1988 | Joe Swift

Swift built his first race boat in 1929 when speeds barely topped 30 MPH. He built his first custom hydro, a PR-65, in 1947 — the same year he became Region 5 Chairman.

In 1948 he chaired the National Outboard Championships in Lake Alfred FL. In 1950 he introduced a line of mass-produced A-B hydros, sold in support of the new Stock classes.

He also chaired the Ways and Means Committee. In 1951 he was elected APBA National Secretary and also introduced two new Stock hydros — the Big Bee and the Big Dee. A Big Dee was the first Stock Hydro to break the 70 MPH mark.

At one time, Swift's hydros held every Stock Hydro competition and mile record, and his was the first Outboard hydro to exceed 100 MPH (an Italian record). From 1950-59 he built over 8,500 hydros, building and shipping 15 a day. From 1983-87 he handled PR for the Formula 1 circuit and was recognized as JBS America.