Douglas Dodge - Gower's Boat Shop - Anyone Know About Him?

[Wharf Rat]

I have a client who came to me recently to tell me about his dream build that is underway. The builder is a man named Douglas Dodge of Gower's Boat Shop on Beals Island, and my client has just finished picking out the trees that will be used in this build. Apparently Dodge is a purist in the finest sense of the word, builds only in wood, does his own steam planking, and is also heavily involved with the Races.

I cannot find much of anything on the internet, but from what I was told, and the pictures I saw, this man seems to be the Michaelangelo of white pine built downeaster's. I'd love to know more about the man, possibly someone has owned a Gower, or knows Doug, or could shed some more light on what sounds like a living legend. I will most likely working alongside Doug planning the layout of the electronics and cable runs so they can be incorporated into the build. However, I'm fascinated by the stories I was told, and figured if anyone could add some depth to the history of the Gower Boat Shop, this would be the place.

Stories, Pictures, mini-bio, if anyone could shed some light the 'Secret of Beal's Island', I think it would make for a great thread.

 

[benenglish76]

I've met dougie several times. He was one of the first instructors at the boat school in eastport maine. Word has it he was more of a wild man than the 20 year olds goin to school there. He likes fast things that for sure. There's a video on youtube and I believe a link on this forum, to the evolution of the maine lobster boat by jon johansson that has a good chunk of info about harold gower and dougie dodge.

 

[lobstercatcher]

Doug Dodge is a well known name in my harbor. He built a lobsterboat back in the 1970s named Time Machine. It is what the new boats are being built like now. Or another words, way ahead of the times. I know of his friends in my area who has been fiends for decades. I met his son breifly when I had my boat launched in Jonesport a few years ago. I felt like I knew him forever in just the few minutes we met. Well, I felt like that with everyone up there. You are talking good people where building boats is part of their life. Nothing is more qualifying than that. Doug dodge can build boats and then some. The new owner of the Time Machine is out working every boat in the harbor. You can't do that without a good boat.

 

[Tumblehome]

Great guy. Always pulls along side when we are in town and chats it up. He gave dad and I a boat ride last summer on his rig (he built the boat). 350 chevy.

 

[Tumblehome]

I have a client who came to me recently to tell me about his dream build that is underway. The builder is a man named Douglas Dodge of Gower's Boat Shop on Beals Island, and my client has just finished picking out the trees that will be used in this build. Apparently Dodge is a purist in the finest sense of the word, builds only in wood, does his own steam planking, and is also heavily involved with the Races.

I cannot find much of anything on the internet, but from what I was told, and the pictures I saw, this man seems to be the Michaelangelo of white pine built downeaster's. I'd love to know more about the man, possibly someone has owned a Gower, or knows Doug, or could shed some more light on what sounds like a living legend. I will most likely working alongside Doug planning the layout of the electronics and cable runs so they can be incorporated into the build. However, I'm fascinated by the stories I was told, and figured if anyone could add some depth to the history of the Gower Boat Shop, this would be the place.

Stories, Pictures, mini-bio, if anyone could shed some light the 'Secret of Beal's Island', I think it would make for a great thread.

Here you go: Scroll to page 6-7. Maine Coastal News: 2011 12

 

[AlleyBoats]

Doug Dodge is a great guy. I have known him my entire life. His along with Calvin's and Willis' shops was where I "hung out" as a kid. I went to school with both of his kids (Doug Jr. and Kelley). I can assure you Dougie can do anything. He is a master builder, fabricator (of both things and stories ) and mechanic. He was Calvin's mechanic back when the Little Girl raced. When I was in his shop last week he had two boats going. One was a 28' for himself and the other must of been your friends. He had the keel and molds done. Great work. You will not be disappointed.

 

[wildcard]

Very Talented guy

Super nice guy too. He does some serious quality work and definetly does work light years ahead of its time. Some great reads on the Gower/Dodge story, linked below.

Part I
Welcome to Fishermen's Voice -Harold Gower
Part II
Welcome to Fishermen's Voice