Firecracker is an AristoCraft boat owned by Scott Perkins and Tamyra Hyatt
1955 Torpedo 14
The boats are ribbon stripe mahogany, finished with hand brushed varnish. All fasteners are silicon-bronze or stainless. The hardware is all aluminum, hand cast and hand polished. The steering wheel is a top-quality mahogany custom wheel.
This boat was salvaged from a house fire late in the 20th century and acquired by AristoCraft boats. They stored it for a number of years and then restored it around 2014. In 2016 a new Tohatsu engine was fitted to the boat along with a classic Johnson cowling.
About the AristoCraft Company:
Atlanta Boat Works began manufacturing AristoCraft boats in 1946 following Claude Turner’s (the founder) return from service during World War II.
Production began with five employees at a downtown Atlanta location. These early days saw the production of an open fishing-type boat which was replaced in 1947 with the models that AristoCraft is known for. The Typhoon, a 12′ 2-seater runabout, was introduced, followed by a 13′ Torpedo that had a barrel stern.
With the arrival of the 1950’s, AristoCraft engineered numerous changes. In 1953, AristoCraft was being marketed through Western Auto and Montgomery Ward as the Wizard and the Sea King. Although hundreds were sold, this was phased out by 1954 to be sold through dealers only.
During 1954, the Torpedo that was first seen in 1947 was stretched to a 14′ length. In 1957, varnish was phased out and epoxy coatings were used. Also during this time, AristoCraft was on the cutting edge in using a customized fabricated gear-steer as opposed to the pulley and cable system most often seen.
So popular were the AristoCraft boats, that toy manufacturers were using the designs on their products. Matched with a period correct car and trailer, these toy lines are quite collectible today.
Production was stopped in 1980 as Claude Turner, the man who started it all, chose to retire. With the main production ending in 1980, Bill (Claude’s son) kept the parts and restorations of the boats alive until he started building new boats again in 1987. This was all done as a side hobby along side Bill and Gail’s involvement in ACBS. As the popularity of the boats grew and grew, this hobby turned into a business in the late 90’s when Scott (Claude’s grandson) started working at the shop. By the early 2000’s Scott had come to work full time at the family boat shop, and production and restoration of the boats became a growing business. With the move to the new facilities in Dawsonville GA, They were able to finally set up a proper museum, and have a larger work shop. They are open weekly for visitors, just please give a call first to make sure they are not off enjoying their boats.
For more information visit www.aristocraftboats.com