Folks may have to share.
There are some who think this conversion to be on the evil side, but it truly is a dream come true for me!
Thanks for any info you can share.
Russ Noe`
Mount Hood Parkdale
Oregon, USA