Exploring The Vintage Dorsett Boat Of 1959

The 1959 Dorsett is a boat produced by the Dorsett Plastics Company, which was founded by US Navy veteran and University of California graduate engineer Richard W. Dorst. The company began producing Endura Craft boats in 1955 and, in 1958, the line became known as Dorsett Boats. In 1959, Dorsett announced a styling partnership with famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who designed the Studebaker Avante and various Coca-Cola machines. The 1959 Dorsett boats featured illustrations of a dash glovebox, fold-down seat backs, and compartments in the rear deck.

The 1959 Dorsett was designed by Raymond Loewy

Loewy was a natural artist who studied engineering at the University of Paris and advanced engineering at Ecole Duvignau de Lanneau in Paris. He served in the French army during World War I, attaining the rank of captain, and he was awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery. After the war, he moved to New York and began working as a window designer for department stores, including Macy's, Wanamaker's, and Saks. He also worked as a fashion illustrator for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. In 1929, he received his first industrial design commission, and by the 1930s, he was working on comprehensive design projects for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Loewy's work for Dorsett Boats is part of a long list of design achievements that include the Shell, Exxon, TWA, and former BP logos; the Greyhound Scenicruiser bus interior; Coca-Cola vending machines and bottle redesign; the Lucky Strike cigarette package; Coldspot refrigerators; the Studebaker Avanti and Champion; and the Air Force One livery. He also worked with equipment manufacturer International Harvester to overhaul its product line and assisted competitor Allis-Chalmers. Loewy's career spanned seven decades, and he is known as "The Man Who Shaped America", "The Father of Streamlining", and "The Father of Industrial Design".

The company was founded by a US Navy veteran

The Dorsett Plastics Company, which produced the 1959 Dorsett boat, was founded by US Navy veteran Richard W. Dorst (Dick). Dorst was a graduate engineer from the University of California and an alumni of Harvard Business School. Before starting the company, he had seven years of experience in reinforced plastics and the chemical industry.

Dorst's company began producing Endura Craft boats in 1955, and in 1958, the line became Dorsett Boats. The boats were initially manufactured in Santa Clara, California, with additional locations in Bremen, Indiana, and Cambridge, Maryland.

In 1960, the Dorsett Plastics Company was acquired by Royal Little's Textron, Inc., but it became independent again in 1964 when Textron sold the Santa Clara Division of Dorsett Marine back to the Dorsett Plastics Co. with Richard W. Dorst resuming his role as president.

During this period, Dorsett Boats collaborated with renowned industrial designer Raymond Loewy, known for his work on the Studebaker Avanti, Coca-Cola machines, the Lucky Strike logo, and the paint scheme for Air Force 1. While the "Styled By Raymond Loewy" badges appeared on Dorsett boats for several years, some features illustrated in the 1959 brochure did not make it into production models.

In 1968, American Marine Industries (AMI) acquired Dorsett, retaining Richard Dorst as manager. However, AMI liquidated the Santa Clara plant in 1970, and several Dorsett molds were sold to other manufacturers who continued to build boats similar to the Dorsett line.

The boat was acquired by Royal Little's Textron, Inc. in 1960

The 1959 Dorsett boat was acquired by Royal Littles Textron, Inc. in 1960. This acquisition was made in exchange for 115,000 shares of common stock in Textron, which was valued at $2,616,250. The Dorsett company was retained as the Dorsett Marine division, with all management remaining in place.

Following the acquisition, advertising for Dorsett boats was handled through the San Francisco office of Foote, Cone, & Belding Inc. Dorsett's 1959 sales totalled $2,800,000, and sales for the 1960 fiscal year were projected to reach $3,000,000. This successful financial trajectory continued, with sales for 1964 projected to be even higher, at $3,500,000.

In 1964, four years after the acquisition by Royal Littles Textron, Inc., Dorsett became independent once again. Textron sold the Santa Clara Division of Dorsett Marine to an entity known as The Dorsett Plastics Co., headed by Richard W. Dorst as president. This marked a return to the company's roots, as Richard W. Dorst was the founder and original president of Dorsett Plastics Company, which began producing boats in 1955.

The acquisition of Dorsett by Royal Littles Textron, Inc. in 1960 represented a significant milestone in the company's history. It brought about changes in ownership and management while also contributing to the company's financial success and growth in the years that followed.

The 1959 Dorsett brochure featured illustrations of a dash glovebox

The glovebox, or console glovebox, is an important feature in any boat, offering a place to store personal items, electronics, and valuables safely and securely. It helps to maximise the often limited space on a boat, filling any extra space in the centre console. A glovebox can also be used to cover holes or gaps, giving the boat a neat and finished look while also protecting the boat's occupants from exposed wires or cables.

Boat gloveboxes are typically made from materials such as King Starboard, acrylic, or moulded plastic. Starboard is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to the elements, while acrylic offers a glossy finish and clarity. Moulded plastic, on the other hand, is a lightweight and affordable option. When it comes to the type of door, boat owners can choose between doored, keyed, or open cubby options, depending on their preferences and the level of protection needed.

The 1959 Dorsett brochure emphasised the styling and functionality of the dash glovebox, showcasing it as a key feature of their boats. This partnership with Raymond Loewy elevated the design aesthetic of Dorsett boats, giving them a recognisable silhouette that captured the post-war American dream. The dash glovebox, along with the fold-down seat backs and rear deck compartments, offered practical and convenient solutions for boat owners, enhancing their boating experience.

The boat was sold in Marina Del Rey, California

The 1959 Dorsett was a stylish boat, with famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy partnering with the Dorsett company to design features such as a dash glovebox, fold-down seat backs, and compartments in the rear deck. The boat was sold in Marina Del Rey, California, a hub for boat sales and purchases.

Marina Del Rey is home to several boat dealerships and yacht brokers, offering a wide range of vessels for prospective buyers. The area boasts an extensive selection of powerboats and sailboats, with powerboats being more common. The types of boats available include cruisers, motor yachts, racer/cruisers, and express cruisers.

The 1959 Dorsett would have been a unique find among the modern vessels, with its classic style and features. The boat's sale in Marina Del Rey, California, indicates a thriving market for both new and used boats in the area.

Marina Del Rey is an ideal location for selling boats, with its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the variety of vessels it offers. The range of prices also caters to diverse budgets, from more affordable options starting at $12,470 to luxurious yachts priced at over $5 million.

The sale of the 1959 Dorsett in Marina Del Rey, California, reflects the area's vibrant boating community and its ability to cater to various preferences and price points. The location provides a convenient and attractive destination for those seeking to buy or sell boats, contributing to a dynamic marine industry in the region.

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