Boating is more than just an activity—it’s a lifestyle filled with endless adventures, cherished memories, and the occasional project that keeps your hands busy and your heart full. Whether you’re tackling a restoration, upgrading your vessel, or simply reminiscing about the boats of your past, having the right tools and resources is essential. That’s where The Old Boat Brochure Library comes in.
This extensive collection of over 17,000 brochures in this library, is now a 75-year-old collection of classic boat brochures.
Art Dawson started collecting boat brochures to educate himself on the boats that would one day be traded in on the boats he was selling at Dawson’s Marina Limited – his marina on Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada back in the 50’s. He continued this practice every year to arm himself with knowledge.
Then, his son Doug Dawson continued collecting to gather information for the first Boat Multiple Listing Service, Computer Boat Search. Then he continued collecting; so that he would have accurate information for the Boat Value Book that he published from 1985 to 2003. After retirement, Doug kept attending Boat Shows and Trade Shows all over North America, visiting all the manufacturers to continue contributing to the Old Boat Brochure Library to preserve history of boating. Now the 6th generation of Dawson in the boat business, Doug’s son Glen Dawson is preparing to take over and continue the Old Boat Brochure Library into the future.
Why The Old Boat Brochure Library is a Must-Have Resource
1. Bring Your Boat Back to Life
Restore your classic boat to its original glory using brochures from the Old Boat Brochure Library. These brochures are packed with authentic specifications, layouts, and design details, giving you the blueprint to bring your vessel back to the way it was meant to be. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to precision.
2. Impress Potential Buyers
Selling your boat? A scanned copy of its original brochure can be the ultimate sales tool. Imagine handing a prospective buyer a brochure complete with specs, floorplans, and stunning images of your boat as it was originally presented—it’s a professional touch that makes all the difference.
3. Make Informed Boat Purchases
When buying a pre-owned boat or upgrading to a newer model, knowing the original specifications can help you compare features and make the best choice. After all, the more you know, the better your decisions.
4. Solve Practical Problems
Need the weight of your boat for trailer shopping? Applying for an old vessel license and need horsepower or load capacity details? The answers are in the brochures—making them a practical resource for everyday boating challenges.
5. Thoughtful Gifts for Boaters
Looking for the perfect gift for the boater in your life? A laminated copy of their current or favorite boat’s brochure makes a meaningful present they’ll treasure. Frame it as art, or keep it handy for reference—it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
6. Preserve Your Nautical Journey
Why stop at just one brochure? Build a personal collection of brochures for every boat you’ve owned and create a unique nautical scrapbook of your boating adventures over the years. It’s a journey worth preserving.
Restoring Classic Boats with Precision
Whether you’re restoring, buying, selling, or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, The Old Boat Brochure Library has something for everyone. Imagine uncovering brochures for iconic boats from decades past, reliving their history, and bringing those details to life in your projects.
Browse the collection today at www.OldBoatBrochures.com and see the full list of manufacturers and available years. With such a vast and unique resource at your fingertips, this library is a boater’s best-kept secret—until now.
Get Started Today
Keep this resource handy on your smartphone for when inspiration (or a boating project) strikes. And don’t forget to share it with your boating friends—they’ll thank you when they realize how valuable it is.
Dive into our Old Boat Brochure Library and uncover brochures for iconic boats from decades past. It’s time to explore, restore, and relive the history of your beloved boats.
I’m so glad your family has this collection. This service is invaluable for anyone wanting to know more about their older vessel, specifications and how it may have been configured from the factory.
Thank you!