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HISTORY of FEATHER CRAFT, INC.
Not much history has yet been obtained for FEATHER CRAFT, INC. of Atlanta, GA. This site would appreciate any additional history that anyone out there has, including factory pictures (exterior and interior). What little that has been garnered has come from Mr. Frank M. Kibbler (final operator of the company) and Mrs. Jackie Slaton (a secretary of the Feather Craft company).
Feather Craft, Inc. of Atlanta, GA was founded by W. D. (Doug) Knight in 1945. Mr. Knight owned and served as president of the company until the late sixties. The company was then sold to Mr. Frank M. Kibbler, who operated the company until it closed. The company operated at three different locations in the Metro Atlanta area. These were: 575 Marietta St. (off Northside Dr.), 450 Bishop St. (off Northside Dr. also) and its final location in Lawrenceville, GA. In addition to U.S. production Feather Craft boats were built by Fleet Manufacturing Ltd in Fort Erie, Ontario Canada:
Feather Craft, Inc. built many different types of boats, but aluminum fishing boats were their biggest sellers. Probably their most popular model was the "Vagabond". This model was first manufactured in 1951 and was designed by Mr. Ralph Aldredge. The early versions were 14' 1" long and rated at 25 h.p.. By 1959 (last year of production) it had evolved into a 14' 7" boat rated at 45 h.p.. Originally the Feather Craft "Vagabond" was offered in aluminum color only, but later it was also offered in anodized (not painted) gold or blue (1957, 1958 and 1959). It was thought that the colors were introduced to attract female boaters. These are and continue to be some of the most unique and well built aluminum boats ever produced.
During the later years of the company, military landing craft and foot bridges were built for use in Vietnam. Experience had already been gained during the Korean War for this type of aluminum fabrication.
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Additionally, the company manufactured components for other marine manufacturers.
