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 & Doug,
Thank you for the short history lesson and the brochure pages. This was exactly what I was looking for. I had just bought the 2002 Fish Hawk 180cc from the original owner, who had kept it in pristine condition--but had none of the original papers. I found you in a "BING" search--buried among many other useless results.
Thanks again for your resources & service.
BRENDA BRENDA BRENDA!!! This is absolutely wonderful what you have sent me - i’m really stoked!! I bought my 34’ Double Cabin last November after looking and looking and looking at boat after boat after boat. As soon as I climbed up a ladder and stepped aboard, seeing all the teak trim and various Clipper design elements, I knew I had found my boat!! She’s a little rough around the edges, a couple of years of neglect, etc . . . But mechanically she is sound as is the hull.So now all she needs is cosmetic restoration, which is what I do best! These brochures and pics you sent are outstanding and are going to be an excellent guide for my renovations!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! - I’ll send you pics when i’m finished!!!
Hey Brenda - thanks for the Starcraft Mariner brochure. This is great!!!!!! Thank you, I am just buying the boat and what a great find this is! All the best,
Doug and Brenda, boating experts, publish lessons on how to dock a boat and how to buy a boat, and so much more.
