US A-Team Dedicates Exhibit to the Memory of Bob O’Connor

[U.S. "A" Team]

The US A-Team will dedicate their exhibit at the Maine Boat Builders Show this year to the memory of Bob O’Connor on March 16-18, 2012 in Portland, Maine.

In his Farmington, Maine shop, Bob hand crafted some of the finest and fastest hydroplanes in the world. O’Connor boats were the choice of many of America's top hydroplane pilots and were driven to many APBA National Championships and several UIM World Records. According to his wife Pearl, however, when The U.S. A-Team took an O’Conner built hull all the way to Nora, Sweden and, racing against twenty one other finalists from fourteen different countries, brought the World Bronze Medal home to the United States, it was one of Bob’s proudest moments as a boat builder.

We will never forget the support, hard work and camaraderie that Bob brought to our sport of outboard racing.

[L. Allen]

I bought one boat in my life, the Twisted Sister, from Bob O'Connor and had my picture taken with him in his shop.
Awesome.

[ram95]

Bob OConnor - Hydroplaneologist

Here's a few fairly recent photos of Bob's shop and kind of work he put out. He joked about going to the foot doctor and reading the sign on the office door. Bob said: Hahhh big deal... he's just a foot doctor.. I'm a G--d----d Hydroplaneologist.. !! So he goes home and tells Pearl and she has a plaque made up and sticks it on his workshop door. "Bob O'Connor Hydroplaneologist".

Now, I know we have quite a number of extremely talented hydroplane builders out there... but, I believe brother Bob is the first to have the title bestowed upon hisseff. And, if any of youse have an issue with this... you just take it up with Pearl... okay? and... good luck with that Burrrt!

Along with Bob and my boy, the boats shown are 'the mad russian' and 'stagger lee'. Bob built them and finish coated them for 2500 bucks each. And when they got damaged, he'd fix them for nothing. He'd say: That's what you get when you buy an O'Connor boat. I'd leave several hundred bucks on his table saw and next trip up there he'd be pissed and have it in his hand and stuff it in my pocket.

Yeah.. as Bob 'Suicide' O'Connor said many times..... "we're killin the sport...racin ain't safe"... Bob had no use for re-inforced cockpit sides, nor rounded pickles!!!

Rock on Bob!!
Alex

[ram95]

Bob OConnor - Hydroplaneologist

Here's a few fairly recent photos of Bob's shop and kind of work he put out. He joked about going to the foot doctor and reading the sign on the office door. Bob said: Hahhh big deal... he's just a foot doctor.. I'm a G--d----d Hydroplaneologist.. !! So he goes home and tells Pearl and she has a plaque made up and sticks it on his workshop door. "Bob O'Connor Hydroplaneologist".

Now, I know we have quite a number of extremely talented hydroplane builders out there... but, I believe brother Bob is the first to have the title bestowed upon hisseff. And, if any of youse have an issue with this... you just take it up with Pearl... okay? and... good luck with that Burrrt!

Along with Bob and my boy, the boats shown are 'the mad russian' and 'stagger lee'. Bob built them and finish coated them for 2500 bucks each. And when they got damaged, he'd fix them for nothing. He'd say: That's what you get when you buy an O'Connor boat. I'd leave several hundred bucks on his table saw and next trip up there he'd be pissed and have it in his hand and stuff it in my pocket.

Yeah.. as Bob 'Suicide' O'Connor said many times..... "we're killin the sport...racin ain't safe"... Bob had no use for re-inforced cockpit sides, nor rounded pickles!!!

Rock on Bob!!
Alex

[joejohn44]

I just bought my first O'Connor hull and am amazed at the craftsmanship. Fabulous...American made functional artwork

[2.5H]

My first Hydro in 1969 was an AB O'Connor!

I started my racing career in 1969 in a sweet running old at that time O'Connor AB Hydroplane. I had not yet met Bob, but his boat taught me a lot including what it's like to blow over or hook a chine as I learned how to drive - and all done with his matter-of-fact grace. I felt I knew him through his boat before I ever met him.

I was stunned to find Bob still building great boats when I returned to the sport 25 year later! As a former boat builder myself, I continue to be in awe of the phenomenal career Bob had. His dedication to our sport was un-paralelled!

Brad Snow

[burl11]

Another Piece of Work

I never got to meet Mr. O'Connor, but I have a great appreciation for his craftsmanship.

I spent the winter stripping off three different paint schemes and getting back to original wood, and repainting this one of his many creations.