Thinking of Lakes and Remembering Charlie Bulmer
March 10, 2026
I’ve written about my personal concern over the rising costs of new boats and the fact that we are seeing steady increases in both boat size and horsepower. As a teen, my father traded in our first boat, a 14-foot Crestliner Mustang with a 40 for a new 16-foot Sea Ray with an 85. It was a much-admired boat and performed very well for our needs in Muskoka. Muskoka hasn’t changed, but boats in those sizes are basically not being made. There isn’t much other than aluminum fishing boats under the 20-foot mark and pontoons are commonly 22 or 24-feet. Are lakes getting larger?
Of course not. Actually, with increasing populations of lake-front cottagers, the lakes feel smaller. So, thinking of lakes, what is the definition of a lake? Google tells me that definitions for lakes range in minimum sizes for a body of water from 2 hectares (5 acres) to 8 hectares (20 acres). Pioneering animal ecologist Charles Elton regarded lakes as waterbodies of 40 hectares (99 acres) or more. The province of Ontario is said to have some 250,000 lakes and by Google’s definition, there must be a great many lakes where even a 14-footer would be quite sufficient.
But the economics of building and marketing a boat that size is apparently unrealistic. We are not seeing boats of that size and power. I feel that is very unfortunate. The immense enjoyment we got from that 16-footer cruising for miles around Muskoka, spending time with friends, water skiing and visiting other areas was very memorable.
Will we ever get back to that? I worry that we won’t. Do you share my concern? If you do, I’d be pleased to hear from you and what your opinion is. Send me your thoughts at andy@opmediagroup.ca
Also, over this past weekend, Charlie Bulmer’s family and his team at C.C. Marine Distributors, held a lovely Celebration of Life at the Hilton Toronto / Markham Suites Conference & Spa.
The Ballroom was lively and buzzing with some 200 guests, most of whom were long-standing friends of Charlie and many were also C.C. Marine Distributors’ clients.
Charlie passed away on October 22nd, 2025 after a long and productive life. Four speakers were chosen by the family to share their memories and stories of a man who was much loved.
Howard Back, their accountant and advisor since the 1980’s lead off the tributes, followed by Eric Fetchko of Dometic Marine, Rick Layzell from Boating Ontario and Phil Harding, their cottage neighbour and former Mayor of Muskoka Lakes.
All the stories were light, warm-hearted and each portrayed a slightly different side of the larger-than-life Charlie Bulmer. Our industry lost one the “greats” but the genuine affection and warm memories clearly continue.
Boating Industry Canada published an “Impact” Feature on Charlie in 2016 that gives some interesting detail on his career and the history of C.C. Marine Distributors. It’s worth a read this morning. Here is CHARLIE BULMER from our archives:
https://www.nxtbook.com/kerrwil/boatingindustrycanada/october2016/index.php#/p/14
Andy Adams – Editor
