Presented below are Michigan State historical records relating to the Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc. (as the company was known from 1924 until the move to the new plant at Newport News, VA.). Courtesy of Scott Peters.
Dodge, Horace E. Boat Works, Inc.
New Michigan Corporations For Week Ended February 23, 1924
Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc., Detroit; building, rebuilding and sale of boats and marine motors; Horace E. Dodge, Anna Thompson Dodge, Grosse Pointe Village; William Robery Dey, Detroit, 7,500 shares no-par value stock and---$242,500.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 33, No. 9, March 1, 1924. p. 28.
Dodge Watercar Plant Now Is in Production
The Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Detroit, now is in production of the Dodge Watercar, a fast motorboat exhibited to the public for the first time at the recent automobile shows. Four factory units are now engaged in the construction of the craft.
Arrangements have been made whereby service and repair parts will be obtainable from Dodge Brothers motor car dealers in all communities where boats are sold and used.
Prior to this time, manufacturers of pleasure boats, because of limited facilities and output, have found it impossible to establish adequate representation in more than a few selected localities. The result has been that owners of these pleasure crafts have been under the necessity of operating their boats in the vicinity of these points, or of taking the chance of incurring great expense and inconvenience in waiting parts shipments from far distant points and of finding competent mechanics to install such parts when they finally arrived. It has been this fact, coupled with high initial cost, which has prevented the motor boat from coming into more universal use.
Two years ago, Horace E. Dodge, following in the footsteps of his father, one of the founders of Dodge Brothers, decided to build a boat that would be within the reach of the average family. After considerable experimentation, in a small corner of the Dodge factory, a boat that was considered a success was produced. Thereafter, the Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc. was formed with a capital stock of $242,500 at $100. per share and 7,500 shares non-par value at $1 each, with $157,500 paid in.
Simplicity in design and operation may be said to be the most outstanding feature of this boat. The power plant of the boat consists of a regular Dodge engine with all controls similar to those of the automobile, so that anyone who is capable of driving the latter has no difficulty in operating the boat. The boat is capable of better than 20 miles an hour on the water.
The hull of the Watercar is of Honduras mahogany, with keel and chines of selected white oak. Precautions have been taken to reinforce all corners to enable them to withstand violent shock without leaking. Frames and battens are also of selected oak and are so installed that the sides of the boat are virtually solid walls. Instead of being held together with ordinary screws, the battens are copper riveted throughout.
The boat is 23 feet 2 inches in length, with a five-foot, six-inch beam, affording accomodations for five persons, with ample room for two others if desired. The equipment includes one spacious lounge for three and two Pullman chairs.
Because of its small draft, 16 inches, the use of the boat is practically without limitation. It can be used on small inland lakes as well as on on large bodies of water. The boat has a displacement of 2,000 pounds. Ignition and lights are furnished by a 12-volt, 6-cell battery.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 33, No. 12, March 22, 1924. p. 22.
The Field of New Business
Bay City--The DeFoe Boat & Motor Works is turning out one runabout hull daily for the Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, of Detroit, and within a month will be completing four of these hulls each day. They have a contract for 1500 of the hulls which are later fitted with four-cylinder marine engines made by the Dodge Brothers factory for the boat works.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 33, No. 18, May 3, 1924 . p.14.
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Horace E. Dodge Boat Works
The Dodge Watercar In Four New Models On Display at Space F-1, Detroit Automobile Show
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 37, No. 4, January 23, 1926. p. 96.
Horace Dodge Watercar
The Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc., Detroit, experienced a successful year during 1925. Sales, production and improvements were among the season's accomplishments. As a result of the warm reception afforded the product by the public, the company is preparing to widen the scope of its activities during 1926. Horace E. Dodge, founder of the company and son of the late Horace E. Dodge, one of the founders of Dodge Brothers, predicts a successful season ahead. The company has had an exceptionally heavy demand for its boats from Florida and other southern territory, where water travel is practically a year round enjoyment.
Measuring 22 feet 2 inches over all with 5-1/2 foot beam, the Watercar, as the boat is called, is constructed of the best timber available. Above and below the water line, the hull is of the finest mahogany, with keel and chines of selected white oak. Unusual precautions are taken to reinforce all ends and corners to enable them to withstand violent shock without leaking. The six-inch width and two and one-half inch thickness of the keel allow ample room for drilling the shaft hole without danger of splitting.
All frames and battens are of selected clear white oak and so installed that the sides of the boat are virtually solid walls. Instead of being held together by ordinary screws, as is the general practice, the battens are copper-riveted throughout.
Improvements which have been added since the boat was first introduced include an oiling system and water circulating system substantially better than those found in the average runabout. Self-bailers have also been installed, eliminating bilge water as fast as it forms and keeping the interior of the boat entirely dry. These self-bailers also serve to materially increase the speed of the craft and to improve riding qualities by lowering the bow and raising the stern. Owners are reporting speeds in excess of 20 miles an hour.
The size of the boat affords generous accomodations for five persons, with ample room for two others if desired. As the draft of the boat is but 19 inches, its uses are almost without limitation.
The advantage of nation-wide service by Dodge Brothers dealers is of singular importance to the owner. It enables the novice to buy with perfect assurance of complete satisfaction, as he will practically always be within easy reach of an authorized service station, regardless of where his course may take him. Ease of operation is another desirable feature. Empowered with the proven Dodge engine, the controls are practically the same as in the case of the motor car. The price of the boat is $2,250 f.o.b. Detroit.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 37, No. 4, January 23, 1926. pp. 150-151.
Horace E. Dodge, Detroit motor boat manufacturer, has purchased an airplane from the Stinson Aircraft Corporation of Detroit for his personal use.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 38, No. 16, October 16, 1926. P. .4 4.
Motor Boat Building an Immense State Industry
Horace Dodge's Boat Shop
The Horace E. Dodge boat works is located in Detroit in a large, well-appointed shop not far from the Detroit river. A service station and boat wells are maintained alongside a contiguous slip. The investment represented in this plant will approximate $200,000, employing about 250 men. It is engaged in the production of 20-foot, 26-foot and 30-foot runabouts. The 26-footers have thus far been the best sellers at $3,265, but the newly introduced 20-footers, which will probably be priced at around $1,650, will probably enjoy as much vogue later on. The 30-footers are built as orders are received, their price depending entirely upon the type of powerplant used and generally running around $9,000. Present indications are that at least 1,000 boats will be turned out by this plant during the 1928 season.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 41, No. 21, May 26, 1928. pp. 48-53. The Book of Michigan Industry [supplement]
Michigan Business Personified
Horace E. Dodge, following his return from Europe, has announced that the Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc., Detroit, will build 400 boats in 1929, including three new models.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 42, No. 21, November 24, 1928. p. 12.
Boat Plant Moves
The Horace E. Dodge Boat Works, Inc., will be transferred from Detroit to Newport News, Va. As the result of the purchase of a 100-acre site at the latter location. Plans call for the erection of the world's largest pleasure boat plant at the Virginia site. Announcement was made by William M. Horn, secretary and treasurer of the Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Corporation, a new corporation which is absorbing the Detroit business. The new site is understood to have cost approximately $1,000,000.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 44, No. 14, October 5, 1929. p. 27.
Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Company
Orders 4,200 Motors
An order for 1,000 additional Lycoming marine engines to meet the demands for Dodge boats for 1930 has been placed by the Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Company, of Detroit, with the Lycoming Manufacturing Company, of Williamsport, Pa. This brings the total number of Lycoming marine engines contracted for by the Dodge Company for 1930 to 4,200.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 45, No. 6, February 8, 1930. p. 2.
Dodge Opens Boat Plant
Opening of the new $2,000,000 plant of the Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Corporation, located in Newport News, Va., and the start of production has been set for March 13. The plant will operate on a 24-hour schedule until orders now on its books are filled, and will employ 2,000 men. The Dodge Boat Works formerly were located in Detroit.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 45, No. 9, March 1, 1930. p. 26.
The motor boat business of the Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Corporation, Hampton Roads, Va., which was formerly located at Detroit, reports a large booking of orders this season. The company has a production schedule of 4,200 boats for 1930. It is working on a 24-hour schedule with a force of over 700 men, producing about 40 boats a day.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 46, No. 1, July 5, 1930. p. 24.
Dodge Boats to Race
Detroit’s Fourteenth Annual International Regatta to be run August 29-September 1 on the waters of the Detroit river in front of the Detroit Yacht Club will be featured by a unique stock runabout race. This event will be the Dodge 16 Sweepstakes for a distance of 50 miles and will be run at noon on Labor Day. The event is an invitation race in that the entries are invited by the Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane Corporation, of New York and Newport News, Virginia. The contestants will compete for a total purse of $6,000.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 46, No. 5, August 2, 1930. p. 5.
Kenneth M. Smith has been appointed managing director and director of sales for the Horace E. Dodge Boat & Plane Corporation, of Newport News, Va., which was formerly located in Detroit. He succeeds J. Gilmore Fletcher, resigned.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 46, No. 22, December 6, 1930. p. 14.
Dodge Water Car Sales Co.
New Michigan Corporations For Week Ended March 6
Dodge Water Car Sales Co., Detroit; deal in motor boats, motors, devices and accessories; John D. Kennelly, 461 Burns Drive, Detroit; Horace E. Dodge, Jr., Grosse Pointe; Russell A. Gorman, Detroit---$3,000.
Source: Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record, Vol. 37, No. 11, March 13, 1926. p. 28.
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