Steve Greaves

Donations and Sales Manager

“I first met the Center’s co-founder, Dick Wagner, in the early 80’s.  We both lived on floating homes and loved small boats.  Dick was always overflowing with ideas and vision for what the Center might become.  And Dick was a master at getting folks to help.  When I retired from my career, it seemed natural to join the Center and help Dick. Everyday it is an honor to help carry-on Dick’s vision.”  

Steve tried to retire from an information technology career in 2010, but his old floating home friend, Dick Wagner (CWB founder) said, “No retirement for you Steve, you’re going to help me at the Center.”  And Steve has been on the CWB staff ever since primarily managing boat donations and sales.   

Steve began racing outboard boats competitively when he was a teenager.  The boats are wood, typically constructed of mahogany marine plywood over sitka spruce frames, are 11-13’ in length, and usually weigh less than 150lbs.  The outboard motors are modified to burn methanol and castor oil for fuel.  Speeds are in the 55-70mph range. 

During Steve’s driving career, he set 30 world and national speed records, was National Champion 9 times, and was inducted into the American Power Boat Association Hall of Champions 7 times.  The photo shows Steve racing in a flat-bottom (runabout) class in a race on the Willamette River in Newberg, Oregon.  Now retired from driving, Steve continues to race outboard boats as an owner, chief mechanic, and tactician putting 2 drivers on the water at races around the country.