It is with much regret that I announce the death of boat designer Phil Bolger at the age of 81. Bolger died last Sunday the 23rd of May at his home in Gloucester MA. Boilger committed suicide by shooting himself in the garden of the home that he shared with long time partner Susanne Altenburger with whom he is pictured above. Bolger was best known for his eccentric designs and easy to build boats including the brick which could be built entirely from three 4 by 8 sheet of plywood. His most famous design was of the Surprise a 20 gun frigate that was featured in the Film master and Commander starring Russell Crowe.
I met him once and was taken aback at his modesty and how self effacing he was. He firmly believed in cheap eco friendly boats and at the time of his death had been working on some fuel efficient inshore fishing craft. You can read more about some of his designs by clicking here.
So long Phil we miss you already.
Comments