Claude Turner, Founder Of Aristocraft Passes Away.

Claude Turner.

We just got this news. So sad.The Turner family is a fantastic family and Claude’s legacy is safe for sure. All us at WoodyBoater share our deep respect for all Claude did to enrich our community and lives. Below is the official noteification from the Turner family

Daddy-O with grandson Scott

Claude Turner, founder of Aristocraft boats, passed away last night peacefully at 102 years old. Claude was without a doubt a pioneer and industry leader in boat building from 1947 until his retirement in 1980. In his 33 years at the helm he produced nearly 50,000 boats, almost equally divided between wood and fiberglass. From the Torpedo 14, Funliner, and 19, the boats style and practicality was ahead of its time. Claude produced boats that most notably were affordable and able to be bought by the average family, making boating a hobby for all. The stories we continually hear remind us of what an impact boating had on their lives. So heres to you Claude, thank you and tight lines.

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

If you want to read more about the turners and Aristocraft We did a story a while back when the co turned 70. CLICK HERE

2 replies
  1. floyd r turbo
    floyd r turbo says:

    Very sad news to hear about Claude. At 102 he had quite a full life. Several years ago we occasionally saw him tooling around town in his red convertible Rolls Royce here in town (he collected a few classic cars in his time from what his son Bill showed me, but nothing like these rock star athletes today). To show you what a great design the Aristocraft outboard was, I remember Peter Breen’s son taking an Aristocraft outboard on the St John’s River Cruise which we thought was insane due to its small size. We always said is bigger is better. However, he and Whitney Overocker (Jean Hoffman’s daughter) tooled around that whole trip like it was nothing including the always rough and tumble Lake George crossing. That outboard had great handling characteristics designed by Claude. His production methods were also innovative in the industry, RIP Claude

  2. Kelly Wittenauer
    Kelly Wittenauer says:

    Sad news. He fathered such wonderful boat designs. May endless fair weather & clam waters await him in Heaven.

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