"If the name Bob DeLong doesn't ring a bell with you, don't feel bad.  DeLong is a boatbuilder in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  He's fairly well known in limited ranks, but hardly a household word in the unlimiteds.  DeLong hopes to change all that in 1979.
     When the Miss Madison organization was looking for a boat a year ago, one of their options was an offer from Bob DeLong to build a new hull at cost.  Madison chose the '73 Pay 'N Pak hull instead, and DeLong didn't get his big chance.  Rather than wait for the phone to ring, DeLong decided to put together a boat for himself.  His creation is due for the 1979 season.
     At his Lakeshore Marine facility, Bob DeLong is constructing an all wooden craft.  The dimensions will be 28 x 12-6.  DeLong anticipates a lightweight hull, in the neighborhood of 3,500 pounds.  Power will come from a single fuel injected, turbo-charged, big block Chevrolet engine.  The boat has been registered as U-16.
     The new hull is in early stages of construction.  DeLong expects to have it ready to turn over in early March, at which time safety inspector Bud Martin will check the work.  About a month later, DeLong plans to have his creation on Lake Havasu for it's first test.
     If the schedule works out, DeLong will have the U-16 in Miami, with himself in the cockpit, when the season opens.  He wants to take three race-ready engines on the eastern circuit, leaving three more in standby condition at the shop.
     DeLong is as yet without sponsor or a name for his boat.  He says individual financial backing is available if he is unable to recruit a commercial firm.
     Bob DeLong's effort is the fourth new hull promised for the 1979 season."

Unlimited Newsjournal - February, 1979
     "Bob DeLong will apparently have some crewmembers from the Detroit area on his auto-powered boat.  One of the crewmembers has been associated with Doug McIntosh."

Unlimited Newsjournal - March, 1979
     "Bob DeLong's new unlimited, being built in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is coming along.  The hull should be turned over by the time you are reading this.  Three Chevy 454 engines are about ready, as is the trailer.  DeLong says the boat will be set to run in about a month.  He has sponsor leads, but no committments yet.  He says the colors will be natural mahogany and yellow unless a sponsor disapproves.  Inspector Bud Martin, who recently checked over the boat, says it is well built.  "DeLong knows what he's doing", Martin adds"

Unlimited Newsjournal - April, 1979
     "Bob DeLong's new auto-powered boat continues to progress in his shop aat Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  While Bob has been building his unlimited, he has taken on other work, such as orders for limited boats."

Unlimited Newsjournal - May, 1979
     "Construction on Bob DeLong's auto-powered boat is behind schedule.  As of mid-May, the boat still hadn't been turned over.  DeLong says he may join the circuit in El Dorado.  Then, in the next breath, he says, "If we don't make it this year, we'll be ready in December.  That's plenty of time for 1980."

Unlimited Newsjournal - July, 1979 (June, no report)
     "Bob DeLong's auto-powered unlimited is coming along.  The hull has been turned over and decked.  Only the beginnings of any installation work on systems, though.  Hoping to make San Diego"

Unlimited Newsjournal - August, 1979
     "Bob DeLong's auto-powered boat is nearing completion.  The hull is basically done, and one color of paint has been put on.  The hull will be blue and gold, and the blue is in place.  Most of the plumbing and electrical work is done.  The problem is with the engines.  Can they be finished in time to get the boat to San Diego?  One of DeLong's employees says Bob is toying with the idea of taking the boat to Australia this winter for the Griffith Cup."

Unlimited Newsjournal - October, 1979 (No report in September)
     "  We extend our thanks to Bob DeLong for the photo he sent of his new boat (see attached).  Bob notes that as soon as his engines are ready testing will begin.

Unlimited Newsjournal - November, 1979
     "Bob DeLong's auto-powered boat (pictured in last month's edition) is almost ready to go.  He has been finishing some hardware and detail work, as well as the trailer.  The engine has been in the boat, but not started yet.  Bob has a few other projects to finish, then will begin testing the U-16, he hopes in January.  He has been talking to potential sponsors, but has nothing definate to report."

Unlimited Newsjournal - February, 1980 (No reports December '79 or January '80)
     "U-16, Lakeshore Marine - The hull is painted and ready to go but thus far has not done any testing."

Unlimited Newsjournal - April, 1980 (No report in March '80)
     "Bob DeLong's boat- Bob is all set to run!  He has no name nor sponsor yet, but plans to be in Miami, regardless.  Jerry Scheonith is helping out in sponsor search."

Unlimited Newsjournal - May, 1980
     " Bob DeLong's boat - Initial tests have not been successful due to engine problems.  Further tests are slated.  If results are good, boat will head to Miami."

Unlimited Newsjournal - June, 1980
     "U-16, Miss North Tool (*Note: Never happened, although reported).  Owner-Driver Bob DeLong was expected to join the circuit in Madison.  Chevrolet power and Hilborn fuel injection are the heart of this lightweight cabover."

Unlimited Newsjournal - July, 1980
     "U-16, Bob DeLong...where are you?" (*Note: This was the last posting, repeated in December edition, of anything related to Bob DeLong, or the U-16, Lakeshore Marine).