Why Buy a Chris-Craft?
Why Buy a Chris-Craft?
America’s Boat Builder Since 1874
Chris-Craft is truly an American story. Born in 1874, it came of age at a time that defined the notion of American ingenuity. While Henry Ford was creating the first motorcars, his watercraft counterpart, Christopher Columbus Smith, was developing the first engine-propelled boats and skiffs. Even during the Great Depression, Chris-Craft thrived because quality is always prized. During the Second World War, the company reinforced its hold on the American imagination when its landing craft transported the first troops to the Normandy shores on D-Day. In more ways than one, Chris-Craft would become a symbol of liberation and freedom. In 1959, Time Magazine would recognize the popular phenomenon of pleasure boating and feature Chris-Craft on its cover. Throughout its rich history, a reputation for quality and style have made it the favorite of presidents, celebrities and icons of American affluence - names like Roosevelt, Kennedy, Vanderbilt, Morgan, Ford, Sinatra, and Hepburn.
The name alone conjures up images of classic wooden boats, waving flags, and unforgettable memories made on the waves. Chris-Craft has carved out an iconic place in history and made its way into the hearts of boat lovers worldwide. Today, we continue to nurture the love affair, driven by the same principles that defined us years ago. And, while we are committed to expanding our range of boats, we will always design and craft them with the same appreciation for quality, uncommon beauty, and standout style.
Each of our boats is crafted by highly experienced designers at our factory in Sarasota, Florida, where we maintain tight control over every detail that defines our particular, very demanding set of standards. Our passion for design is based on a shared vision to achieve timeless beauty and complete comfort. We build our boats to look like no other – and we specify only the highest quality materials, like our hand-selected teak – to differentiate a Chris-Craft from every other boat on the market.
Our current lineup reflects a more modern version of our former self, while paying homage to our unforgettable, and solid American heritage. Our deep-V hulls, reverse transoms, and accents such as handcrafted teak, and stainless steel burgee holders and trumpet horns, will always harken back to our original designs. Yet, we also accommodate today’s boaters by anticipating their needs – and we respond with features like fully equipped kitchens, spacious sleeping berths, and other custom touches that make their boating experience one that only Chris-Craft can offer. And we build them to stay that way.
On the water or at the dock, nothing else looks – or feels – like a Chris-Craft. From the beginning, our obsession has been to design and build boats that are objects of desire. Now, and for decades to come.
Models:
Launch 27 starting at $224,840
From every angle the launch 27 is a stunning and artful design. This open bow beauty welcomes 10 guests aboard and surrounds them with a classic elegance and unequaled attention to detail that is the Chris Craft way. Smooth lines and a sensuous shape define its silhouette, a graceful windshield rises to reach the wind, while the folding stainless steel trimmed passthrough allows passengers to easily step through to the luxurious bow area. Thoughtfully designed elements are found throughout.
Launch GT starting at $236,035
This model features a solid mahogany and stainless-steel accented helm and teak accents throughout. One of the most defining features of the GT line is the option to choose between sterndrive or outboard propulsion, making it truly customizable to the owner’s needs. Boarding is easy on a Launch GT with a walkthrough transom and side door access. Owners can choose to light up the boat with an integrated full spectrum lighting system that coordinates multiple zones of lighting both in the boat and below the water, all controlled via the Garmin Glass Cockpit Display. The Launch GT is available in 25, 28, 31, and 35 foot lengths.
Calypso starting at $424,661
The strikingly styled helm comes standard with a flush-mounted 12” Garmin display, glass cockpit, a high gloss teak steering wheel and accents, and new Mercury Smartcraft Premier controls. The double-wide helm chair with thigh bolster and stainless-steel trim ensures a comfortable ride. We have Calypso models available in 27, 30, and 35 foot lengths.