Collecting boat brochures was part of the job in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s, so the Dawsons could keep up-to-date on all the makes and models to sell their new and used boats at Dawson’s Marina Limited on Lake Simcoe. Then, during the 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s, Doug and Brenda continued collecting brochures for reference in their businesses: Computer Boat Search, Boat Value Book and Boat Evaluation Service. As a boat tester for Canadian Yachting and Power Boating Canada Magazine, Doug continued to collect and often referenced the brochures for specifications and equipment.
Even though they only collected one of each, the “Old Boat Brochure Library” has grown to thousands and is probably the largest in the world. The Dawsons are keeping it up-to-date each year collecting brochures at Boat Shows and contacting builders.
Boaters around the world now have access to this library. The Dawsons have a long list of all the brochures in their library. They are appreciative of any donations from anyone, who is house or office cleaning and need a place to send their old boat brochures. “Don’t throw them out” says Doug. “We may have someone out there, looking for them”.
They will scan and email a pdf for boaters who need information for buying, selling, restoring, bragging, advertising, or history. Depending on the manufacturer, the number of pages ranges from 5-20.
This is a unique resource for boaters and anyone interested in boats.
by Andy Adams, Editor
Canadian Yachting Magazine
The Dawsons, I received your email with the 2002 SeaPro brochure attached. In my haste to read it, I forgot to thank you for sending it. I very much appreciate you doing so. Your old brochures are a wonderful tool in researching the purchase of a used boat. Thanks again.
Thanks Brenda and Doug. You totally exceeded my expectations. Restoring this old Blue Fin salvaged from years of neglect. Almost there…will fish from it soon.
What a fun business you have! Rags
Thank you very much for the Tempest brochures. That is exactly what I was looking for. I am rebuilding this particular boat right now, and it is pretty much identical to the one my Dad bought new when I was a kid. One of the pages that you sent me is the same one that I used to have, but since lost. Thank you again.
Doug and Brenda, boating experts, publish lessons on how to dock a boat and how to buy a boat, and so much more.
