Chris Craft Boats: Worthy Investment Or Overpriced Vessels?

Chris-Craft is a well-known brand of boats with a long history dating back to 1874 when Chris Smith built his first wooden boat. The company has since changed hands several times and now produces a range of models, including the Calypso, Catalina, and Launch & Launch GT series. The boats are designed for a variety of uses, from day trips and watersports to extended cruises and entertainment on the water. With a focus on high performance and European style, Chris-Craft boats are a significant investment and are considered by some to be a prestige brand. While there have been some quality control issues with older models, the modern factory in Sarasota, Florida, employs over 340 people and tests every boat on the water to ensure customers receive a fully tested product.

Chris-Craft boats are designed for day trips, cruises, and watersports

The Launch Series, for example, includes the 27, a classically styled open-bow boat for enjoying time on and in the water, and the 25 GT, 28 GT, 31 GT, and 35 GT, modern open-bow runabouts available with sterndrive, outboard, or surf power. The Calypso Series is a range of luxury dual console boats for entertainment and extended excursions, while the Catalina Series is a range of sporty, versatile center console boats for easy movement while onboard.

The Sportster Series is a family Bowrider range, ideal for those who want to enjoy watersports. With a range of sizes and styles, Chris-Craft boats offer something for those seeking a classic or modern style. The company's history dates back to 1874 when 13-year-old Chris Smith built his first wooden boat. Since then, Chris-Craft has become a renowned name in the boating world, with a focus on creating boats that are perfect for day trips, cruises, and fun on the water.

The company has been creating boats for 150 years

Chris-Craft boats have been sailing the waters for over 150 years. The company was founded by Christopher Columbus Smith, who built his first wooden boat in 1874 at the age of 13. The small town of Algonac, Michigan, became the birthplace of Chris-Craft as this is where Smith built his first boat.

Smith's boats, referred to as punts or skiffs, quickly earned him a reputation as a master boatbuilder. As demand grew, he joined forces with his brother, Henry, and they began producing boats full-time, laying the foundation for their future as builders of "standardized" runabouts.

In 1910, the Smith brothers joined with other partners to form the Smith Ryan Boat Company, focusing on building fast, economically priced runabout boats for the masses. The company's name was changed to the Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company in 1922 and then to Chris-Craft in 1924.

Under the leadership of Chris Smith's son, Jay Smith, who took over as President and General Manager in 1927, Chris-Craft became known as the world's largest builder of mahogany powerboats. During World War II, the company contributed to the war effort by building patrol boats, utility launches, and rescue vessels for the U.S. Navy and Army, delivering 12,000 vessels by 1945.

Following the war, Chris-Craft introduced a lineup of civilian pleasure boats, capturing the spirit of the American consumer expansion of the 1950s. The company offered 159 different models, and its boats became synonymous with pleasure boating. The brand was sought after by celebrities such as Dean Martin, Katharine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.

The company continued to evolve, with ownership changes and new models introduced over the years. Despite economic downturns and challenges, Chris-Craft persevered and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024, releasing a special anniversary edition Launch 27 to honour its legacy of pleasure boating.

Today, Chris-Craft continues to be a prestigious name in the boating world, known for its attention to detail, craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials. The company's boats have become cultural icons, nurturing America's romance with boating and creating unforgettable memories on the water for generations.

They offer a range of models, from classic to modern

Chris-Craft boats offer a wide range of models, catering to various customer needs and preferences. The company has been in the business of creating memorable experiences for 150 years dating back to the 19th century.

The current model range includes three series: the Calypso Series, the Catalina Series, and the Launch & Launch GT Series. The Launch and Launch GT series, with their open bow runabouts, offer a range of sizes, from the entry-level 7.6-metre Launch 27 to the larger and popular Launch 25 GT, up to the spacious 11.3-metre Launch 35 GT.

For those seeking luxury and performance, the Calypso Series delivers just that with its range of centre console boats. The Calypso 27, at 8.48 metres, and the Calypso 35, at 10.93 metres, are among the popular choices in this series, powered by twin or triple outboard engines.

The Catalina series, on the other hand, presents centre console boats in three different sizes, ranging from 7.7 to 10.3 metres. This series provides versatility and functionality for those who enjoy spending time on and in the water.

Chris-Craft's range of models also includes the Sportster Series, ideal for families, and the classic open bow range of the Launch Series. The Sportster Series offers a family bowrider experience, while the Launch Series provides a timeless design with its classically styled open-bow boat.

With such a diverse selection, Chris-Craft ensures that customers can find the perfect boat for their needs, whether it's for spirited day trips, extended cruises, or enjoying water sports.

Chris-Craft boats are built in a modern factory in Sarasota, Florida

The Sarasota factory is a state-of-the-art facility that spans over 20 acres and employs over 300 engineers, craftsmen, and skilled workers. Each boat is built to order, following a meticulous process to ensure the finest quality product. The factory utilizes advanced technology and equipment, such as CNC routers and customized software, along with traditional hand craftsmanship, to create boats that are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

The company broke ground on a 70,000-square-foot expansion of the Sarasota factory in 2022, which will allow for increased production capabilities and the creation of additional jobs in the region. This expansion reflects the growing market demands for Chris-Craft boats and the company's commitment to meeting the needs of its dealers, customers, and the Sarasota community.

Chris-Craft boats are known for their timeless beauty, complete comfort, and use of the highest-quality materials. The company offers a range of models, including the Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, and Catalina lines, which vary in length from 24 to 35 feet. Each boat undergoes a detailed quality review and a first drive in the on-site pond to ensure that all systems operate precisely before leaving the factory.

With a rich history dating back to 1874, Chris-Craft has become synonymous with pleasure boating and is recognized as a premium boat brand. The company's skilled craftsmen, attention to detail, and use of advanced technology ensure that each boat is built to the highest standards, making Chris-Craft boats a sought-after choice for those seeking a unique and exceptional boating experience.

The shipyard has a large production volume but tests every boat before sale

Chris-Craft boats are designed for hosting spirited day trips, escaping on overnight cruises, or both. The company has been creating unforgettable memories for 150 years. The shipyard's boats are built in a modern factory in Sarasota, Florida, employing more than 340 people. The 120-acre plot facility includes a headquarters, design office, workshops, assembly halls, and an artificial test pond.

In 2022, the company announced a plan to expand its facilities by another 70,000 square feet and employ an additional 200 personnel to increase production capacity. Despite the large production volumes, the shipyard finds time to test every boat on the water, so customers always receive a fully tested boat.

Chris-Craft's current model range includes 3 lines: Calypso, Catalina, and Launch & Launch GT. The shipyard's boats are built in a modern factory in Sarasota, Florida, with over 340 employees. The shipyard has a long history, dating back to 1874 when Chris Smith built his first wooden boat at the age of 13. The company has since changed hands several times, with the Smith family selling it in 1960 and it changing hands again in the early 2000s.

Today, Chris-Craft is focused on building high-performance, European-styled, but still classically American, runabouts and bowriders for entertainment on the water. This dedication to European style is rare for an American shipyard, and Chris-Craft may be considered North America's answer to the famous Italian builder, Riva, a full century after their mahogany runabouts were first built.

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