Ocean Crossing in an Outboard Boat: The Al Grover Story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- Al Grover and his sons squared off against a monstrous hurricane, a near-drowning, fuel-issues and exhaustion on their way to earning a Guinness World Record for being the first outboard-powered boat to cross the Atlantic. Man and machine vs. the ocean. Join us as we visit Grover in his home in Freeport, NY to hear his incredible story firsthand.
Boater's from around the world are finding inspiration in the story of Al Grover, now 94, who was the first person to cross the Atlantic in an outboard-powered boat. Today, we're proud to present the full story behind his epic adventure. Get the full story here: www.powerandmo...
That's my pop! Thanks so much, Dan, for chronicling his story. You are a great writer and an exceptional storyteller. This is a gift to our family.
Great story, but think you have your mom to thank for the success. That idea to blow up those bladders and strap them to the back deck was spot on. Not so much for the buoyancy, but more for the following seas crashing onto the deck. That would have been a disaster. What an adventure!
It was either depart during hurricane season or definitely ice up the boat. He chose wisely.
The legend himself !
Wow how cool is your pop , brave man .
@@cainnorthcott2059 brass cohones !
My Grampa-my hero! He's a badass with a heart of gold!
Fantastic! this is great stuff, happy for all involved
You have every reason to be proud of him.
Hi Monica, you must be so proud of him. He is made of salt
He certainly is both a badass and.a legend!
I hope you have some AMC stock because diamond hands run in your family. 👍🏻
Love my grandpa.❤️ The legend!!
He’s an amazing guy!
Your grandpa is so cool, you’re too lucky!
I love your Grandpa too after watching this story god bless the dude!
There aren't many men left like him.. I helped one get to Louisiana from Maryland in a sailboat.. this fella is awesome
Respect
I can’t believe I’m seeing this. When I was in high school, our home room teacher told us about this guy. I was 17 in 1985, and now 53 and still very intrigued by this. This guy is steel.
I met Mr. Grover many times when I was a younger man and so was he. Grover's was the go to marine store in Freeport when you needed parts or boating stuff. Back then I keep my boat at Larry Johnson's Marina in Freeport for many years. I remember hearing of the epic journey Mr. Grover was taking and followed the story along with just about every boater in Freeport. I now live on a 44' sailboat in Florida and while motoring around in my dinghy I spotted a Grover boat and motored over to the private dock to check out the boat and the owner happened to be in his yard and when I said I like your Grover boat he was surprised that I know about the boat as there are not many in Florida and told him I didn't know Mr. Grover personally but I have been to his shop/store many times over the years and along with many boaters in the Long Island area we followed his epic journey. I don't know how old this nice little story is but if it's recent I am glad to see Mr. Grover still alive and so sharp in his 90's. Thank you for posting this as it brought back such nice memories of the beginning years of my boating life. Thank you!
@Nicholas Fox: How could you forget Freeport Marine Supply?
Yours, is an interesting story also.
@@pauleohl wow! I recently moved to Freeport by the water last summer and love it here. Freeport marine supply is my go to marine store too. I have a little canoe that I’m building into a fishing rig. Love this story!
My father thought the world of Al Grover. We were Johnson Outboard’s #1 dealer in Pennsylvania while Al Grover was NY’s #1 Evinrude dealer. I can’t tell you how many Sunday afternoons I spent during my childhood walking around Al Grover’s Marina and the other boat dealerships of the “Miracle Mile”. I remember seeing one of Al’s boats at the NYC Boat Show (National Boat Show back then) when it was held at the old Coliseum. I could be wrong, but the actual transatlantic Groverbuilt boat was on display once. Ah, the memories!
You are not wrong. It was there!
I've been down in submarines and jumped from an airplane, but there is no way in hell I would transit the North Atlantic in that little boat. Respect for Al Grover, the mad man, and his stout little vessel and crew. Someone was watching over that voyage! Thank you, Power & Motoryacht and Dan for memorializing this man and his journey for all time.
I bet you've been down on a lot of "submarines".
lol levels
@@mikeperth8027 Well, I did promote fast. 😏
🤣🤣🤣@@cheddar2648
This came up in my recommendations. This is why I own a Groverbuilt 26. It has been on my bucket list to buy since I was 12 and Al crossed the Atlantic. When men were men. My boat is 41 years old with the original engine that will outlast me. An insanely built boat with an insanely built ford diesel engine that is one of the most reliable and efficient packages ever sold. I will die and transfer ownership of this boat to my children. Thank you to the Grover family for building such an enduring classic.
Great video, and tribute to a legend. He looks amazing for 94, like 30 years younger than his true age. I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, not far from his boat yard and Evinrude dealership on Woodcleft canal in Freeport. My dad always admired Al Grover and Grover boats, and told me the story of this transatlantic crossing. Every time we sailed down Woodcleft Canal on our boat, we always admired the design and seaworthiness of the Grover built boats lined up at the Grover Marina. Eventually as a teenager, I was able to upgrade my little crappy Eska outboard for my first boat, and my dad bought a new 4hp Evinrude from Grover Marine circa 1987, not long after this famous transatlantic crossing. Besides it being a great engine and a huge upgrade from that Eska I had, there was a huge sense of pride from buying that engine from Grover. Will never forget it.
Wish you had more of him talking, he’s a natural.
Hello Al...glad to see your showing this..I'm so proud to have worked for you back in 87..putting up your boat building was the honor of my life long career..sail on....joe
A true gentleman my grandfathers best friend he’s been gone since 1976 happy to see his buddy still doing well
Enjoying this wonderful story from Australia 🇦🇺 lovely to see his Grandchildren’s proud loving comments 🙂
I've spent 20 years living aboard and cruising the Caribbean and the Atlantic, and men like this are the mainstay of our world. "Wooden ships and iron men" indeed... we may build better boats, but not stronger men.
I've sailed a lot of blue water, been out in Gulf Stream with waves breaking over my boat, had 4 hurricanes pass directly over me... every word he said reminded me of life on the water, and makes me miss it even more than I usually do.
Great story, cannot imagine the son running away without even giving his father an explanation! One has to respect the courage to do what he has done. No one can ever take that from him for darn sure. At 93 years of age, he is still as sharp as a tack too, which is another accomplishment.
My first boat had a 65 hp Evinrude motor that I kept for over 25 years and believe me I used that boat almost daily and other than regular maintenance like spark plugs, carburetor cleaning, lower unit oil changes and few water pump impellers I never had a problem, even when I sold it that motor was still running perfectly. Thanks for the great history.
Yep. The omc 3 cylinder is truly a tank, and definitely the motor I'd trust to take an a long journey even today. Ive had a bunch of them, my dads had a bunch of them and to this day has a last model year one on his boat. Out of all of them about the only break downs have been cdi packs, and that only happened after nearly 20 years of good service. So easy to work on too. Even tho I don't own one anymore they will probably always be my favorite layout of outboard. It's one of those rare instances where something was built without 1 weak spot. This year's boat build has a last model year tower of power, and their a beautifull machine and would blow the omcs out of the water power to weight wise, but I can see a lot of weak spots on them, and their not something you can work on easily on the water. I think there was a reason every rental boat fleet ran omcs pretty much
I still run my 87 Johnson 65 on my Midland. lobster skiff. Great motor, never had the head off it.
excellent motors, especially your 49 ci one, and ditto for the 2 cyl 40-60hp versions with the 100 series blocks. I have many... just rebuilt 3 this winter if you feel like taking a trip down memory lane:) its too bad how many are just rode hard and put away wet, though. simple maintenance and they run forever just like you said, salt water or fresh doesn't matter to em'.
Wow I had in board out board, 350 small block Chevy SUCKED!!!
@@ct1762 I actually just sold a 1981 70hp. I'm sure with all the swap meets I go to another clean one will show up for a few hundred bucks again. I know a guy building a 3 cylinder for racing right now. Chopped down lower unit, this things like 2 1/2 feet from skeg to top. Bored out, high comp head and pistons and mikuni carbs. Changed the porting and all in it. I have wanted to build another 3 point hydro so I'm keeping my eye out for exactly that project one day. I've never thought about going fro performance with omc stuff, but seeing that has got me going
Being a die hard boater this story was absolutely one of my favorite!! Al Grover truly is a legend without a doubt 👍👍🚤🚤🚤🚤🚤
I crossed East to West in a 25ft sailboat. Another thing entirely to cross on a large fuel tank! Does prove that outboards even then were reliable enough. You could do the same journey with a small diesel in a bit more comfort. The hardest thing is dropping those dock-lines and just going. Says much about the ability of his boat though. Glad to see this story get some fresh air, not many aware of it.
outboards were extremely reliable by the 1980's. I'd argue many designs were in their prime! Especially the OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) 2 and 3 cyl loopers. Bulletproof, and this proves it. Of course continuous use, like a Toyota Camry usually gets, helps a bunch:)
@@ct1762 , agree to some extent. Have an old Evinrude 15hp twin, its just keeps going. Bit of a gas hog compared to a new 4 stroke though.
@@skaraborgcraft but you can still run a whole weekend on less than 6 gallons of gas. the smoothness, power, low weight and initial cost (used) are all reasons NOT to get a new 4 stroke 15. i've run a few 9.9 and 15hp suzuki 4 strokes, and they vibrate badly in a weird high frequency way at low speeds because the pistons travel up and down together. makes your whole hand red and tingly. not fun. now i'd be interested in trying tohatsu's new 9.9-20hp batteryless EFI systems... hopefully smoother.
And yet with today's 4 strokes and fuel efficiency no one has ever circumnavigate with an outboard powered boat... and now Evinrudes are gone thanks to corporate incompitency... I loved Evinrude, grew up with them. My dad and I would sit at the dock before fishing and watch all the big high horsepower guys with their Merc's have to fiddle and tinker everytime they launched and dad would just hit the key and off we went with our Evinrude Lark and be fishing while they where just getting underway...great story about Al. True american hero like Robert Manry
I think it also says a great deal about ones seamanship. What a captain. You and him. 👍
The first job I ever had was working for Al Jr. as a teenager coiling dock lines, scraping barnacles and moving fiberglass at his marina. I hated it at the time, but appreciate every second of it now. Great story.
What a great story and a really real and humble fellow. He is so much like my best buddy and my “second Dad” that we just lost last month at 97.
Ed Larson was in the same league as your friend Al. He is certainly great story teller and it’s wonderful to get this recorded for all time. Thanks for posting this. It was the greatest
As a lifelong Freeporter a cool video and growing up around the block from what we called Woodcleft the Grover family always a big part of Freeport history and a supporter of the community.
Amazing story indeed. Having grown up in Gloucester, Massachusetts and worked on lobster boats throughout the 1970’s the comments about leaving site of land and the lifeline of the VHF radio hit me viscerally. Great video.
So so glad this came up on my suggested videos! This man has just changed my life for the better! What a humble honest brilliant man! Thank you for documenting his story/ crossing
What an extraordinary tale! And he's sharp as a tack at 94. Remarkable man.
I met him back in the late 80s. My friend bought one of his 28’ Grover built boats. He was having some steering issues. I was impressed by how Al hauled the boat identified the problem and made the repair himself. He is a very personable and approachable a very nice man!!! I was surprised to see he’s still living.
As a sailor, crossing the Atlantic with only outboards sounds completely miserable
But I love adventure and that was one of the great adventures
Thank you for bringing us this story
LEGEND!. I haven’t watched more that one minute.....now continuing on......
This is one of the most exciting videos I have watched!!! Speaking of the satellites and navigation. I was fishing with a friend off the coast of Daytona Beach in 1984. He used satellite positioning to find a clorox bottle he had tied a heavy weight to and there is was bobbing on the surface 2 months after he had planted it...said he had found that to be a great fishing spot...it was. We took home a great catch....Al Grover is an amazing story! Thanks for this!
That dude’s keel must be made out of steel😂. That man is on a whole different level! Wow, savage level 10000%
Your not kidding
They don’t make them like they used to
Thats a great story. Your friendship was essential for many reasons. 2 years ago i cycled from Finland to the UK on a recumbent bike and a trailer, with my dog and belongings. My dog, kept me going.
A legend, an inspiration for generations and a real life hero..What an amazing story about an amazing human..Thankyou from this old aussie seadog
A whole lot more than a three hour tour 😊 What an awesome adventure and a legend of a man!!!!!!
Now I have two idols Bob Ballard and AL Groover ! Beautifully done!!! Amazing video! 👏
Thank you so much forvintroduc8ng me to a bit of history I did not know about.
Leo Coleman:
You have excellent taste in your choice of idols!
Bob Ballard's house in old Lyme CT is gorgeous. Grew up walking past it. Not sure if he owns it anymore.
This is a great example of someone having a dream and going after it no matter how many people said it was crazy. And to him it would have been crazy not to have tried. That's how legends become legends. Great story.
Al Grover. You are a man to be admired. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey. In our native Maori language here in Aotearoa New Zealand we say Kia Kaha. Stand tall.
You don’t look Maori lol. Are you mixed race? Im just curious as some of the men in my family are mixed and you can tell right away lol
Everybody gangsta until its time to cross the ocean in a fishing boat. Al Grover has my respect
A Boat that deserves to be called a "Ship", & a Man that deserves to be called "AWESOME "!
What a nice spirit this man has.
I could sit for hours listening to his story's,. As a waterman myself, Any man who goes to sea, has my respect.
And this trip is next level for that Vessel.
Your an inspiration to generation's of waterman, and men in general.
MAHALO.🤙
What a legend! This would had made a great Netflix film.
I thought the same
Incredible story and a true legend. Well done Dan! Thanks for an amazing production.
When I lived in the virgin islands a guy came in with a little boat orange enclosed with a 2.5 hp. outboard. He had gone across the Atlantic already I was heading for America. He stayed on St. John for three days and headed to FL. He made it.
So kinda like one of those refurb live vessels?
Is there a behind this?
Sorry, "story"
@@GDM700 probably this guy: www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-04-20-1995110125-story.html
Wow, the man is a super hero. Best wishes from England Newcastle Tyne and wear.
Absolutely amazing hearing first hand how this miraculous voyage was accomplished!!!
I’ll never forget this, very inspiring. I feel blessed to have found this video by chance. Thank you so much for making this mini documentary. Excellent job !!!
Growing up on Long Island in Massapequa I spent alot my youth in freeport at the boat yards with my dad on the weekends, I met Al Grover when I was a small boy in the 60's, my dad knew him, we were always there for Evinrude parts, I looked forward to go to Grovers my dad would be in the shop talking to AL, I'd be running around the boat yard. It was a great time and place to be a kid and grow up on the Island... Thanks for the great Memories Mr Grover...
Wow! Sleep deprivation will really cloud your judgment. Glad he survived. Amazing story from an absolute legend.
Legend certainly was the right word...and in this case...he's got more guts than i'd ever hope to even think of having. Beautiful story retold....and some of us remember when it happened! Al, you're the definition of the word Legend, i expect to see you picture in Websters beside the word! Thanks for making that journey and thanks for the documentary!
What a wonderful legacy he has. Thank you Mr Grover!! Really loved this video and way it was told.
Wow this old sailor is looking dapper at 94. Just goes to show you that an active adventurous lifestyle keeps you young at heart. Al did this trans- Atlantic crossing in his 50's in a boat that most experienced sailors wouldn't dare countenance doing.
Thank you Al Gover! I didn't know of this story until today but you were secretly my mentor...A few years ago I took my 1965 17ft. Boston Whaler from Rhode Island to Key West. I just needed a challenge and an adventure I guess! I get awesome comments on my Channel saying that I inspired them to take their small boats further. It feels good for sure...
Amazing. Great adventure, and also to see Mr grovers whole family in the comments really proud of his achievements really makes you feel how special this man really is. I appreciate you painting this adventure for us. How much guts it takes to do this is crazy.
Wow, what a great story. I was a customer for years in Freeport. I owned a Thompson and a Lyman.
Wound up with a Luhrs Skiff kept on Woodcliff canal. You brought me back to those wonderful days. Fantastic memories.
Just an addendum to my previous comment, based on Thompson and Lyman boats as well as Grover built, I started to build wood boats as a hobby.
My last build is a 16.5 skiff built tongue and groove. Double planked cedar over planking.
Living on AZ now, really miss Freeport.
Thanks for the memories.
I met Al Grover yesterday. Amazing man. We need more gentleman like this.
You’re honesty has taught me a lot about nautical adventure.. fantastic and respect to you sir.
Excellent video, you really captured the spirit of this awesome man and his incredible adventure! Thanks so much for making us all aware of him and his story🇦🇺👍😎
And here I’m going from Miami to Bahamas thinking it’s an excursion on epic proportions especially on a Jon boat with a 15hp motor and oars
That’s pretty rugged lol
Bring an epirb
I'd like to see that jon boat take on the sea. I won't trust mine in the Ohio river.
I could swim that guy.
I think as long as you bring the right equipment, even if the boat sinks you "should" be fine. I think its doable. Plus with todays tech and weather, there is no real reason you would be out in something overly crazy.
This guy has balls of steel
Hey, that's just ballast to keep the boat upright.
Balls of steel ! I would never attempt a adventure across the ocean in such a small boat.
I really enjoyed this incredible story. Thank you for telling it so well.
What a Legend indeed !!!! What an inspirational story ! THANK YOU Mr GROVER.
The title is absolutely perfect! Mr Grover embodies what is the true human spirit of adventure.
What an experience! It give me the shakes just hearing it.
Wow , what a story ! . I have been a sailor and. Boat builder for over 60 years and have never heard of this , glad I have now . Thanks for sharing this .
Kind of reminds me of Tinkerbelle ( ? )
I am a sailboat guy myself but god what a great story, and a great man too it looks like. It wasn't mentioned, but it looks like from the pictures that he was a WWII veteran as well. An Airborne soldier? Thanks for telling a part of his story!
What a lovely charismatic and brave adventurer this man is!
I could listen to him recalling his adventures for hours.
Thank you for introducing me to this courageous and fascinating man. Subscribed.
What a trip. I highly recommend checking out Ant Steward - a South African guy who sailed the world in an open dinghy. He wanted no fame or recognition. Just went and did it. Absolutely epic.
I have a new hero in my life. I will think of him every time I start my trusty vintage Evinrude 5hp speed twin. Legend is a worthy epithet for sure. 👍
That's an amazing tale of a nearly fearless man daring to take on his dream.
This is a well narrated documentary of a brave man!
His epic feat should be better known throughout the world.
The part where you told about going overboard, so descriptive, I was seeing it all in my mind as if it was a Hollywood production.
I've thought many times of the horror of going overboard unnoticed by anyone.
Wonderful story and respect to Mr Grover.
Never heard about this before. Super achievement. Thanks for making and sharing.
What an awesome trip by an amazing man,, inspirational to be sure and a legend in his own lifetime...
Great Long Island Boating history!! :-)
Nice genuine way of telling the story
What a great man. That adventurous spirit should inspire young men to go for it, no matter where you find it.
What an amazing and humble man, obviously a legend as well and what a small boat unbelievable 🙏
Absolutely the most human story I'v ever heard. These men are just so real, no heroics besides the idea in the first place to even attempt such a feat, then the acknowledgement that, Oh crap what were we thinking? Then, Oh well were here so we got to deal with it. These guys are men of the first order.
When I was a teenager, I remember seeing the second boat he had for this adventure left at a boat shop in Winslow, Maine. It had been in a wreck on the way to Canada and had come off of the trailer. I have a photo of it someplace.
What an awesome story. Huge balls needed for crossing an ocean!. Thanks to the creators of this vid, very cool.
Great story! Al is adorable. Seems like such a humble man.
As a retired Marine, mechanic in boatowners love, the story do more please
What a fantastic man.Well done Al. You give me inspiration at 62 to buy that sailboat I always wanted and sail the world. Cheers bro.
Thank you for this. I grew up across Woodcliff Canal on Guy Lombardo Avenue and absolutely remember this. I *also* remember (I was young) going to Sunday Mass at the boatyard (does anyone else remember this?) followed by Brunch at Otto's. Another historical tidbit, Richard Branson (of Virgin fame and fortune) also set off from Woodcliff Canal for his transatlantic run - I remember that boat right in front of my childhood home (we lived across the canal from Otto's)
wow, the world needs guys like this. sorta inspires the rest of us.
OMG am I glad I found this post. What an incredible story & a man with large attachments to take on an adventure this huge. Thank you so much.
AMAZING VIDEO!! I am a proud long Islander and the quartermaster of Freeport/Merrick VFW post 1310. I saw that boat on display on the Nautical Mile and never knew the history. Great to learn. Great to know this story. As we say in the US Army... "more balls than brains". Epic
what an amazing story ... always wondered if a trans Atlantic crossing was possible by outboard ... now i know
Great story! Amazing guy! The guy is a fantastic storyteller. Glad you recorded this amazing story.
Greg from Australia : You did what I only dreamed .. in 1979 I planned such expiditions then fell in love with my wife and travelled the world in 747s instead . Thankyou for showing the impossible is possible with good planning and ingenuity . My plan exactly .
These type of people are those that explored the planet first. Brave intrepid
A related comment to Al's "calling home", I called my parents from an airborne CH-46 with an AN/ARC-94 over the south Pacific in 1994 using SSB. It's the neatest call I've ever made. The radio operator connects to the longline and manually switches between transmit and receive when you say "over".
What a excellent story! I’m proud to know these people are Long Islanders--where the salt flows in many veins here.
I love these types of stories thanks for sharing
What an interesting story. They had a huge set. Very inspiring.
I ran a 40 hp evinrude 1960 model Lark II up until 3 yrs ago. Some 58 yrs, still running when I sold boat with motor. Hard to beat these old outboards. Several videos of motor on my channel.
I have a 5hp penta unused from about the 70's before I try to start it what checks should I carry out? Someone told me not to buy it but though old it's brand new🤭
Not familar with a penta, just make sure it has gear oil, in water for cooling, and proper oil/gas mix. May need to check for spark and that ignition is sound. Might look online for info on motor. Good luck.
@@GTweed0605 the impeller is likely to have disintegrated so dont run it fore more then 30 sec if it starts. Then change impeller before you use. Also run a bit of oil in piston before you pull over . Carb likely will need a clean depending on how it was stored
@@ciaranbyrne62 the impeller is likely to have disintegrated so done run it fore more then 30 sec if it starts. Then change impeller before you use. Also run a bit of oil in piston before you pull over . Carb likely will need a clean depending on how it was stored
My sister had a Grover with the diesel engine set up in Newport harbor. That boat got more eye attention from passersby folk. She and I were in LIand went to meet Al. Met his awesome daughter in law. So friendly. Still want to meet this legend. (Outboard mag, how can you go out of biz when it's all outboards now?)
What an absolute story of inspiration. And with all do respect, stupidity. I must say you guys are motor boating sons of the biggest guns man and woman can possibly create. Out of love I truly enjoy the fact you all made it home safe and created such magnificent stories. His
Blessing grace, for all eternity
This guy is an absolute legend!
A great story as brave as Lindbergh. As far as bilge pump discharge issue, put a loop in the hose above the discharge outlet. Going to the Bahamas I've put four 5-gallon gas cans on the swim platform in Rubbermaid totes for extra fuel. Refueling in six-foot seas was kind of sporty. Met a guy near Marsh Harbour in a cruiser that had so much fuel in a bladder he couldn't get on a plane. Fun times.
What a beautiful Find .. Thanks for sharing this Amazing and Inspiring story.. Legendary Voyager.. No doubt about it..
💯🤠👍
I dont know how i ended up on this video, but this is GREAT!!!...What a cool guy, and such a great story...Hats Off!!
Awesome story. One of the best I’ve heard for a long time.