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
Brenda and Doug, Thank you. This was just what I was looking for. You also went above and beyond by sending more than one year. I will keep you guys in mind for other boats and recommend you to others that may need this kind of help. Thanks Again.
Just want to let you know I received the brochure and copy of the Boat Magazine. LOVE EM !! Thanks so much.
Just want to let you know I received the brochure and copy of the Boat Magazine. LOVE EM !! Thanks so much.
If you come across any other 1976 Silverton 26' Flybridge items/info/anything .... I would love if you reached out to me.
The brochure you sent solved a bit of a mystery to me... which is the "font" on the 1976 Silverton logo on the sides of the boat... Hard to find, I had searched for a long time - most images show the newer 'upper and lower case'/thinner font' "Silverton"..... which I can see started in either 1977 or 1978, from other old publications... Now, this 1976 brochure shows the older "block style/all caps" SILVERTON, which is the faint ghost image I have on my 1976 Silverton (own her now for 24 years)....So.... MYSTERY SOLVED... (almost) ... A MYSTERY STILL REMAINS.. (maybe you can help).
There is some sort of a "logo" forward of the "SILVERTON"... In the brochure you sent, it gives me my 1st glimpse that it is red/white/blue in color... BUT it is not pictured clear enough to be able to decipher and get a reproduction made.
PLEASE - If you ever come across a clear image of the 1976 Silverton full logo... please let me know.
Thank you again... you have a great and really cool business ... quite unique. Stay well.
Jimmy Indelicato
NJ
The scans of the Beaver look fine. Thanks for your quick service. These folders document the provenance of the boat we bought in September for the Heritage Centre.
Doug and Brenda, boating experts, publish lessons on how to dock a boat and how to buy a boat, and so much more.
