Wizard (California)

History Needed. Please contact us if you wish to contribute or edit this page.

Wizard Boats, Inc.

Costa Mesa, California

Additional plants located in Dickson, Tennessee and St. Joseph, 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.

In 1955, Wizard received approval to build a 100x120-foot fiberglass boat manufacturing plant in Costa Mesa (Los Angeles Times, May 22, 1955).

In late 1956, Wizard Boats, Inc. was headed by Harold Haulflaire, president. As of November 7, they had a backlog of more than $500,000 in orders. About $250,000 worth was for Sea King Boats to be sold nationally through Montgomery Wards stores. The majority of these boats were to be produced out of the St. Joseph plant. Also, Wizard had a contract through Coleman Engineering of Los Angeles to produce fiberglass domes for missiles. A $271,300 Navy contract also had Wizard making molds and parts for 26' whaleboats (Los Angeles Times, November 7, 1956).

Wizard's big news in 1957 was the introduction of the 13' sporty Wizard "Wasp" runabout. Complete with tailfins, this was advertised as a deluxe sport runabout and came with two split curved windshields, all deck hardware, steering, and upholstered seats (Chicago Tribune, Feb. 8, 1957). A special "Fire-Gold" color effect was advertised for that year in addition to other regular pastel colors. This described as a gold-flecked finish for the deck of the boat (Los Angeles Times, Jan. 13, 1957).

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