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Bob Dougherty Dead at 85

Boating Pioneer For Over 50 Years

Edgewater, FL March 25, 2016– Rarely does someone transform an entire industry – Bob did just that. Nicknamed “Mr. Unsinkable,” he refined his craft of boat design and build with a steadfast philosophy: people should be able to enjoy boating safely, regardless of sea conditions.

Bob Dougherty at the design table/.
Boating featured Dougherty in the article, 3 Great Boat Designers Everglades Boats

A strong Irishman from South Boston, Bob started his career as a schoolteacher outside of Boston in the 50’s. Late in that decade, he began experimenting with fiberglass manufacturing and joined the marine industry soon thereafter. Always taking the high road on quality, he was a disciplined and visionary leader, whose influence on the marine industry can been seen in virtually every boat built today. As his boat-building career unfolded, the people in his organizations were always his highest priority, and he took care of them as he would his own family.

Bob first started building boats when he joined Boston Whaler in 1960 as Chief Engineer. Bob soon became Chief Designer and Senior Vice President of Engineering at Boston Whaler. Over 30 years, Bob was influential in the development and design of the Boston Whaler product line. Following his time at Boston Whaler, he started and built Edgewater Powerboats, which he ran until 1995, a stepping stone to what would become his lasting legacy at Everglades Boats.

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Bob went on to build small parts and windshields for select industry partners before starting Everglades to build high end powerboats. Over the last 15 years, Everglades grew into the premier brands of offshore power boats ranging in size from 23 to 43’. Because of his vision and leadership, Everglades continues to build a full line of the best offshore fishing/family boats in the industry. Every boat that has come off the factory floor for the last 15 years, and every boat that will come off in the future, will be filled with Dougherty DNA, and will carry Bob’s legacy forever.

Bob Dougherty sketch
This llustration of Bob Dougherty was drawn by Miss Led for the feature article, 3 Great Boat Designers Miss LED
One of Bob’s favorite sayings was “Tight Lines,” a fishing term for good luck and good fortune. He lived his life as if a fish were always on the line, ready for the next challenge, with a can-do attitude that never quit
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