David Nickerson is most proud of the fact that he gets to build hulls for some of “ the biggest crafts out there ” right now . With West Head Boatbuilders since 2017 , he is best known for constructing Grizzly Hulls .
He began his career in 2001 , the same year his daughter was born . “ I had been doing many different things up until then , but I always knew I wanted to go into the boatbuilding business ,” says David . “ My great-grandfather was a boatbuilder . I guess it ’ s in my blood .”
He spent six years working for Daniels Head Boatbuilders before taking on various contract jobs at different companies . “ Those were the days when the business was pretty slow ,” he recalls . “ I hopped around a lot , taking on various contract jobs to keep my family afloat , so to speak .”
In 2004 , he took on his greatest challenge , building a Grizzly Hull . “ At the time , there was no bigger boat mould for at least 20 years ,” he says .
The Grizzlys had become his passion when he was approached by Andrew Newell to start working for him full time . “ I had been working for four years for a start-up boatbuilding company owned by a friend ,” David explains . “ When Andrew approached me , I knew I was at the end of the line at my friend ’ s business .
There was no place for me to move up . Plus , I really liked Andrew ’ s intelligence and insight . He also had a great shop .”
Nickerson says Newell gave him the opportunity to work with the Grizzly moulds in addition to taking on other projects that required his carpentry and finishing abilities .
It ’ s thanks to Nickerson ’ s experience , skill set , and knowledge that West Head Boatbuilders is now able to advertise making the Grizzly Hulls in lengths from 39 ’ to 65 ’ and widths from 24 ’ to 34 ’.
“ We work with all kinds of hulls , from the small SeaDucks to the 65-foot luxury fishing vessels ,” he says . “ And we continue to refine and update the Grizzly to today ’ s standards .”
Nickerson loves the fact that each day gives him something new to focus on and look forward to . “ It ’ s never the same , and I get to be productive and creative ,” he says . “ There ’ s nothing more rewarding .”
At 43 , Nickerson says he doesn ’ t plan to “ change tack ” any time soon . “ This is what I do , and I love it ,” he explains . “ I can ’ t imagine moving into anything else at my age . Besides , why would I ?”
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