Randy’s Thistle Resources

 

 

All known Thistle Builders (to Randy)

 

 

W.D. Schock

Schock (1956-1975) built approximately 250 Thistles in the 1950’s, 60’s, and early 70’s.  They no longer build Thistles, although they are active in several other classes.  Their boats were well regarded at the time, although they have fallen out of favor recently.  This phenomenon may not be warranted, however.  Dave Sexton of Northwest One Design rebuilt his father’s Schock, and did very well racing it against more modern boats.  Thistle 1987 is also a Schock boat, and is developing nicely.  It will at or near minimum weight, and has become very stiff and race-able during the rebuild.

 

 

Douglass & McCleod

Douglas and McLeod built Thistles from1945-1978.  Founded by Sandy Douglass (the Designer) and a friend (Possibly Uffa Fox).  These boats are very highly regarded – especially the woodies.

 

Clark

Built Thistles from 1966-1975.  I need information and web addresses if anyone has any.  Hull mold became the pattern for Northwest One Design boats.

 

Great Midwest Yacht Company

Built since 1975.  These boats are currently built by Doug Laber in Ohio.  His boat is very light, fast, and rigid.  He has developed  several rigging innovations for the boat, and maintains the class supply of aluminum mast and boom extrusions.  This is the popular boat on the east coast.

 

Northwest One Design

NWOD boats are built by Dave Sexton in Oregon.  The boat is extremely light and rigid, with the hull based on the old Clark shape.  This is a popular boat on the west coast.

 

Other Builders I am searching for…

Fox Boatworks (1979-1984) Andy Fox? Florida maybe near St. Pete?

Fox River (built several woodies 1947-1949)

Ellie1965

McLaughlin 1979 Very Stiff only 5 boats built and two are national champs.(3679 champ 1980 and 3678 champ 1996)

Coughlin

McCartney

1st To The Mark 1978-1980

Filip 1961

Northwind 1973-1975 Wisconsin?

Aleph 1976-1978

Spens 1986-1990

McCartney 1992

 

 

If you know of other builders, please supply me with the information for inclusion on this page.  Thanks very much! email me

 

 

Let’s go Thistling!…

 

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