Wizard (California)

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Wizard Boats, Inc.

Costa Mesa, California

Additional plants located in Dickson, Tennessee and St. Joesph, Michigan. On December 30, 1959, Wizard was taken over by the Boat Division of Winner Manufacturing Co. and the boats marketed as "Wizard-Winner" for the 1960 model year. The Wizard Boats was originally founded by Curt Herberts, a capable, successful businessman and pioneer in the early years of the fiberglass boat industry. Thanks goes to the family of Curt Herberts Jr. for providing photos and information from the early years of Wizard Boats.

At an August 2, 1960 stockholder meeting, Wizard Boats of Tennessee Inc. officially changed its name to Winner Boats Inc. This was done partially to avoid confusion with Wizard Boats and Outboard Motors sold by Western Auto Stores which by legal action was prohibited from using the name "Wizard" on boats.

Model Information

1954 to 1956 Wizard models
1956 to 1959 Wizard models

1949 Info:

Wizard boat the 1949 Sportsman Show, Curt Herberts at right

1953 Info:

Herberts Boats on "Signal Hill" in Long Beach, California
Wizard boat driven by Curt Herberts Jr. in Back Bay, Newport Beach
Wizard boat driven by Curt Herberts Jr. in Back Bay, Newport Beach
Wizard boat at 1953 Sportsman Show, Curt Herberts Jr. and Virginia Herberts pictured
Wizard boat thrown from roof by Curt Herberts Jr. with Curt Herberts Sr. inspecting
Wizard boat at Boat Show, Curt Herberts Jr. on right
1953 Stockholders Report, cover
1953 Stockholders Report, inside
Business cards