Imagine you’re at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this fall and your eye catches on a Chris Craft boat. From the signature esthetics of the exterior lines, dating back to the 1930s, to the timeless retro styling of the teak accents, few American boat manufacturers can go toe to toe with Chris-Craft. While you may wonder if investing in one is a wise choice, especially for a new buyer, let us put you at ease. Over the past century and a half, the shipyard has been setting standards in the pleasure boating industry and is known today for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship, drive for innovation, and wide offering of pleasure boats. A Chris-Craft is instantly recognizable due to its distinctive V-shaped hull and inward flared design, engineered for enhanced stability, safety, and optimal performance no matter the weather conditions. These boats are elegant and carefully made, with a high level of quality that appeals to another class of boater. Offering several types of models, suitable for owners at every level, here we take a closer look at some of Chris-Craft’s most distinctive series and why it could be the perfect brand for you.
Part of Chris Craft’s appeal lies in its unique series that serve as natural stepping stones for owners at different stages of their yachting journey. With each series maintaining the shipyard’s signature brand DNA while serving a specific purpose, Chris-Craft makes it as easy as possible for potential owners to find their perfect boat.
The heart of the Chris Craft series offering is the Launch Series, sterndriven, classic open day boats, and weekend cruisers. Currently consisting of the Launch 27, which can hold up to ten people, this 26 ”8 footer can reach top speeds of 50 knots and features the signature reverse transom with teak accents and a spacious swim platform. With former models in the range spanning from 20 to 38 feet (including pre-owned options), there’s a Launch for every family size and budget. The more performance-oriented version of the Launch series is the Launch GT, which is perfect for owners who are looking for a more sporty handling and streamlined features. Ranging from the Launch 25 GT up to the Launch 35 GT, these models offer spacious cockpits and bow seating areas that make them well-suited for longer trips and excursions. More enticing to experienced yachters, this could be the series for owners ready to upgrade. The Calypso Series of outboard models is designed for versatility and is perfect for coastal cruising. With dual console boats ranging from the Calypso 24 to the Calypso 35, this series bridges the gap between recreational and serious cruising, ideal for boaters expanding their horizons. The Catalina Series features a center console, making it easy for guests to board and move around thanks to the side-boarding door and open deck space. Spanning from the Catalina 24 to the Catalina 31, this day boat is multifunctional and suitable for boaters of all experiences. In addition to their broad range of series, all Chris Crafts can be customized to suit their owners’ preferences.
With such a broad range of series, Chris-Craft makes for the perfect entry point for new yachters, as well as more experienced owners. Retaining their resale value superbly, potential owners can opt to start with a pre-owned Chris Craft or entry-level model, although many Chris Craft owners often move up within the brand family. It’s not uncommon for a Chris-Craft owner to start with a Launch 20 and then eventually move up to a Launch 35 GT. So no matter where you may be in your yachting journey, a Chris Craft boat may be the perfect addition you’re looking for.