Summer Sport Fishing with Yacht & Sport Fishing Boats from Dixon’s Marine

Before we know it summer will be right around the corner! That means sunshine, tan lines and of course yacht and sport fishing! Dixon’s Marine is known for our fiberglass boats used for lobster, crab and tuna fishing but we also have a selection of boats for recreational use!  Our Yacht and Sport Fishing boats are built with the same integrity as our other famous boats.  They are designed to create not only the atmosphere that you’re looking for but also the power you need to help you conquer the endless waves ahead in your travels.

At Dixon’s Marine we’re here to customize the vessel needed for your saltwater fishing and boating adventures. Our boats range from our Dixon 42’ to the Dixon 45’, where we can mold you the perfect vessel for your needs. We also just launched our Offshore Dixon 50’, which will be able in widths starting at 20’ beams. All of these cruisers can be designed based on your needs and wants out of a yacht/sport fishing boat. We have measurable features to help you achieve a phenomenal boat for the majestic waters! Request a quote today! 

The Benefits of Choosing Dixon's Marine's Fiberglass Boat Repair Services

Purchasing a high-quality boat is the first step to enjoying the open water, but there are times when even the best-made fiberglass boats need repair or refitting. When you want to get back out on the water as soon as possible, Dixon's provides the repair services you need. Here are the benefits of having fiberglass boat repair services completed before you head out on the water this boating season. 

• Fishermen who want to take their boat in for a repair and refitting can bring boats as large as 65 feet in length and 30 feet in width in for services.
• Separate departments for jobs related to the electrical, hydraulic and mechanical components of a boat mean that these specialized jobs can be completed faster and more efficiently.
• Our on-site storage facility allows you to keep your boat at Dixon's as long as you need to before, during, and after your repair services are completed.
• Our marine hardware store allows fisherman to find the supplies that they need to keep their vessels in tip-top shape.
• Haul-out services are offered for your convenience. Hydraulic lift trailers are able to help lift even the largest fiberglass boats into the water, and fees for haul-out services are based on the size of the vessel and the number of feet it’s being hauled.

Your boat is part of your livelihood, and keeping it serviced is essential! Call Dixon’s Marine toll-free at 888) 569-6342 to learn more about our fiberglass boat repair services. 

The Top 10 Reasons to Choose Dixon's Marine

For fisherman and fishing enthusiasts shopping for custom fishing boats, the first place to look is Dixson's Marine. Though there are several reasons customers choose us, these are the top 10:

• Dixson's has maintained a solid reputation for quality and timeliness for over 30 years.
• The support staff at Dixson's is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
• Dixson's is known throughout the industry for providing the most efficient boats.
• Dixson's gives customers the ability to customize boats by target species like tuna, crab, shellfish, lobster, shrimp, and sport fish.
• Dixson's builds all of their boats tough, durable, and ready to face the elements.
• Top anglers and businesses trust Dixon's.
• Dixson's provides repair and refitting services as well as offering new boat purchases.
• There is a variety of boat drawings to choose from, and Dixson's Marine performs all additions or modifications.
• Dixson's provides accurate and reasonable quotes for any customization project.
• Family owned and operated, Dixon's continues to provide top-quality work and service.

Whether they are for business or hobby, customized fishing boats are an investment and need to be treated as such. It is important to work with a company that puts quality, reliability, and durability as the top priorities. At Dixson's Marine, we welcome all new and returning customers to explore our site, follow our social media accounts, and send us an email with any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you!

Commercial Fishing Boat Construction - Angling for Quality

Owning a boat is undoubtedly exciting. After all, a boat provides access to the water for any number of professional or recreational opportunities. From casual sailing crafts to commercial fishing boats, there are boats for any range of uses. However, what all good boats have in common is quality construction.

Boats are large vehicles, which means they have a lot of working parts. No matter how much the owner knows about boat construction, it is important to understand how all these parts fit together in order to properly maintain the boat for years to come. To do this, it is essential to understand the way welding is used in boat construction.

Since boats are so large, they have to be assembled. Many modern boats are made with metal parts, due to the durability and flexibility of these alloys. While these parts are built separately, they must be joined together. In most cases, this joining is done with welding. Welding is the process by which metal is joined together with heat.

Having quality welding is useful for the long term stability of the boat. A good marine welder will be able to work with aluminum, stainless steel and other alloys. The most common marine parts are a-frames, booms and spars, though there will be other pieces depending on the size and type of boat being made.

Canadian Boat Firm Set to Branch Out From Its Home in the Maritimes

People who make their living on the water need solid and dependable vessels with which they can ply their trade. Aside from general seaworthiness, such vessels must be outfitted with reliable communications gear, up-to-date fishing tackle and proper lifesaving equipment. Even people who use their boats for pleasure fishing should have safe, well-equipped boats.

In producing vessels of such uncompromising quality, Dixon's Marine, which was founded in 1981 by former commercial fisherman Gary Dixon, lays the keels of all the fishing boats it sells by hand. The company also focuses its high-powered attention to detail on all aspects of construction. Because of a combination of Dixon's Marine’s commitment to such high standards and its desire to expand into the international market, the Canadian government has, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, lent it CA$175,000, both for the expansion and general upgrades to its production facilities.

The company has fishing boats for sale from 11-15 meters long; the larger boats are more popular in international locations, such as the United States. The company has plans to build new models of up to 19 meters in size, and the loan from ACOA has allowed it to purchase hauling equipment that will enable it to deliver boats that large anywhere in North America.

The Benefits of Choosing Dixon's Marine for Commercial Boat Sales and Service

When you need to store, buy or fix commercial fishing boats, it's crucial to select a well-equipped boatyard that you trust. We can give you at least four major reasons to choose Dixon's Marine: 

• Our company has more than three decades of experience in this industry. Its owner worked as a fisherman before he started the business. We hire knowledgeable employees who fully understand the needs of Canadian and American fishermen.
• Our skilled craftsmen construct durable custom boats that meet your specific requirements. Depending on your needs, we can build a hull, a bare-bones vessel or a fully equipped fishing boat. Acceptable sizes range from 36 to 65 feet.
• Dixon's Marine offers a variety of affordable repair, maintenance and reconditioning services. If you experience sudden mechanical problems, we'll fix your boat at any hour. Our technicians know how to repair vessels in a highly efficient manner.
• Customers can depend on Dixon's Marine to build reliable boats and perform lasting repairs. The Better Business Bureau accredited our boatyard in 1988. Our company's longevity and satisfied customers have helped us earn an A+ rating from this venerable institution.

You can find Dixon's Marine by traveling to Lower Woods Harbour, a village on Nova Scotia's southern coast. To contact us for a free quote, please dial 902-723-2878 or 888-569-6342. Our friendly staff will be glad to assist you.

Protect Your Yacht - Winterization Ideas and Techniques

Ready or not, Old Man Winter is here, knocking at your bulkhead hatch. While there are still a few weeks of fall left to enjoy hitting the water, the warm weather and another boating season has ended. It also means that now is the time to think about what you need to winterize your yacht and boats for sports fishing.

Proper winterization helps you avoid costly damages to your yacht. It also extends the life of its engine by protecting components from freezing and corrosion. Winterizing also allows for a quick turnaround come spring, which means you can hit the water as soon as Mother Nature allows.

Weather you live in a cold winter state or in a warmer climate, it is important to winterize. Take these protective measures and your boat will be in ship-shape condition when it's time to get back in the water.

 

Park It

If you live in a state with frigid temperatures, onshore boat storage is necessary. If you live in a warmer climate, you have options. However, a properly stored hull is less likely to develop blisters than a hull that remains in the water.

Onshore Boat Care

• Pressure wash the hull to remove all dirt, scum, and barnacles. Then check the hull for blisters that require attention.
• Open seacocks to allow any water to drain.
• Disconnect and remove batteries and store these at home in a cool dry room. Be sure to charge them every 30 to 60 days.
• Make certain your yacht has acceptable hull support.

During Hibernation

• Do a clean sweep - open and clean the pantry, refrigerator and freezer, and wipe out drawers and lockers. Turn cushions up to allow air to circulate. Clean carpets and scrub down wood and vinyl surfaces. Install a dehumidifier or use commercial odor and moisture-absorbing products.
• Protect your vessel - dismount electronics and other valuables and removal all flammables.
• Keep it clean - clean bilges and drain any existing water. Once clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant and add a touch of environmentally-friendly antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing.
• Winterize the engine - pull the cover and examine the engine for problems like frayed or loose wires, connections, and clamps. Then, replace the old gear oil with fresh oil, and change the oil filters. If your engine uses coolant, drain the current fluid and replace it with propylene glycol based antifreeze.
• Fill ‘er up - top-off your fuel tank.
• Get rid of water - Check water systems and pump holding tanks. Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility.

It's a wrap

• Keep it covered - whether you are storing your yacht inside or outdoors, your vessel must be protected. To ensure this, a secure boat cover is essential.

Saltwater Fishing - Getting Hooked and Getting Started

Before you launch, there are things you need to know about sport fishing. Water adventure is kind of our thing, so let us give you some tips and tricks from our own experience fishing aboard commercial crab boats that will give you the what, where, when and how so you can reel-in a big one.

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Saltwater fishing is an entirely different experience than freshwater fishing. Bass and walleye have nothing on the power of some of the greatest fighting fish like tuna and marlin. These saltwater champions really put up a fight! Here's what you need to know to get started on your coastal angling adventure.

Step 1 - Learn from an expert. Practice your skills on a chartered boat with an experienced staff that can assist you in baiting, reeling and knotting, amongst other techniques.

Step 2 - Know your knots. The best way to ensure you don't lose that next world record fish is to be sure you're using the right knot. Practice these skills, as well as casting and baiting, on dry land.

Step 3 - Planning makes perfect. The old saying: 90 percent of the fish are in 10% of the water is true! Picking the best spot and time of day makes all the difference in saltwater fishing. Phases of the moon, position of the sun, wind and weather all have a huge effect on fish migration patterns.

Step 4 - Research the area. Talk to local tackle shop employees and angler to find out what's going on in the area and what the best bait to use is at the time of year you plan to fish. Also, work to understand tides, currents, and weather as well as how these forces affect your target fish.

Step 5 - Learn how to spot fish. Catching a big one while saltwater fishing requires tactic and that includes knowing where to find the fish. Beachfront locations with holes, pockets, and reefs are often the best places to go for saltwater fishing.

Step 6 - Protect your investment. Good saltwater fishing tackle isn't cheap and saltwater is highly corrosive. Be certain you take proper care when you return from your fishing excursion. 

Dixon's Marine's Newest Launch - Josie & Justin

Ready to get your sea legs on a vessel that's just as eager as you are to tackle the briny deep? The Josie & Justin was designed specifically for those who ply the seas as a way of life. Unlike many other commercial fishing boats, its planners didn't forget about the sheer pleasure of making a voyage in a craft that works with you instead of fighting every step of the way. That's why this boat is ultimately responsive and reactive to your every command. 

Take the helm of our newest boat launch, and master the waves with a 425 hp John Deere engine driving you forward at a fair clip. Whether you're in a fierce competition to reach the best spots before they’re played out or you've simply got a lot of traps to haul in before the day is done, this powerhouse will put you exactly where you need to be.

The Josie & Justin accommodates serious crews on critical missions. With 27 feet of width and 49' 11" from bow to stern, you've got plenty of room for your gear, your shipmates and anything else you need to get the toughest jobs done the right way. Load up, and get down to work by getting in touch with a Dixon's Marine's specialist now.