was created in 1954 when M. Madison Clews and Margaret Strawbridge-Clews started a boat, outboard motor, and trailer business in Frazer, Pennsylvania. The original Clews & Strawbridge store measured 30' long and 15' wide and was situated at its current location at 310 Lancaster Avenue, Frazer, Pennsylvania. Although the facility was small in size, they succeeded by making sure that the customer was their Number One Priority.

They continued to expand over the next 9 years, culminating with their acquisition of the Saab automobile dealership in 1963. This proved to be both a strategic and technological match. From the strategic standpoint the acquisition enabled their business to move from seasonal to year round and to diversify their product offering. At that time the technology standard for an outboard marine engine was the two cycle principle. Clews technicians were qualified to service that type of engine. Consequently, to provide service on the Saab three cylinder, two-cycle automobile engine design in the early 1960's was easily accomplished. This resulted in their ability to provide quality service to their customers.

Madison and Margaret Clews retired in December 1974, and the business was sold to Harry Zimmerman, who was then General Manager, his brother Mark Zimmerman, Howard Keener and private investor Glen King. You will always find Harry, Mark and Howard around the showroom floor or helping out in the service department where they are always willing to visit with customers.

According to Harry Zimmerman, ''After working for the Clews family since spring of 1959, it was gratifying to have the opportunity to purchase and expand the business. We continued the business with the same principles and ideas-to sell only quality products, to have personal experience with these products, and to render the best possible service to the customer. Working for Clews and Strawbridge for more than 42 years has been a most rewarding and satisfying experience. Not bad for what I once thought would only be a part-time summer job in May 1959!''

Today, Clews & Strawbridge is situated on 5 acres having a total of over 30,000 square feet showroom and service facilities, 50% devoted to the marine division. Its staff of 49 full-time employees is all working to serve their customers in the Philadelphia and Tri-State area of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.

At Clews & Strawbridge, selling boats is only half the picture. Building relationships with our customers is of equal importance. Once you have purchased a boat, our service doesn't stop there! Our service division employs experienced technicians trained to properly care for your boat. When you need supplies, Clews & Strawbridge is there for you with its extensive Ship's Store inventory.

The Clews Marine Showroom

Many times the Clew's experience begins with our sales department. The marine sales department has consultants with many years of experience in providing customer satisfaction at Clews & Strawbridge. Each consultant understands the distinct needs of the fishing enthusiast as well as those of the pleasure boater. Representing prominent power boat and engine manufacturers, Boston Whaler, Sea Pro, Lowe, Four Winns, Mercury Inflatables, Yamaha Jetboats, Mercury Outboards and Mercruiser Sterndrives, they are able to meet the needs of the customer as to the style of boat, equipment and price. With a substantial inventory of previously enjoyed boats, they can provide an economical way for anyone to experience the pleasure of boating. For the benefit of our customers, we offer complete financing packages at competitive terms and rates with banks that are familiar with the nuances of the marine industry.

Clews has a large selection of small sailboats, kayaks and canoes and dinghys. Representing Hobie Cat and Vanguard, we have the sailboat to fit your needs. For the adventurer, kayaks by Hobie and canoes by Old Town are in stock for you to choose from. Walker Bay makes the dinghys.

Come in and visit with Jack, Eric and Jim in sales. They welcome your questions, enjoy a lively conversation and will provide any information necessary to help you choose the right boat for you. Experience friendly atmosphere that many satisfied customers have felt in the past and always feel whenever they stop by for a visit.

On many occasions, the first time a customer contacts Clews is because of the need for quality service. The marine service division has six technicians certified in Mercury, Mercruiser, Yamaha and Volvo Penta repairs. It carries an extensive parts inventory and is available to service your boat year round.

Our service facilities contain an outdoor test pool and an indoor test tank to test run your motor. The division's service technicians complete all major services required on your outboard motor or stern drive. Additionally, we provide trailer service, trailer inspections, bottom painting and shrink-wrapping. The next time your boat requires servicing, give us a call. Our marine service staff is ready to serve you!

As the boating season goes on, there are many times when additional equipment or supplies may be needed. With an inventory valued at over $140,000, we maintain thousands of marine items in stock. Our relationships with our suppliers enable us to order items and in many cases receive them the next day. From the cleaning and mechanical supplies for a spring commissioning to a wide variety of electronics to complement your boat, we have it for you. For your recreational pleasure, we stock O'Brien water skis and equipment, snorkeling equipment, and a wide variety of inflatable towables. To meet the USGA safety standards, we are fully stocked with emergency equipment and life vests. For the Hobie and Vanguard customer, we maintain a full complement of parts for their boats.

As you can see, the purchase of your boat is only the beginning. Clews & Strawbridge is one marine dealer that is there to assist and support you throughout the life of your boat. Stop in and visit our showroom soon, we look forward to meeting you.