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
Doug, I wanted to say thank you for the brochures, articles and your personal insights into the Performer.
We purchased a 1988 24 foot CC after reviewing the information you supplied.
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.
Thank you very much! This is me and wife's first boat so we wanted to have some info on it. With Seaswirl being out of business there were no real specks available. I was also wondering do you happen to have any extra 1995 brochures that you might sell? Please let me know, I have attached a picture of our boat for you 🙂 thanks again!
Doug and Brenda, boating experts, publish lessons on how to dock a boat and how to buy a boat, and so much more.
