Ole Evinrude Award?

[Anonymous]

After I created the web site that is now http://www.omc-boats.org (18 years ago!) I was contacted by Mike Cole, son of Dick Cole, who designed the "cathedral hull" for thunderbird boats (seen in the "Flipper" TV show) and the "gull wing" hull for Evinrude (and later Johnson) boats. One of the articles Mike sent me was about his father winning the "Ole Evinrude Award".

For many years it was very hard finding information on other winners. It became easier when Google digitized old magazines, and their contents became searchable. The winners I know of are at http://www.omc-boats.org/oeaward.html

It seems possible/likely that the awards stopped after Ralph Evinrude died. Does anyone out there know anything more than I’ve been able to find?

Thanks!
Phil

[frankr]

Very interesting. Especially notable, the award to Carl Kiekhaefer.

[lotec]

Very interesting! Thanks for pulling this together in such a clear and well organized format with excellent additional links. I’m sure it took you some time to research and assemble, it made for great reading. I believe the award to EKC was also covered in either IRON FIST or LEGEND OF MERCURY, including a photo of Carl and Ralph shaking hands and Carl almost smiling!

[Author]

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