Chris Craft Boats

In 2000, the company that owned Chris Craft went bankrupt and factories were shut down. Eight other companies, also owned by  Outboard Marine Corporation also fell with the bankruptcy. After a few power changes, Chris Craft was purchased by Stephen Julius purchased the company with hopes of turning it around and making it once again profitable. Julius has just finished doing the same thing with the Riva boat brand. After completing the boats left on the production line, the company scrapped 75% of the old models and chose the 1950s heritage theme for new models. Chris Craft boats are commonly used as fishing boats or cruising boats.  

There are currently five heritage models being sold by Chris Craft. These models are the Silver, Lancer, Corsair, Launch and Catalina. The Silver Bullet 20 is a limited edition Chris Craft model with only 150 planned releases. Silver Bullet 20 is a cruising boat with all silver exterior. The heritage, classic theme comes through with wood grain accents. Four seats are available on the Silver Bullet 20 cruising boat. 

The Lancer series of cruising boat by Chris Craft could be called a mini speed boat. The model is available in 20‘ and 22‘. With a standard V6 engine, the boat can move from flat in the water to plane in just three seconds. There is also an option to upgrade from V6 to V8 with a top 270 HP. Interior designs on both Lancer models of cruising boats by Chris Craft are classic 1950s with rounded gauges and throw back consoles. The color choices are also typical of the 1950s - silver, Riviera Red and Willow Green. 

The Corsair by Chris Craft is available in 22, 25, 28, 33 and 36 models. Another cruising boat, the standard features on this model are also classic 1950s. Decking on the bow of the  boat is accessible with a pop-out middle section on the windshield. The Corsair is known for the closed deck and cuddy cabin design. Options include teak wood paneling and decking and swimming platform. While the Corsair can be considered a cruising design, it also falls into the runabout boat category. A Corsair 45 is currently being developed by the company as the largest in a series of runabout boats. All Corsair models by Christ Craft offer standard engines with optional upgrades to more than 850 HP. 

Launch by Chris Craft is a bowrider series. Bowriders offer seating in the bow of the boat for added space. To combat the extra potential weight, bowriders typically have a higher maximum weight capacity. The five models of Launch offer the same set of optional upgrades despite the length of the boat. The new 20‘ model can have an optional engine upgrade for faster open speed as can the 28‘ model. 

The Catalina series is Chris Craft’s offering to the fishing boat industry. Four of the five designs are all about fishing on the open water with rod holders, live wells and optional angler accessories. The Catalina 29 Express offers the same look and hull of the classic Catalina line, but without the stress to fish. The Express has a galley and head for comfort.

The final Chris Craft model is the Catalina Sun Tender. This Catalina model was created with open decks for sun bathing or for use as a tender for a larger yacht.

Boat builder Chris Smith began building boats during the mid-1880s . His company, which became known as Chris Craft, was one of the first to use the gasoline-powered engine in a marine application and built some of the first powerboats . Chris Craft boats became famous for their high quality mahogany boats. Although fiberglass technology replaced wood in the late 1960s and 1970s, high-quality hardwoods continue to be prominent in Chris Craft boats. Chris Craft continues to build boats that maintain traditional design elements of Chris Craft boats, including a deep -V hull; large cabin house windows; sit pits located in the bows; custom-made deck hardware; high-quality exterior and interior hardwoods; a teak surround of cabin house windows; and perforated plate dashboards. Currently located in Florida, Chris Craft builds many models of boats, including: the Silver Bullet 20; the Lancer 20; the Lancer Woody 20; the Lancer 22; the Corsair 22; the Corsair 25; the Corsair 28; the Corsair 33; the Corsair 36; the Launch 22; the Launch 25; the Launch 28 ; the Catalina 23; the Catalina 26; the Catalina 29; the Catalina 29 Express; the Catalina 29 Sun Tender; and the Roamer 40. The price range for a new Chris Craft boat is between $47,000 and $458,000, but the price can be higher depending on the specific model and optional packages. Used Chris Craft can be purchased for much less than $47,000 or for much more; prices vary according to the specific boat .