Back to Search
Thompson 590
Designer: Steve Thompson  ·  First built: 2000
+ Add to Compare
About the Thompson 590

Produced by Thompson Boat Company, the 590 is a vintage American fiberglass sailboat that reflects the accessible, family-oriented sailing culture that flourished in the mid-twentieth century. Designed with casual cruising and relaxed daysailing in mind, this boat appeals to sailors seeking an affordable entry point into the hobby or a nostalgic project vessel worth restoring. With limited specifications publicly documented, much of the 590's character is best understood through the hands-on experience of those who have owned and sailed her. Thompson built their boats with practicality and simplicity at the forefront, making them generally approachable for beginner and intermediate sailors alike. The fiberglass construction, common across Thompson's lineup, offers reasonable durability and relatively straightforward maintenance compared to older wooden alternatives of the same era. The 590 is best suited to calm inland waters, lakes, and sheltered coastal environments rather than offshore passages. For the sailor who prioritizes leisurely weekend outings over performance racing, this boat offers an unpretentious and charming option. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek out owner communities and surviving documentation to fill in the gaps left by limited official records.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 19.19 ft / 5.85 m
Beam 9.12 ft / 2.78 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Displacement 794.00 lb / 360 kg
Ballast 309.00 lb / 140 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 273.00 ft² / 25.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Cat (Marconi)
Construction FG
Designer Steve Thompson
First Built 2000
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
51.03
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.94
Rig Dimensions
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.57
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.14
SA Main 161.28
How It Compares

vs. Com Pac 19, Menger Cat 19, Weta 44

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Thompson 590 ★
19.2 ft
Com Pac 19
19.0 ft
Menger Cat 19
19.0 ft
Weta 44
19.0 ft
LWL
Thompson 590 ★
Com Pac 19
16.3 ft
Menger Cat 19
18.4 ft
Weta 44
Beam
Thompson 590 ★
9.1 ft
Com Pac 19
7.0 ft
Menger Cat 19
8.0 ft
Weta 44
11.5 ft
Displacement
Thompson 590 ★
794 lbs
Com Pac 19
2 lbs
Menger Cat 19
2 lbs
Weta 44
264 lbs
Ballast
Thompson 590 ★
309 lbs
Com Pac 19
800 lbs
Menger Cat 19
600 lbs
Weta 44
Sail Area
Thompson 590 ★
273 sq ft
Com Pac 19
145 sq ft
Menger Cat 19
Weta 44
123 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Thompson 590 ★
51.0
Com Pac 19
14.7
Menger Cat 19
Weta 44
48.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Thompson 590 ★
Com Pac 19
40.0 %
Menger Cat 19
20.7 %
Weta 44
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Thompson 590 ★
3.94
Com Pac 19
2.22
Menger Cat 19
Weta 44
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Thompson 590 ★
Com Pac 19
205
Menger Cat 19
207
Weta 44
Find a Thompson 590 For Sale