How Crate Marine Belleville Became a Boating Haven in Ontario: Insights from Ryan Crate

Boaters in the Bay of Quinte area, as well as shore-bound residents, have seen major improvements taking place at the waterfront in Belleville since 2013 when a member of the well-known Crate family began the task of rejuvenating an older marina. Formerly Morch Marine, the popular marina had a good name but at that time was by all definitions, “tired,” and required a new direction.

Since 2013 it has been known as Crate Marine Belleville and is living up to the name and reputation that the Crates have established in Ontario for many decades.

For Ryan Crate, this seventh Crates location in Ontario presented both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Belleville was an opportunity that came about from my family in Keswick. They were approached by the owners of the property and after some time we assembled a plan to revive the marina,” he explains.

Ryan grew up on Lake Simcoe working with his family at all their different locations from the age of 14 to 30 years old before coming out to Belleville. His father, uncle, and aunt, owned and operated the location where he spent the majority of his life growing up.

“Initially I only came to Belleville to help get the marina built. It wasn’t until that point I realized the potential and ended up staying permanently after getting the marina up and running.”

Although the 11 years since have provided their share of frustrations, the results have been rewarding.

“I was involved with the marina design from the beginning and laid out the harbour, so the vision I had is what you see here today,” Ryan notes.

“We had a lot of hurdles to jump getting the marina revamped, from dredging, to all new docks, hydro, rebuilding of all buildings, and tearing down old buildings. There were also a lot of environmental issues that had to be dealt with so there were numerous challenges along the way.”

“The location at the mouth of the Moira River, and history here is everything… this property is the perfect spot for a marina, tucked into a nice, protected harbour, deep water…an overall nice spot to be,” he adds.

Ideally situated in the Bay of Quinte, the marina is the perfect location for boaters planning to cruise many of eastern Ontario and northern New York waterways.

It is a short trip to the entrance of the Trent Severn waterway as well as Kingston, the 1000 Islands, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Rideau Canal. Access to the New York canal system is also a short cruise away, either across Lake Ontario, or by following the shore route to the 1000 Islands and then down to Oswego.

It is the best full-service marina in the Bay of Quinte, an area renowned for its scenic beauty and offering boaters of all types plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water and access marinas and boat slips near lakes and rivers in the area.

“We provide unmatched customer support and marina services with superior facilities for boat repair, docking, vacation accommodation, and more,” Ryan explains.

The full-service facility will ensure everything on your boat, from the engine and electronics to fiberglass components and interior, is ready for any journey.

The marina boasts a team of professional, experienced, and skilled boat mechanics dedicated to their craft who use the latest techniques and the best quality materials to maintain or repair your boat.

The City of Belleville itself offers countless recreational activities—from golfing and hiking to shopping—that will keep your family, and your friends occupied.

Transient dockage is available for boaters who are in need of a temporary storage place for their boats. Crate Marine Belleville offers temporary slips along with permanent dockage. Whether you’re out for a small cruising trip or a long vacation on the water, the marina and its facilities can help.

And the Marina also offers boat sales and advice to new and experienced boaters alike.

“Contrary to the general belief that any marina you choose will be the same as the other marinas, marinas, in fact, tend to differ widely in the services they offer, and on the quality of these services,” explains Ryan. “Where we differ from many is having a full-service center onsite including a travel lift for boats up to 50 tons.”

The waterfront in Belleville has witnessed a great deal of positive change in the past 13 years and there may be more in the works.

“We would really love to build an indoor heated storage building but there are property restrictions, size, setbacks, and so on that are limiting factors,” explains Ryan, “but we are actively looking for property close to the marina.”

If you are thinking about boating in or around the Bay of Quinte area, or if you are on the water and wish to stop by, a visit to Crate Marine Belleville will be worth your time.