Dickerson Boatbuilders, a name synonymous with robust and value-driven sailing yachts, etched a significant legacy in the American marine industry from its humble beginnings in 1946 until its closure in 1987. From traditional wood construction to the adoption of fiberglass, the company evolved through several ownerships, consistently delivering vessels cherished by cruisers and racers alike.
Dickerson Boatbuilders was founded in 1946 by Bill Dickerson, who began crafting boats in his backyard in Cambridge, Maryland. Dickerson's initial vision was rooted in the Chesapeake Bay's maritime traditions, focusing on "simple, well-built craft." His early creations included the "Simplissima" line of hardchine, strip-planked ketches, available in 26, 32, and 34-foot lengths. These early models quickly gained popularity as family cruisers, known for their sturdy construction and reasonable cost. Bill Dickerson's reputation for building rugged boats of "real value" was further solidified when he secured contracts for U.S. Navy patrol boats and also produced pleasure trawlers, establishing his identity as a versatile quality builder.
History and Evolution
In 1967, Bill Dickerson decided to retire and sold his company to Thomas Lucke, a Naval Academy and Johns Hopkins University engineering graduate with a passion for sailing and racing. Lucke dedicated a year to apprenticing with Dickerson to learn the intricacies of the business before officially taking the helm. Under Lucke's ownership, Dickerson Boatbuilders relocated from Church Creek to La Trappe Creek in Trappe, Maryland, consolidating its operations. Lucke continued the popular production of the 35-foot strip-planked mahogany ketches and the Dickerson 40 ketch. He also commissioned naval architect Ernie Tucker to re-engineer the Dickerson 35 from its original hard-chine design to a more substantial round-bilge hull, enhancing its capabilities as a long-distance cruiser.
The company continued to innovate, introducing the Dickerson 36 in 1972, a model notable for its plywood hull combined with a wooden deck and superstructure. A pivotal shift occurred in 1978 when Ted Reed, a seasoned blue-water sailor and businessman, along with his wife and Buddy Somerville, acquired Dickerson Boatbuilders and Chesapeake Marine Industries. Reed was deeply impressed by the capabilities of a Dickerson 41 that completed a four-year circumnavigation from 1975 to 1979, influencing his decision to purchase the company.
Reed sought to honor Dickerson's tradition while modernizing designs and construction techniques. He commissioned naval architect George Hazen, who had a personal connection to Dickerson boats, to design a new high-performance cruiser. This collaboration led to the launch of the first Dickerson 37 in 1981, marking a significant transition to fiberglass hull construction, featuring a balsa-cored fiberglass hull and deck, and a modern moderate fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder for improved maneuverability and reduced wetted surface. While embracing modern materials and underwater profiles, the Dickerson 37 retained the brand's traditional aesthetic above the waterline. Further expanding its fiberglass offerings, the large Dickerson 50 was introduced in 1982. In 1983, a separate Dickerson 37, this time a high-performance racer designed by the acclaimed Bruce Farr, went into production and quickly demonstrated its competitive edge by winning numerous races. Dickerson Boatbuilders concluded its operations around 1987.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Dickerson Boatbuilders cultivated a reputation for producing "rugged" and "well-built boats of real value." Initially, Bill Dickerson's designs reflected traditional Chesapeake Bay craftsmanship with their distinctive hard-chine forms. Under Thomas Lucke, the design philosophy evolved to include round-bilge hulls, notably with the re-engineered Dickerson 35, aimed at enhancing offshore cruising capabilities.
The final era of Dickerson, under Ted Reed, marked a significant modernization. While maintaining a visually traditional sheer and cabin profile, the underlying construction moved towards advanced techniques. The company became known for its innovative adoption of fiberglass construction, utilizing materials like end-grain balsa coring for strength and lightweight hulls. The shift to moderate fin keels and skeg-hung rudders on models like the George Hazen-designed Dickerson 37 showcased a commitment to improved performance and handling.
Throughout its history, Dickerson Boatbuilders collaborated with several esteemed naval architects and designers. These included Ted Graves for early hard-chine models, Ernest Tucker for the redesigned Dickerson 35, George Hazen for the successful Dickerson 37 cruiser and Dickerson 50, and the internationally renowned Bruce Farr for the high-performance Dickerson 37 racer.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Dickerson Boatbuilders produced a diverse range of vessels, many of which achieved iconic status among their owners. The early "Simplissima" 26, 32, and 34-foot hardchine ketches laid the foundation for the company's reputation, offering sturdy and affordable options for families. The Dickerson 35, particularly after its redesign by Ernest Tucker, became a favored long-distance cruiser, often built with mahogany strip-planks over oak ribs.
The Dickerson 36, introduced in 1972, was a significant model for its plywood hull construction. However, it was the transition to fiberglass that brought forth some of the brand's most recognized models. The George Hazen-designed Dickerson 37, with its fiberglass hull and improved performance characteristics, became a popular choice for cruisers. Adding to the brand's versatility, the Bruce Farr-designed Dickerson 37 racer, launched in 1983, showcased the builder's capacity for high-performance sailing and garnered racing victories. The largest yacht in their standard lineup, the Dickerson 50, designed by Kaufman & Assoc., offered spacious accommodations and robust construction.
Beyond their popular cruising lines, Dickerson Boatbuilders also engaged in specialized projects, including commercial dive boats, fiberglass workboats, one-design racing sailboats, and even built Seidelman 25s and Palmer Johnson (Swan) 34s under contract. The remarkable circumnavigation of a Dickerson 41 underscored the inherent durability and bluewater capabilities of their yachts, inspiring new leadership and further development for the company.
The Builder Today
While Dickerson Boatbuilders ceased production in 1987, the legacy of their well-built vessels endures through a dedicated and active community of owners. The Dickerson Owners Association (DOA), accessible via dickersonowners.org, serves as a vibrant hub for enthusiasts, preserving the brand's history and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. The association organizes regular events, such as annual rendezvous, allowing owners to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the heritage of their beloved boats. Dickerson yachts continue to be valued in the used boat market, appealing to those who appreciate their sturdy construction, traditional lines, and the strong community that supports them.
