The Crew

Fiberglass & Paint | 6 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Vermont, Dan graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in horticulture before finding his way to DBY as a general yard worker. With a keen attention to detail, he is developing expertise in the fine art of Awl Grip application, contributing to the high-quality finishes DBY is known for.

Haul & Launch | 12 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Stonington in a boating family, Cliff joined DBY at age 16 as a yard worker and continued full-time after high school. He progressed to the Haul & Launch crew and earned his CDL, becoming DBY’s primary over-the-road boat mover. With 12 years of experience, Cliff combines hands-on expertise and safe, efficient operations to ensure every vessel is transported with care.

Haul & Launch | 3 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Texas, Sheldon joined DBY after his wife was stationed at the U.S. Navy base. He became part of the Haul & Launch crew in the spring of 2025, where he is learning the intricacies of safely and efficiently moving boats on land.

Machanics | NEMA certified | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Kingston, Rhode Island, Josh is a lifelong avid fisherman. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, he attended IRYS to study marine electronics. NEMA certified, Josh serves as DBY’s primary electronics installer while also contributing to the mechanical department as needed, bringing both expertise and versatility to every project.

Mechanics | 13 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Westbrook, Connecticut, Casey is a lifelong avid fisherman. He began working in various marinas at age 16 and eventually joined DBY, where his broad knowledge and hands-on experience continue to grow across multiple departments.

Mechanics | 10 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Ed grew up in Connecticut, and attended the Maine Training Program at New England Tech. After gaining experience in several large New England boatyards, he joined DBY bringing extensive expertise in large engines and Hamilton Jet repair.

Mechanics | 9 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Groton, Connecticut, Verne is a lifelong boater with experience working in multiple boatyards and with yacht brokers commissioning new vessels. He now works seasonally at DBY, assisting with mechanical commissioning and decommissioning while rebuilding his childhood home in Jupiter Point.

Mechanics | 8 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in North Stonington, Connecticut, Nolan started at DBY at age 16 as a dock hand and weekend yard worker. After earning an Associate Degree in Nuclear Engineering, he chose to continue the family tradition at DBY. Nolan has progressed through multiple departments and is now training as a marine mechanic.

Mechanics | 2 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Mystic, Connecticut, Charlie has a natural talent for fixing things. After high school, he worked in an import automotive repair shop before joining DBY, where he now applies his skills to marine machinery and systems.

Moorings | 10 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Georgia, Lucas worked on tugboats in the South before moving north and joining DBY. He runs the mooring barge, handling seasonal commissioning and decommissioning of moorings. Lucas is known for his versatility, always willing to assist across departments as needed.

Moorings | 47 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Sydney, Australia, Steve began working at DBY under the previous ownership. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including haul & launch, rigging, and carpentry. Since the implementation of the Stonington Harbor Management Plan, Steve has overseen moorings, conducting inspections and maintaining detailed records, bringing decades of hands-on knowledge to the role.

Rigging | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Florida, Ricky moved north to join his brother and began working at WHYC driving a launch. He joined DBY and has worked his way up through the ranks, from bottom sanding to the rigging department, bringing extensive hands-on experience and knowledge to every project.

Rigging, Sail & Canvas, Varnishing | 7 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Dylan is an avid fisherman. He attended UConn Avery Point and began working part-time on the dock at DBY. Over the years, Dylan has gained experience across multiple departments, including rigging, sail and canvas, and varnishing, demonstrating flexibility and expertise wherever needed.

Varnish | 3 years at Dodson’s

Hailing from Westerly, Rhode Island, Jacy started at DBY as a detailer before training as a varnisher. She quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude with a brush and now delivers high-quality finishes across the yard.

Sails | 11 years at Dodsons

A Stonington native, John began sailing at a very young age with his parents and developed a lifelong passion for the sport. He gained experience working for local sailmakers, and when DBY expanded its in-house sail services, he was the natural choice to lead the expansion.

Yard | 3 years at Dodson’s

From Westerly, Rhode Island, Michael joined DBY after working in manufacturing and paving, seeking more stable, year-round work. Versatile and dependable, he is ready to take on any task asked of him.

Yard | 3 years at Dodson Boatyard

Also from Westerly, Rhode Island, Michael has taken on multiple roles at DBY beyond yard work. During the summer months, he works on the dock and launch, and he assists with the seasonal commissioning and decommissioning of moorings.

Yard | USCG Captain | 22 Years at Dodson Boatyard

From Mystic, Connecticut, Andrew began at DBY in the parts department before learning the art of maneuvering yachts in tight quarters. He now holds a 50-ton USCG license and expertly brings yachts in and out of the dock for service.

Parts | 13 years at Dodson Boatyard

A Stonington native, Amanda joined DBY as an assistant in the parts room. She now manages ordering, receiving, and charging out all parts and materials single-handedly, ensuring smooth operations for the yard.

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Launch Driver and All Things Boatyard | 2 Years at Dodson Boatyard

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Rigging & Carpentry Support | 6 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, John has extensive inshore and offshore sailing experience. He has worked in multiple boatyards throughout New England and ran his own charter boat in the Caribbean. At DBY, John assists with rigging and carpentry projects as needed, applying his broad marine knowledge to every task.

Fiberglass & Paint | 6 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Newport, Rhode Island, Russ brings over 45 years of experience in the marine industry, specializing in fiberglass repair and Awl Grip paint applications. His career has taken him around the world, including working on America’s Cup yachts. Russ is widely regarded as one of the finest marine painters in the business, delivering flawless results on every project.

Rigging | 1 Year at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Mystic, Connecticut, Tom grew up sailing on Fishers Island Sound and in New England waters. He has previous boatyard experience in Connecticut and worked for North Sails before returning to the area to be closer to family. Tom joined DBY, bringing both sailing and rigging expertise to the team.

Haul & Launch | 28 Years at Dodson Boatyard

Dave has been passionate about Cat Boats his entire life. His meticulous attention to detail extends from his personal boats to the care he provides at DBY, expertly moving vessels and maintaining yard equipment. With 28 years of experience, Dave’s skill and dedication ensure the safe operation of moving boats on land at both boatyard facilities.

Varnish | 9 years at Dodson’s

A native of Charlestown, Rhode Island, Steve began at DBY as general yard help. His natural attention to detail quickly stood out, leading to his training as a varnisher. He now applies precision and skill to every project.

Carpentry | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

Raised in Westerly, Rhode Island, James built his first small boat at age 14 and taught himself to sail. After high school, he attended the Landing School in Maine, where he honed his skills in both wood and composite construction. With over 15 years of experience, James brings craftsmanship and precision to every project in the yard.

Painting, Fiberglass, Rigging, Electrical | 1 Year at Dodson Boatyard

25 years ago Jim worked at Dodson Boatyard, he left to move down South, but comes back with expansive knowledge and experience at other boatyards. John has expertise in all things boatyard and we’re so happy to have him back.

Varnish | 18 years at Dodson Boatyard

From Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Kim didn’t grow up on boats but developed a keen attention to detail through her early work as a driver for one of DBY’s suppliers. With 18 years at DBY, her meticulous eye ensures every piece of brightwork shines to perfection.