Looking For Other F. S. Crate’s!

Fellow Woody Boater Andrew Robb, from  ‘North Country Boatworks‘ in Bridgeport, CT. sent us this nice email requesting any more info that may be out there regarding the F.S. Crate & Sons. To be honest, Andrew seems to already know more that most. But ya never know. As Andrew points out there are still Crate’s Marinas and a history right here. For those of you that may think that the boats were made at a crate co. Nope, there was a Mr Crate. Fred Crate and his Sons… to be more specific. Mmmmm I wonder how the Company got it’s name? Anyway looks like they became Ontarios First Chris Craft Dealer back in the day. But thats all on the web page. Is there anyone else out there with a F.S. Crate boat? Any Crate history buffs. And no having a Crate Engine in your boat does not count. Take it away Andrew!

Nezzie BEFORE.

Thanks Woody,

“There is not much information available on the history of F. S. Crate. They started out building small fishing vessels in the 1930s, transitioning into cruisers and runabouts by the 1940s, then ultimately becoming a marina and boat sales franchise by the 1950s and are known today as Crate’s Marine located throughout Ontario and Quebec.

As far as boat documentation, there seems to have been a fire in the 1950s that destroyed all of their archives and likely was at least partly responsible for their move into marine sales.”

Here is a little about.. Nezzie an amazing  masterpiece of mahogany.

Take that bottom off!

“Nezzie was built over the winter of 1947, delivered in 1948, she was a custom order for a Toronto family who vacationed on Lake Simcoe. After passing through several owners, she was found outside Boulder, CO and acquired in 2011 by the present owner. While in running condition, it was obvious that along with the usual cosmetic problems there were some structural issues that needed attention. She had a replacement epoxy bottom that was only around 20 years old but already rotting in many places.

We replaced the keel, stem, several bottom frames, all the bottom planking and fasteners with Honduran Mahogany and silicon bronze. The rest of the hull, framework, interior are almost completely original, so our next step was to preserve what we could while replanking the sides and deck. The interior received minor alterations to allow easier access to the systems and for future disassembly when it comes time for varnish and maintenance, all while maintaining original appearances.

Looks like a nice new bottom.

We are finishing up this restoration within the next few months. “Nezzie” will be heading to her new home on Lake Michigan soon, a perfect boat for cruising big waters.

We welcome any knowledge of other FS Crate vessels, as there are very few documented in North America.

Thanks again.”

Andrew