Our Mission
In the spirit of family boating, we strive to help our customers discover their boating passion so they can enjoy the freedom that a summer on the water can bring. We utilize our vast experience to its full potential and provide exceptional service to our loyal boating community.
Celebrating the history of Krates
In the spring of 1930, Fred Crate followed his dreams north of the city. He uprooted his wife and nine kids from Toronto, trekked up the dirt roads leading to Keswick and settled the family on the beautiful shores of Cooks Bay at the southern end of Lake Simcoe. By summertime, F.S. Crate and Sons – a fishing boat rental operation – was open for business.
During the 1940s, Crate’s boat-building expertise shifted from small fishing boats to launches and cruisers. In fact, many boats were custom built for well-known Canadians such as former Governor General Vincent Massey and the Dack family of Dack Shoes. Many of the Crate Crafts built are still in service today.
A growing demand for more boats
By the mid-50s, Fred and his sons realized that there was a growing demand for more boats than they could build. And so, F.S. Crate and Sons became a Chris Craft dealer, which grew into the largest Chris Craft dealership in Canada.
In 1964, Lloyd Crate took over the helm of F.S. Crate and Sons and renamed the family business Crate Marine Sales Limited.
Crate Marine Sales enjoyed some 30 years of success as one of Carver’s largest dealers worldwide. The purchase of neighbouring Dawson’s Marina more than doubled the acreage of the operation and expanded dockage to more than 500 slips.
The tradition of excellence continues
Over 80 years of industry presence
Today, under new ownership, the tradition of excellence continues with a staff of dedicated employees who take your boating as seriously as theirs. Our new ownership group and employees recognize that Krates will always be a great place to call home. We welcome you to the family.