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
These Sylvan brochures are simply amazing! Thank you so, so, so, sooo much!
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.
I’m very impressed with your detailed response. I really appreciate it.
I’ll take your suggestion of sending you a photo and getting in touch with the Antique and Classic Boat Society about the Lakefield. I would guess the photo will arrive in about two or three weeks time.
Thanks again Doug.
Doug and Brenda, boating experts, publish lessons on how to dock a boat and how to buy a boat, and so much more.
