Chris Craft Review

Located in Sarasota, Florida, Chris-Craft has a rich heritage and an intriguing recent history. Founded over a century ago, the company earned a reputation for building quality, high-end products that last. The heyday of the firm was between the 1920s and the 1950s, when Chris-Craft became famous for its powerboats with beautiful mahogany hulls. The craftsmanship of the company is evident by the fact that antique Chris-Craft boats are available and valuable still today.

The latest chapter in the firm’s history began in 2000 when it was purchased by Stephen Julius. The company had fallen on hard times; its employees had lost their jobs and the factory sat idle. Julius cautiously began rebuilding both the product line and the firm’s reputation.

Since that time, the company has rebuilt the line around three categories of boat: Consoles, Cruisers and Runabouts. It has maintained its reputation for high-end quality craftsmanship, great designs and quality materials that include generous use of woods such as teak, oak, mahogany, maple and cherry.

Pricing

New Chris-Craft boats range in price from $55,000 to almost $200,000 for larger models. The company also has an active secondary market with used and classic models available at almost every price point.

Pros

• Chris-Craft offers a 10-year warranty on their hulls, and also has a 5-year protection plan available from bow-to-stern.
• The firm is noted for its careful craftsmanship and its quality materials.
• The company has a whole range of accessories and other products available.
• Chris-Craft boats offer many options, including multiple engine sizes.

Cons

• Chris-Craft boats are expensive products.
• Some environmentally-conscious consumers may avoid the brand because of the use of woods.
• Those who prefer composite materials will likewise desire a different brand.

Featured Models

The current line of Chris Craft products includes the following boats and models: Silver Bullet 20, Lancer Woody 20, Lancer—models 20 and 22, Corsair—models 22, 25, 28, 33, 36, Launch—models 22, 25 and 28, Catalina—models 23, 26, 29, Roamer 40.

Slated for release this year is the Corsair 45 model.

Both the Silver Bullet 20 and the Lancer 20 come in limited editions of very small production runs.

Conclusion

Chris-Craft boats are distinctive. Even in a market in which new designs, engineering and materials are the norm, Chris-Craft has carved a niche for consumers who want luxury with their functionality. They enhance that image with a line of custom-made furnishings and fixtures that includes everything from glassware and cutlery to towels and bedding. Many comments from consumers show their desire to find parts and accessories for models that are decades old, a sign that Chris-Craft boats do live up to their claim of high quality in both materials and craftsmanship. The success of the company in reviving a nearly-dead firm indicates that consumers believe the product is worth the high price.