Dawson Boats

[B-faithful]

curious to see the replies to this thread as I often thought their 29 was a good deal. I think there was one for sale at Avalon Point marina in NJ for a long time for under 100k with twin diesels and very low hours about 5 or 6 years ago. She had nice lines from what I remember.

Their main website is still up: http://dawsonyachts.com/

[perfectscore]

that they couldn't get the weight distribution right on the boat. Due to the exerggerated bow flair and added weight the boat leaned so much forward the aft was almost out of the water. A dentist had an order on the first boat hull of the 36 but when he saw the boat in the water, he sued for his money back. They then called me to see if I wanted to trade in my boat on that boat, I was gonna do it, but when they said to come look at it, it was on land. I had them put it in water to sea trial and immediately noticed the situation and said thanks but no thanks.

the 38 was not at all based on that hull, but there have been other boats like seaview and out island that look identical to that hull.

[sclancy]

I saw that first 36 in the water and it looked fine. possible that they added ballast in the stern I guess....Also i m pretty sure that OI bought that mold and built it before they changed it to a 38....

[perfectscore]

I saw that first 36 in the water and it looked fine. possible that they added ballast in the stern I guess....Also i m pretty sure that OI bought that mold and built it before they changed it to a 38....

try like 2000 lbs to make it sit level. Jack and Joe at Dawson were good guys, and they built decent boats and most of their little crew came from egg harbor boats.

[djtdmd]

Hi- just letting you know, my Dad bought a 1995 Dawson 31 express, no tower. I know the boat well. The things I hate about the boat are that:
1. it has no windshield- just a canvas top with eisenglass all around. No windshield wiper (ridiculous), have to roll up and snap the eisenglass to see. Very poor visability and weather protection as you need to keep the eisenglass open above the console to actually see. Granted, my Dad probably wanted to save a few bucks, but in my opinion, no boat with twin cummins over 100K should even be sold without a proper windshield/ wipers, etc. even if the customer wants it that way! His boat was bought as a display model at the NY boat show. If I were a boat builder, I would'nt even show this boat.
2. There is no passenger helm seat on his boat, just a starboard facing bench cushion on that side. No one ever sits there sideways, the cushions suck, and you will keep falling to transom area. We always had to use fold up seats to be used when passengers- the seating arrangements suck. Also, the captains chair did'nt even have a fold up bolster- just a basic Todd helm chair. VERY cheap.
3. A very wet boat, will take water over the bow often. On his boat, no windshield + wiper means you get it in the face. My 2006 25' Whaler never takes water over the bow, even in 6-8 ft. seas. This is a joke for a 31 footer, poor design.
4. You will roll excessively in 1-2 ft. seas at drift fishing. Very poor drifting comfort. Again, my whaler is far more comfortable at drift- I know, different hull design, but just stating the facts.
5. For such a deep v, the boat does not ride well in a head sea.
6. His boat sank at the marina when it was 6-7 years old. He keeps it in Jersey, so its only in the water for 5 months a year, and he maintains it meticulously. The problem was they used stringers and structural wood that was not marine grade, and the wood rotted. Cost him 14K to fix, lost 2-3 months. His marina mechanics and surveyors could not believe the poor build quality. The marina owner hates his boat, calls it a piece of junk, and tells him he should have bought a name brand! Thankfully, they are friends so my Dad does'nt get mad. It's a running joke at the marina. Dad sued the NJ builders, Jerry somebody and his partner who owned Dawson, but the company went bankrupt and he could not collect. I believe other people took over the company, but I doubt it is much better.
7. The nonskid is a joke, its like a banana peel. Not of the type seen on a name brand boat. The fiberglass/ gelcoat is poor quality and has not held up well, despite weekly cleaning and annual waxing by professional boat detailers.
8. Do yourselves a favor, if you cant afford a name brand new, buy one used. Do not go for the Dawson, you will regret it. Any questions, feel free to contact me!

[Cardinal Joe]

I almost purchase Hull # 1 of Dawson 38 …. Cape Island – which was in Somers Point NJ ( Now Cardinal Yacht Sales Marina ) was a dealer for Dawson Yachts . It had a awesome ride , well built boat , only a few were built , my friend – Steve Casstilleni from Vinland ,NJ is building a boat for his father with a Dawson 38 Hull – you guys may know Steve –he is the only Capt. to WIN the Mid – Atlantic 500 in Cape May twice – his present boat is “ Uncle – T “ Buddy Davis 47 docked in Cape May !

Cardinal Joe