Past News

Dredging Underway

Stonington Sailor Readies For Atlantic Solo Race

Mr. Snyder, Concordias & Dodson Boatyard

DBY Brokerage Assists in trans-continental Purchase of 1993 Hinckley Sou’Wester 51

Robert Jenkins Snyder Sr passes away Oct. 4, 2004

Changes at Dodson Boatyard

The Boatyard undergoes a range of capital improvements

The Backward Burgee

Yard News & Photos

Changes at Dodson Boatyard

Bill Mills, Dodson Boatyard's carpentry foreman for the past 20 years has decided to open a new chapter in his already distinguished career with the opening of the Stonington Boat Works LLC.

Bill joined Dodson Boatyard in 1985 and set the standard for professional, attention-to-detail yacht care. His expertise focused on carpentry skills. However, Bill's awareness and knowledge of virtually all aspects of boat construction made him the primary resource for projects of practically any sort. Refits, rebuilds, masts, decks, interior joinery, you name it, Bill did it, did it well and inevitably it endured. Bill will specialize in new boat construction and welcomes any and all inquires (860-908-9001). He also will be available for Dodson Boatyard consultations at 194 Water Street on an as needed basis

Dodson Boatyard maintains the belief that our carpentry department is of paramount importance. Modern carpentry encompasses both tradition and innovation in techniques and the finished end product. Sound design, robust structure and finesse of fabrication remain central to yacht construction, maintenance and improvement. To be competitive and serve our customers well we recognize that our workers' skill and the quality of their work is our primary resource. We are fortunate to have here at Dodson's a reliable and gifted staff of four superb expert carpenters. These are Dennis Souza, Steve ("Wally") Kingsland, Dan Goyette and Dave Finnegan. The versatile Steve has worked here for 27 years, and has been involved with numerous undertakings and has worked on countless repair and restorative projects. Dennis, for seven years has applied his significant carpentry and joinery skills on yachts bow to stern. Multi-talented Dan Goyette, a master cabinetmaker and practiced carver has been here over 5 years. Dave stepped into the department two years ago after a career in custom houses and now particularly enjoys working on boat interiors. It is indeed fortunate that that Dodson Boatyard has such a skilled group and resource that can integrate on all projects with our other departments.

Other changes

A brand new Brownell hydraulic boat mover arrived this January at Dodson Boatyard. It is a significant upgrade on the faithful 35 ton capacity trailer that has served us well since 1990. Our next generation trailer can handle yachts of up to 60 feet in length and up to 65 tons in weight. Dave Boisvert and Gabriel Lima will be seen this spring operating their new machine, efficiently transporting yachts for launch in the basin, ready for rigging and commissioning.

This spring we will also have a new crane in the basin. Delivered this past fall the 24ton capacity crane was custom built by Hydra Pro of Seattle Washington. The crane is a step forward in safety and mechanical ability. Capacity is doubled and the new crane has double the reach (now 103ft) of the old crane, which will be retired. Mike Lanphere and the rest of the rigging guys will be able to use a radio remote and work with increased efficiency.