About Us
Experience
Unique blend of experience & youthful enthusiasm:
Recent additions to our crew include graduates of nationally recognized boat design and/or boat-building schools, such as the Landing School in Maine or the NW Boatbuilding School in Washington State. These young enthusiasts come armed with the latest in tech- nology and practical skills across all segments of building and repairing fine yachts.
Stability & knowledge through tenure:
More than half of the current crew has been in the industry for over twenty years each. The result is a plethora of experience in critical boatbuilding skills and a sound mentor basis for new hires. It’s fair to say that our guys have seen-it-all, from dents and scratches to boats requiring a complete refit.
Collaboration
Planning –
Every job begins with an extensive assessment of needs with the vessel owner or his representative. The result is a written estimate, segregated by job category, of antici- pated labor hours and major parts. This estimate is sent to owner for approval prior to commencement of work
In Process –
We encourage visits during the repair or restoration process to view progress and discuss any changes that may be desired once work begins. In most cases, fre- quent progress reports are sent to customer along with relevant photos.
Completion –
Every job ultimately ends. The result is a like-new boat offering many additional years of enjoyment and pride for the lucky owner. At Dutch Wharf the customer’s smile lasts long after the bill is paid.
Special Services
Additional Work –
Frequently, an owner will find that his needs change once work begins and additional problems appear that were previously masked or not obvious. Unlike many yards who will not adjust their schedules to accommodate these additional tasks, Dutch Wharf will make every effort to do so – and still meet the customer’s expected delivery date.
Special Requests –
Want to ensure that certain products are used in your repair? No problem. We strive to provide what our customers want.
Want to maintain the historic or classic nature of your vessel? Again, no problem. We have a network of suppliers who can deliver or fabricate ‘out-of-production’ parts to our order, whether they be wood, metal, rope, canvas or paint. Just tell us the effect you desire. We’ll provide it.
Economies
Ben Franklin famously said, “Time is money.” Having work done in a timely manner by qualified people who ‘get it right the first time’ is terribly important. Since all boat yards bill their labor by the hour it is ultimately less expensive to have the right craftsman spend one hour than to have two or lesser qualified people each spend an hour to accomplish the same result.
In addition: our labor rates are among the most competitive on the east coast. Please call us. You’ll be pleased you did.
DEVELOPING YOUNG BOATERS
The ski industry, after years of reluctance, finally accepted, and eventually encouraged, snowboarding. It has added millions to the coffers of ski resorts and drawn a new generation of customers to their once declining sport.
The golf industry faces a similar problem. Clubs are closing and public rounds are anemic. But things are beginning to change. Women are now full-fledged members of country clubs and clubhouses even (gasp) provide ladies’ locker rooms. The hoary Augusta National Golf Club has granted membership to a woman – albeit a former Secretary of State. More importantly, the USGA is actively recruiting young and minority children through their successful “First Tee” program, all designed to slow the decline in number of rounds played per year.