Series I. Shipbuilding Papers contain sketches, correspondence, naval architecture calculations, contracts, specifications, orders, and bills relating to the design and construction of Sam Crocker's boats. Crocker assigned a design number to each design and the papers are organized in accordance with those numbers. Originally, these materials were divided into "design" and "orders and bills" categories, both arranged by design number. However, over the years, these two categories were merged, so that all documents pertaining to a particular design number are in consecutive folders. Contracts for the use of the designs can be found within the design plans for that particular design number. In some cases, there are materials for multiple boats filed under the same design number.

This series affords a detailed view of yacht design and building in New England during the early to mid-twentieth century. From a technological standpoint, it shows the lines, characteristics, weights, sail areas, and other technical aspects for most of Crocker's vessels. The papers list and date most of Crocker's boats and identify almost 400 boat names and over 700 owners. The builder's name is shown for about 270 boats. The papers link Crocker to clients, builders, sailmakers, engine builders, and marine suppliers. There are contract prices for 30 percent of the boats, and the total cost to the owner for about 15 percent, as well as prices for sails, engines, components, furnishings, and equipment. Among Sam Crocker's designs for multiple production are the following boats: Sea Dawn (#100), 36 feet long, designed in 1927 for The Rudder magazine; Target class (#147), 22 feet long, designed in 1932 for a contest; Stonehorse Junior (#159), 23 feet long; Compass class (#175) , 18 feet long, designed in 1936; New Bedford 35 (#198), 35 feet long, designed in 1939; Trade Winds (#252), 26 feet long, designed in 1949 for The Rudder magazine; and Crocker 20 (#266), 20 feet long, designed in 1954. Crocker was working on design number 344 at the time of his death. Included within some of the design plans are photographs and fabric samples for specific ships.

Also included in this series is a photocopy of Crocker's diary, in which he listed all of his designs, their dimensions, and other information. This photocopy was created on July 23, 1987, when the original was lent to the Peabody Essex Museum by Crocker's son, Sturgis. There are also other detailed lists of Crocker's designs and yachts built.