Dickey Boats Autumn 2019 Update

With daylight savings and Easter behind us, the focus on the factory looms large. Dickey Boats HQ is as busy as we have ever experienced, and we thought the timing appropriate for a general update:

HEADLINE ACTIVITIES

Boats in construction

A significant run of Semifly 32s, the newer Semifly 36 and Semifly 45 fill the factory, with all these boats, plus a few Custom 750s, 800s, 950s in various stages of construction, it’s an excellent chance to see first-hand the process and effort involved in the production of our boats. So, if you’re keen for a look, let someone know – we would love to see you here.

CNC router installation

We are currently investing in new CNC equipment throughout the business, which is integral to our ability to speed up the delivery of trailer boats. It’s also central to several R+D projects and will allow faster implementation of design improvements.

Team and talent

High demand and the implementation of technological improvements like the CNC router open opportunities for skilled people across the company including operators, programmers, designers and engineers. Our goal is to push the limits of what a machine like this is capable of, plus the boundaries of what is achievable in the marine industry. Enquiries from good people at any level, from apprentice to senior professional, are welcomed.

Paint shop

Our new Napier-based paint factory is up and running. The facility will service all vessels, from the Semifly 36 and down in size. It proved a major undertaking driven by a desire for hands-on control while providing our customers with a more direct service. The paint-shop team excelled at every step of the way and are doing a fantastic job.

Boat shows

As much as we enjoy introducing new people to our beautiful boats, it is not possible to exhibit at all the shows on the New Zealand and Australian calendar. Timing and internal commitments govern those we can attend:

• Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show:  Unfortunately, we will not be displaying at Hutchwilco in 2019. Although originally earmarked and planned for, increasing build commitments forced our withdrawal. Current customers and boats always come first.
• Auckland On-Water Boat Show:  We will be displaying in Auckland this October! Planning-wise, it’s early days, but as we are no longer attending Hutchwilco, it’s even more important to have a presence at this show.

• The dates are from the 3rd to 6th October so please put it in your diary and be sure to drop by.

• Sydney International Boat Show:  We committed to doing this show every second year – and 2019 is the year!  Pencilled for display at the show, is a Semifly 45 currently in construction.

Servicing and winterisation

It’s probably appropriate timing for a few best-practice maintenance and storage tips for the quiet season. We will soon have an owner’s section available on the Dickey Boats website covering this and more. For now, here’s a quick checklist and will send an update when the new owner’s reference pages are ready to be viewed:

Vessels on moorings and marinas

• Check your battery health and connections, and use an intelligent charger to keep them maintained
• Clean and dry all bilge spaces and engine bays
• Test bilge pumps and high-water alarms
• Treat all hinges, latches, locks and appropriate mechanical equipment with WD40 or similar
• Check all mooring lines for wear and chafe
• Try to run the vessel every 4-6 weeks
• Check solar vents are running
• Leave fridge doors open, but secured to prevent swinging

Trailer boats

• Remember to have the bow slightly raised on the jockey wheel to help water run out the rear scupper drains
• Ensure wheel chocks are securely in place
• Check your battery health and connections, and use an intelligent charger to keep them maintained
• Clean and dry all bilge spaces and engine bays
• Treat all hinges, latches, locks and appropriate mechanical equipment with WD40 or similar
• Leave fridge doors open

Dickey Boats wishes you all the best as 2019 continues and please take care through the winter months. Feel free to give us a call in Napier if you need anything from the team.

Jason Dickey,

On behalf of Dickey Boats Limited