Thompson

" Helios" , named after the Greek sun god, is the finest classic river cruiser on the planet. I have owned for 13 year and health forces me to sell. Very rare, less than 100 made, 1963 22' Thompson Sea Lane Cabin powered by late 1980's Volvo 125 HP with SP 290 outdrive that I located NOS in 2005. I bought from original owner in 2004, have original sales slip, sold new in 1964 with trailer for $5500 in Ventura, CA, Thompson's largest and most expensive boat , boat had been in storage for 26 years, I had it floating and running within 24 hours of receipt. It was never allowed to deteriorate, always under covered storage. Just completed 177 trouble free miles on 3 day trip on The Cumberland River thru Nashville. This boat has been as far west as Catalina Island off the coast of CA and on the following rivers; Mississippi, Cumberland, Ohio, Red, Tennessee, Colorado, Lake Powell, (3 times), Arkansas, Clinch, Verdigris, Neosha. I have maintained and outfitted this boat to be the best most comfortable most dependable long distance classic boat imaginable, capable of week long boat camping cruises. I have towed it at least 20,000 miles and cruised it several thousand water miles. It is easy to run 300 miles on Lake Powell in a week. Custom drive on trailer made in 2004 designed to single handle launch and retrieve. Has ladder at bow so you can single handle launch. Boat has V berth that sleeps 2, cabin heater that runs off the engine, Honda 5 HP kicker motor, propane powered shower, running raw water to sink, port a potty, complete canvas camper top, transom gate, swim platform, stereo, docking lights, blower, anchors, fenders, dock lines, siren, horn, extensive electric lighting through out the cabin and cockpit, reading lights at the bunks. Dual batteries under co pilot foot rest. Both seats can be removed and folded down to open deck space if traveling solo or to open deck space for the evening. They are mounted on adjustable mounts that adjust for and aft and swivel. I have a huge motor home captain's seat that tilts, ugly but super comfortable, also have white pilot seat that matches co pilot seat for boat shows. Cock pit steps attach either side and you can exit boat from transom gate and swim platform. Includes all camping equipment, lantern, gas grill, stove, dishes, tool box, spare parts, paddle, boat hook. Plenty of storage space, four floor hatches for anchors, storage space beneath the bunks and under the bow. Has dining table that hangs from ceiling, stows out of the way. V Berth is big enough for 2 + a child or a couple of dogs and I don't use the center piece as the bunks are wide enough without it. New vinyl cushions, foam, and canvas camper top in 2005, all in excellent condition. Clear Side curtains are stored in canvas bag wrapped in felt around numbered closet rods for ease of identification. I have the ease of use of this boat down to a science. Has depth finder, GPS.Engine; Volvo AQ 131, closed cooling system, works perfectly no leaks, no smoke, uses no oil. Performance @ 2500 RPM, 7.5 MPH, 3600 RPM planes off around 16 and cruises 18 effortlessly, max speed 25. Mileage about 3.5 MPG, recent custom below deck 39 gallon aluminum gas tank. Outdrive has two custom mufflers and engine box is sound insulated.Recent upgrades: New vinyl Nautolex floor on deck, new varnish on foredeck and inside aft cockpit, hull paint and varnish in excellent condition. New trailer tires and trailer brake actuator. Tows like it is on rails at 70-75 MPH. Boat and trailer weighs 5600 lbs, boat weighs about 3600 loaded for several days on the water. Bird's eye maple counter top replaced the Formica. I added a shelf across the front of the cabin that I got from an old Chris Craft sedan, fit perfectly. Has book shelf, liquor cabinet. New yellow Sunbrella storage cover to waterline. Like any 54 year old wood boat the hull weeps a little bilge water but I have never been concerned about leaving it in the water . Never moored in water long term, maybe a month in the fall and then in the spring. has three bilge pumps for safety. Absolutely no rotted wood. Only wood that was replaced was lower cabin windshield frames about 5 years ago. About five years ago I replaced all cockpit floor beams and new plywood floor panels that are removable to access the bilge, added bilge access hatches to increase storage.What is it worth? The worth lies not only because of the excellent condition, the stunning looks, the rarity but the value is where this boat can take you. It has taken me on many pleasurable journeys, plenty of morning sunrises on the water with a hot cup of coffee. Reserve is about a third of what I have invested in it. I know of only two like it, one needing restoration and and another a little larger and later, maybe a '64 with V8 restored but vinyl covered everywhere so there is little wood, doesn't look too classic. It was listed in the upper $20's K last summer. You can find an old Bayliner fiberglass boat for a song and it might take you on some journeys but it will never be like this. I got great satisfaction preparing and maintaining this boat so it could continue to serve it purpose. It is not a trailer queen, it was made to cruise and it still does in high style. Be prepared to be asked at every gas stop if people can take a picture of it.Question ? Andy phone