GEORGE'S MARINE OPENS ON S. HOPE

While the business may be new, the face will be distinctly familiar to anyone who has maintained any type of water craft in the Jackson area.

George Dickerson opened George's Marine at 1005 S. Hope (Hwy 25 South) June 10. Dickerson, though, had fixed boat motors and done other marine-related repair work, for 20 years at B & B Marine in Jackson.

"It was just time for a change," said Dickerson, a northern Cape County native. "I figured I'd go for it myself."

George's Marine offers boat and motor repair and later (probably by the fall) will offer a line of new, used boats, trailers, outboards and a full line of accessories.

March through November is normal the busy season for boat repair. By opening in June, Dickerson is missing about half the busy season for 1999. He realizes this will make his first year more of a challenge.

"The other months are usually pretty lean," he said, "although there's always something going on. I don't look for a whole lot of profit this year. I've missed the fishing season. Now it's ski boat and pontoon season."

He has no doubt that he will be able to successfully carve a niche for himself in the region, though.

"I've had a very good response," said Dickerson, who has gone through numerous schools for motor repair. "It's a good location.

"Most everybody int he area knows me. I've worked on their boats in the past and I plan to continue just like I have."