Keep On Truckin'

Several years ago Dodson Boatyard acquired a three shed (ex-moving company) storage facility located in Hopkinton, Rhode Island only 12 miles from the yard in Stonington. (Local zoning restrictions had prohibited Dodson Boatyard from expanding its shed space on-site.) Dodson Boatyard first leased but then purchased this facility while significantly upgrading the buildings to “yacht standards”.  A warm shed protects the interior of the yachts from the cold and wet. Since then, two more sheds have been built, all now with concrete floors, excellent lighting, and climate controlled capability. In the “early days” Dodson Boatyard subcontracted out the necessary over-the-road trucking needs however it soon made economic as well as operationally efficient sense to create its own in-house trucking operation. Accordingly, a cab/truck and a 35 ton capacity hydraulic Brownell trailer were acquired and Alan Smith, a veteran Dodson Boatyard mechanic/technician earned his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in order to operate this heavy equipment. During the past several years, as the shed space increased, so too has the size, and quality, of the storage yachts we have the privilege to care for. It was a good problem to have! Consequently, a larger Peterbuilt truck has been purchased and in early summer of this year Dodson’s will take possession of a brand new, larger (45 ton), custom-built, triple-axle, air-ride, hydraulic Brownell trailer. This significant upgrade to the Yard’s boat transportation capabilities will not only provide for the movement of larger, heavier vessels but with two complete rigs now at our disposal, we will be far more efficient during our hectic hauling and launching seasons.

 

25 Ton Brownell Hydraulic Trailer 

25 Ton Brownell Hydraulic Trailer