A Look Back – A Tribute To Claude Turner And Aristocraft

With the sad announcement of Claude Turners today, we decided that  we are going to re – publish a story from a time back at the 70th anniversary of Aristocraft. As a tribute to one of the true founders of our passion. Claude Turner.  As a community we are truly blessed to have wonderful families like the Turners, who keep the fun going. Below is the fun story on Caludes 100th birthday and the big Anniversary.

 

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Claude and Scott Turner

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The museum is open

A family business still in the business of making the boats the way they used to be made. The right way. You no doubt have seen some of these little speedy’s around, but you may not know all the history, passion and love that goes into each one.

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Claude!

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Claude, left and Scott back in 2007 Lake Dora

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Claude and Bill center, with right, Red Marshall (Foreman with Aristocraft) and in the blue plaid shirt is Jimmy Rainwater (foreman with Aristocraft)

Yes, one look at Claude back in the day, and you get it. Claude was..is quite the dapper dude. And it all explains why these cool as all get out boats are still timeless in there stylish way.

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The new sign

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Generations of Turners!

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Bill Turner left, Scott’s father and Claude’s son

The family also just recently put all this history in a museum of sorts at there factory, so not only can you go to the website, but you can visit them in real life, heck even buy a boat the way your 100 year old grandfather would have. And that is priceless. So today, we say so long to 2016 and thanks to the Turner family, know that quality, passion and fun will always be alive in 2017 and beyond. Please enjoy some older photos supplied by Scott of there amazing history.

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Stacked up and ready to go. Is your Aristocraft in there?

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Just cool, cool as all get out!

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Note the cool hard tops in the background. Yup, they still make them

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Have you ever driven one? Its as fun as it looks!

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Take out the kid and eat your sandwich all in the same time. maybe there is a cool Aristocraft kitchen in there?

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More hulls lined up!

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When Men were men, and trailer laws were, well, not laws. Rancharo goodness!

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Love the painted ones!

You can visit there VERY cool website by Clicking HERE. There is a huge collection of fun historic images, and some new cool products for sale. Here are some more older photos.

Esther Williams and a classic wave

Wonderful brochures.

Very early photo of Atlanta Boat Works

You can still find a brand new one of these today!

8 replies
  1. Randy
    Randy says:

    … so sorry to hear of the passing of a truly creative genius. The AristoCraft line was from the start, and still is today, a measure of what will always be considered as the epitome of enduring design. When I have displayed my 1955 Torpedo at shows it has always drawn attention by young and old alike.

    Bill, Gail, and family — rest assured that a life could not be better lived! Celebrate what he accomplished, for we will be enjoying his contributions to classic boating for a long time to come!

  2. Wilson
    Wilson says:

    Bill & Gail: What a great family heritage. Pat & I offer our ddepest sympathies in your loss.

  3. Gail Turner
    Gail Turner says:

    Thank you to all. We do celebrate, indeed, our shared journey with Claude and his legacy. We appreciate the outreach of this amazing boating community…..your notes, stories shared over the past days, and enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby.

  4. Dianna Norwood
    Dianna Norwood says:

    Billy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. But what an amazing man your dad was! I know he is so thrilled and proud that you and Scott have carried on the legacy. Thinking of you all
    Dianna

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