cape yachts at south wharf

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Old Boatyard Gets New Look

• By Kitty Martin
• Updated: September 7, 2007

SouthWharf368

If you sail the New England coast, you’ve probably cruised on Buzzards Bay, and if so, you’ve more than likely dropped the hook or grabbed a mooring in Padanaram. The harbor off this village in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is well known to sailors, and about 600 or so boats fill the water every season. Padanaram’s also home to South Wharf, a yacht yard and marina in operation since 1832, which the renowned Concordia Company leased for 75 years.

Well, nothing lasts forever, and things got a bit interesting around town last year when word got out that the property was up for sale. As one local put it, “This is Padanaram. We don’t like change.”

The scuttlebutt was that the boatyard and marina would close, expensive condos would go up, and whatever dock space was salvaged would be private. But then Dave Nolan showed up. Owner, along with his wife, Jane, of Cape Yachts, Nolan saw not just a business opportunity, but a chance to preserve a piece of ever-decreasing waterfront property, which these days is becoming exclusively residential at an alarming rate.

Nolan had his work cut out for him. In addition to the hefty price tag-a reported $6.7 million-he also did extensive and costly environmental work to get a Clean Marina certificate from NOAA. (See “It Takes a Village for Boatyards, Too,” Cruising World, August 2007.) But perhaps Nolan’s biggest obstacle was convincing the local residents and mariners of his good intentions.

Cape Yachts South Wharf opened officially for business August 1, (Concordia has since moved all of its operations up the street to its Gulf Hill location) and a party was held August 25 to celebrate all of Nolan’s hard work. He was all smiles as he worked the crowd of family, friends, customers, marine professionals, and yes, even some locals. “At the start of the renovation,” Nolan said, one older gentleman came by and asked me, ‘What are you going to do with this?’ I said to him, ‘it’s a boatyard, sir. I intend to keep it that way.’ He came by often, and just the other day, he said to me, ‘I’m starting to believe you.'”

Cape Yachts is the Northeast’s largest dealer of Beneteau, Sabre, and Wauquiez boats, and will also market Alerions at its new location. A number of boats were available to party guests to board and tour, and many took advantage of the opportunity. After stepping off an Alerion Express 33, South Dartmouth resident Tom Swift said, “I just found my next boat.”

South Wharf will operate year-round as a yacht brokerage and full-service working marina. It has a new 50-ton Travelift, dockage for up to 160 feet, a 12-foot draft, and no commercial traffic. What more can it offer? “We have 21 years of commitment to the industry and our customers,” said Nolan. “Therefore, we can offer an extremely high level of service. Besides, I just love boats.”

It looks like even the locals are convinced.

For more information about Cape Yachts South Wharf, visit its website ( www.southwharf.com ).

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Dave Nolan, CPYB

Dave Nolan, CPYB President and Founder

Office: 508.994.4444 Email: [email protected]

Cape Yachts 252 Elm Street, South Dartmouth, MA

Get Directions

Cape Yachts president and founder, Dave Nolan, has spent nearly his entire professional career in the marine industry building the company from one of the leading small sailboat dealerships to the respected full-service yacht sales and servicing company it is today. During this time, Dave has been hands-on in nearly every aspect of boating from bottom painting, launching, and hauling, to leading complex yacht customization projects at South Wharf.

Dave grew up just outside of Syracuse, New York boating on Skaneateles Lake in the summer, skiing in the winter, and playing jazz piano nearly anytime in between. After graduating in 1984 from St. Bonaventure University, Dave became a CPA with Price Waterhouse working with a group of diverse clients from public companies to smaller growth businesses. It was during this time while working with entrepreneurs that Dave discovered his true calling as the founder of his own business. In 1986 he established Cape Water Sports as a seasonal boat rental company on Cape Cod and never looked back.

The success of Cape Yachts is due in large part to Dave’s Rule #1: One Customer at a Time. As his customers graduated from Sunfishes to daysailers, Dave added the boat lines to keep them part of the family. Today Cape Yachts can proudly boast they have not only sold many customers several yachts over the years but have also sold boats to their children as well.

Over the span of his career, Dave continues to participate in boards and charities including Beneteau’s Development Council, contributing to Make-A-Wish Foundation and many local community programs. It should come as no surprise that Dave is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting upland, bow, and flyfish. When not at the yard with our customers and dedicated employees, Dave is aboard his powerboat cruising with his family in New England and the Florida Keys. Dave and his wife, Jane have been married for over 30 years and have three children.

Contact & Directions

Have a question or just want to say hi, owner/manager.

Dave has been a yacht sales, service and management professional for over 35 years. He began his career as a CPA with Price Waterhouse. He has successfully managed South Wharf Yacht Yard as its Owner/Manager since its inception and has successfully managed Cape Yachts since 1986. Dave is active within the boating industry and our local community in addition to his duties at South Wharf & Cape Yachts.

• Cory Matton , Customer Advocate
• Kim Durot , Customer Advocate
• Eric Rancourt , Customer Advocate
• Don Ruth, Parts Department
• Jilani Brooks, Dock Master
• Jeff Fasoli, Operations Manager
• Andrea White, Controller

Phone: 508.990.1011   |     Email: [email protected]

Home port is calling.

Please complete the form below for more information..

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Cape Yachts Boating Lifestyle Blog

Introducing the new mjm 42.

The all-new MJM 42 is a uniquely styled Carolina Downeast cruising yacht ready for all weather conditions with a unique indoor/outdoor pilothouse that connects to the outdoors and provides protection should the weather start to turn. Stepping aboard is easy with a dock-height side boarding door and open transom that welcomes you to a galley-up layout offering better views and entertaining all on one level.

Topics: boat buying , MJM

7 in-stock boats that'll bring the fun this summer

Whether you're looking to purchase a new or pre-owned yacht, inventory has been at an all-time low due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between manufacturer construction delays and the high demand of buyers to have an escape from everyday life and large crowds, the desire to be on the water is at an all-time high, (understandably so!) Cape Yachts has an impressive inventory available to choose from of in-stock models and newly arrived brokerage listings available in time for your cruising season.

Topics: beneteau yachts , In-stock Boats, , instock

Guide to the New England Boat Show 2022

The New England Boat Show takes places February 16 through the 20th at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center! Take a break from the cold winter and check out the newest boats that'll be out on the water this summer. Cape Yachts will be displaying models from BENETEAU, True North, and AB Inflatables at Booth B14. Our knowledgeable sales team will be available to answer questions and work with you to find the yacht that checks off your must-have list. Let us know if you'll be attending by RSVP'ing today , and we'll see you there!

Topics: outboard power boats , True North , BENETEAU , Antares 9 , New England Boat show , True North 34 , Gran Turismo 41

MJM Yachts and South Wharf Service

The South Wharf team takes pride in caring for your MJM yacht. This season we had the their team service the new MJM 3z Hull # 1.  This yacht was equipped with a few desired upgrades such as installing dimmers for lights a nd some routine maintenance including Mercury software updates, before being completely detailed prior to heading down to Florida for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.   

Topics: boat service , yacht service , where to service your boat , MJM Yachts , 3z , 53z , MJM , 4z

Cape Yachts Year by the Numbers

With a new year in front of us, we can reminisce on all of our memories and accomplishments of 2020. With the help of our committed team and our amazing customers we were able to make the most out of the year with a record number of boat sales, awards, and many new faces and friends, and some fun along the way. In the words of owner and president Dave Nolan, "We came into 2020 strong and we are leaving even stronger."

Topics: boat shows , Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show , True North , new year , 2020 , New Years , beneteau top gun , boat christening

True North Returns to New England

We're excited to announce that we now offer the True North line of boats, a downeast style yacht with a well earned reputation.  True North, which was recently acquired by Catalina Yachts, offers a traditional style and great performance and introduces Catalina to the growing downeast market, True North owners will be pleased to know that Catalina will bring half a century of experience to the True North line and will continue the 30 years of leadership that the True North brand brought to the industry, 

True North is currently rolling out the 34 and 38 in both an inboard and outboard option. These go anywhere boats combine timeless good looks and outstanding performance. Their graceful exterior and spacious interior provides a seaworthy and practical boating experience, perfect for any adventure. In the future True North will be releasing a True North 42 and 50. 

Topics: True North

September Open House + SO̅LACE Event

Who's Ready to See Some Boats?

Topics: outboard power boats , boats for sportfishing , center console fishing boats , boat shows

Stay Safe While Boating

National Safe Boating Week kicks off the third week of May, just before many of us get out on the open water.   The occasion is meant to draw attention to the importance of boating  safely and to take a fresh look at boating safety tips. 

Favorite Cruising Destinations by Boat - Block Island, RI

Technically, it is New Shoreman, but for many of us it is simply Block. To the locals it is “The Little Pork Chop." Like an Emerald in the sea, beautiful bike paths, spectacular views and best of all, no chain stores, but for one tiny Ben and Jerry’s. It is refreshing, clean and beautiful. My daughter went to work there for the summer in 2016. She never left. There are stories of pirates and things the locals did with lights ashore, but that is for another time.

Topics: our favorite cruising locations in new england , Best Harbors in New England , best boating areas in new england , Boating in New England , What is Your Favorite New England Harbor , boat lifestyle , life is better on a boat , favorite boating destinations

Favorite Cruising Destinations by Boat - Oak Bluffs, MA

Whatever you do, don’t call it Oak’s Bluff. The natives take offense at that.

Topics: best boating harbors in massachusetts , Best Harbors in New England , best boating areas in new england , Cruising New England Harbors , Best Harbor Favorites , local boating places , favorite boating destinations , boating destinations oak bluffs ma

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Do you try to live as much of your life as possible on the water? When you aren't on the water,  are you looking  forward to the next time you are ? Whether you’re a beginner in the world of boating or a well-weathered seaman that owns and operates his own vessel, our B oating Lifestyle Blog will keep you in touch with the   lifestyle that you hold dear to your heart. Be sure to subscribe today!

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• Boat Rentals
• Paddle Board Rentals
• Single/Double Kayak Rentals

Whether you’re looking to spend an hour, a day or a weekend on the water, you’ve come to the right place. Nauti Jane’s has Paddle Board, Kayak and Powerboats available for rent, as well as Pay-as-You-Go memberships available to Nauti Jane’s Boat Club. 

Nauti Jane’s operates from the docks at South Wharf Yacht Yard & Marina in the historic village of Padanaram, also known as “The Village” to locals in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Previously located and operated on Cape Cod at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Nauti Jane’s is now tucked away in Padanaram Harbor located in Buzzards Bay, bringing powerboat, kayak and paddle board rentals to the South Coast.

Our rentals include life jackets, paddles & basic safety instruction. Walk ins are welcome, but we do recommend making reservations to ensure equipment availability. All of our services are available to the general public. 

Come join us on the water with watercraft rentals, charters and more!

Rentals Include:

• Cobia Powerboat Rentals / 26′ x 30′
• Nauti Jane’s Boat Club Memberships
• Kayak Rentals – Single & Double

Weather permitting, we operate 7 days per week from May 22 through Columbus Day.

*We reserve the right to close for any portion of any day if weather conditions pose a safety risk for our customers or boats. Please call us before you stop by if the forecast calls for rain, heavier winds, fog or thunder storms.

*In some situations we may be able to accommodate nonseasonal requests with advance notice.

Monday: 8AM – 8PM

Tuesday: 8AM – 8PM

Wednesday: 8AM – 8PM

Thursday: 8AM – 8PM

Friday: 8AM – 8PM

Saturday: 8AM – 8PM

Sunday: 8AM – 8PM

Did you know?

Nauti jane’s is one of three sister companies and shares its location with the other two – cape yachts and south wharf yacht yard & marina..

South Wharf Yacht Yard & Marina  offers extensive capabilities in yacht outfitting, re-construction, repair and customization. Capable of addressing most any marine repair or modification, South Wharf is best known for providing prompt, friendly and customer centric services. The state-of-the-art facility’s location is home to Nauti Jane’s. 

Cape Yachts  has been matching the right boat to the right family for over 30 years by providing exceptional new and brokerage inventory along with the advice, service and complete support to earn our clients trust and loyalty. Cape Yachts sells Beneteau sailboats and powerboats, as well as Hatteras, SOLACE, and True North yachts and much more.

508.738.2488 · [email protected] » Copyright © 2022, Nauti Jane's Boat Rentals