The National Marine Manufacturers Association said Tuesday that it inducted Legend Boats owners Victor Duhamel and Carl Dewar into the NMMA Hall of Fame.
Duhamel’s and Dewar’s career achievements and contribution to the recreational boating industry were recognized during the NMMA Canadian Recreational Boating Industry Session at the Toronto International Boat Show at the Direct Energy Centre.
The hall of fame is the NMMA’s highest honor. It was established in 1988 and recognizes people who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry.
“Both Victor and Carl have contributed greatly to the recreational boating industry over the years and have provided great advancement in the industry — they are a great Canadian success story,” NMMA Canada executive director and vice president of government relations Sara Anghel said in a statement. “We honor them with the Hall of Fame award in recognition of their innovative thinking, leadership, and dedication to an excellent boating experience for our nation’s boaters.”
Duhamel and Dewar are known for innovation. Starting out as friends who opened a tire shop in 1968, they created Legend Boats in 1987 and provided the industry with the first aluminum boats that had a full-radius windshield. They also introduced the first convertible rear casting deck, which allowed their boats to switch from a deck to rear bench seats.
Today they employ more than 85 people in Whitefish and Barrie, Ontario, and have 56 independent Legend dealers across Canada.
