The performance-boating industry is mourning the death of Eliminator Boats’ founder Bob Leach, the man widely regarded as the Godfather of the West Coast performance boating. He was 85.
Leach’s designs inspired a generation of builders that built flashy but fast boats to run on lakes and rivers.
“Bob was more than a founder, he was an innovator, a craftsman, and a pioneer whose passion for performance and perfection helped shape an entire industry,” said Jake Fraleigh, president of Eliminator Boats. “His bold ideas and relentless pursuit of excellence defined the Eliminator name and inspired generations of boaters, builders, and enthusiasts across the country.”
Although Leach hadn’t been leading the company he founded for more than a decade, his influence is still felt. Eliminator Boats started out building single-engine V-bottom boats, but it was the center-pod catamarans that drove the company’s success. He partnered with boat designer Ron Ehde in 1975 to create the Daytona tunnel boat and the 19-foot Daytona, one of the most popular boats of the era.
Eliminator reached peak sales in the early 2000s under Leach’s leadership, building larger models and expanding the brand’s West Coast influence. Built in Mira Loma, Calif., Eliminator won numerous Boat of the Year awards.
The company was an innovator when it came to gelcoat work and custom interiors. Eliminator was one of the earliest West Coast builders to deliver 100-mph turnkey boats to customers.
Affable and outgoing, Leach moved to Southern California in the 1960s and worked in sales for Kellogg’s. Inspired by the boating on the West Coast, Leach started building inboard flat-bottom ski boats for friends and eventually opening Eliminator Boats.
Eliminator is now owned by RevLine LLC, a group that includes Fraleigh, who worked under Leach when he was younger. As Eliminator’s general manager, Fraleigh leans into the company’s 56-year history.
“His impact is woven into every boat we produce, every customer we’ve served, and every mile on the water,” Fraleigh said. “Those who had the privilege of knowing Bob experienced a kind, gentle, and charismatic person.”
Leach’s passion for speed extended beyond the water. Leach was a pilot and still flew aircraft well into his retirement.
Leach is survived by his wife Cindy; children, Bryant, Brent, Brandi and Briana; and numerous grandchildren.
No plans have been announced for a memorial service since his passing on December 1.
