Exclusive Interview with Pat Curry aka Gator
Co-Star of Boat Flipper | Songwriter | Community Advocate
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Q: Tell us who you are in your own words.
Gator: I’m Pat Curry, but everybody calls me Gator. I’m a songwriter, a builder, and a man who’s lived quite a ride. I’ve got a head full of inventions, a heart full of music, and I just want to be part of something bigger than me.
Q: Where did the name “Gator” come from?
Gator: Funny story. I was on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis’s band, playing harmonica, and the bandleader asked what people called me. I said “Miami,” and he looked at me and said, “Well, you in Texas now—we gonna call you Gator.” Been Gator ever since.
Q: How did you end up in Sacramento?
Gator: Man, it took me eight months to get here. I went through a whole lot—including having my van impounded in Tijuana and ending up in a stolen car with a redhead. But when I landed in Sacramento, I was ready to change. I asked God to help me—and the obsession that haunted me for 17 years vanished. Sacramento gave me my life back.
Q: What did you do after turning your life around?
Gator: I started a recovery home—Freedom House—and ran that for 17 years. It helped a lot of folks. I also launched Curry Construction, which is still going strong. I got custody of my kids. I built a life. And through it all, I kept music close to my heart.
Q: Speaking of music, what’s your story there?
Gator: I was always rhyming and writing—since the early '70s when I had my first psychedelic experience and grabbed a notebook. I played harmonica with Jerry Lee Lewis, wrote country and worship songs, and even fronted a band named after my recovery journey. Music’s always been part of me. These days, I can’t play guitar like I used to, but I still have my harmonica, and that’s enough.
Q: You’re a key part of Boat Flipper. How did that happen?
Gator: I’ve been flipping boats with Allen for over 12 years now. It started with nothing—just a few guys and a vision. One of the most memorable days was when we got three boats for three bucks. I’ve always loved boats, since I was a kid in Miami. Being on the water just runs in my blood. Working with Allen is always an adventure—he’s wild, but he’s got a heart.
Q: What’s your favorite moment on Boat Flipper so far?
Gator: That Chriscraft haul was something else. We had straps on that baby and the dock was bending. Everyone was there. It was electric. I also love when I get to do my little song at the end of the show. That’s my moment.
Q: You wrote the Boat Flipper theme song, right?
Gator: Sure did. It goes:
"Out in the California sun, you'll find Flipper and Gator having fun, running on empty under the gun…"
It’s a fun one. I sang it, wrote it, played it back when I still had my guitar hands. It’s got that salty, goofy, heart-on-your-sleeve feel that makes the show what it is.
Q: What keeps you going at 73 years young?
Gator: My wife, my family, my grandkids—and great-grandkids too. Life ain’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m grateful to still be here. I’ve had my share of s***, but you know what? Every bit of it led me to this moment.
Q: What do you want people to take away from Boat Flipper?
Gator: I want them to be jazzed. Inspired. Entertained. I want them to see that real stories, real boats, and real people still matter. And that it’s never too late to float again—metaphorically or literally.
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Q: Any last words to your fans?
Gator: Stay tuned, baby. We’re bringing it. This ain’t Hollywood—this is real. This is Boat Flipper.
Pat Curry aka Gator
Songwriter • Boat Restoration Enthusiast • Recovery Advocate • Co-Star of Boat Flipper
Pat Curry, better known as Gator, is a vibrant soul with a rich, storied past and a heart full of grit, gratitude, and groove. Born and raised in Miami, Gator spent his early years surrounded by ocean adventures—spearfishing, water skiing, and living life on the waves long before he owned his first car.
While his journey took some detours, including brushes with trouble and a wild stint with Jerry Lee Lewis’s band as a harmonica player, it ultimately led him to Sacramento, California—a place he credits with "loving him back to life."
In Sacramento, Gator turned his life around. He founded Freedom House, a recovery home that helped countless individuals reclaim their lives, which he ran for 17 years. Alongside that, he launched Curry Construction, a still-thriving company built on hard work and heart.
A true creative, Gator is a prolific songwriter and musician. Though physical limitations now prevent him from playing guitar, he continues to make music with his harmonica and his voice—creating original tunes like the Boat Flipper theme song, which he wrote, sang, and proudly performs.
Gator has been a core part of the Boat Flipper reality show for over a decade, bringing humor, wisdom, and authenticity to the screen. He loves the action, the challenge, and the brotherhood that comes with the show.
From pulling up a sunken Chris-Craft to wrangling three boats for just $3, Gator has seen it all—and helped build it from the ground up.
At 73 years young, Gator is full of life, love, and stories. He adores his wife, his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He believes in staying jazzed, staying grateful, and showing up real and raw—whether it's on set, on stage, or in service to others.
“Stay tuned, because we’re bringing it, man.” — Gator