Ole Evinrude Norwegian-American inventor Date of Birth: 19.04.1877 Country: USA

Biography of Ole Evinrude

Ole Evinrude, a Norwegian-American inventor, is known for his ingenious invention of the outboard motor. Born in Hunndalen, Vardal, Oppland, Norway, Evinrude moved to America in 1881 with his father, followed by his mother and three siblings a year later. The family settled on a farm near Ripley Lake in Cambridge, Wisconsin. At the age of 16, Evinrude moved to Madison, where he worked in various machine shops while studying engineering.

Evinrude eventually became an engineer himself and applied his skills at companies in Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. In 1900, he founded his own company specializing in the development of custom engines and motors. In 1907, Evinrude introduced the world to his first reliable and efficient outboard motor, made of steel and brass and powered by gasoline.

According to legend, the idea for the outboard motor came to Evinrude after a failed date with a girl. While walking along the lake shore, the girl asked him for ice cream. Evinrude had to row across the entire lake to fetch it, but by the time he returned, the ice cream had melted completely. This incident solidified his belief in the potential of his invention.

After two years, Evinrude firmly established the viability of his invention and founded the Evinrude Motor Company. By 1912, the company employed 300 people. In 1913, Evinrude sold his company to focus on caring for his sick wife. In 1919, he introduced an even more efficient and lightweight motor design and began producing it under a new company called Elto Outboard Motor Company.

In 1933, Evinrude's wife passed away at the age of 48. A year later, Evinrude himself died at the age of 57. The company's leadership was taken over by his son, Ralph Evinrude. The Evinrude company, now known as Evinrude Outboard Motors, is still in operation today and is owned by Bombardier Recreational Products.