Origin and ownership
Chris-Craft was founded in 1874 by Christopher Columbus Smith in Algonac, Michigan. The brand built wooden runabouts through the 20th century and became one of the heritage American sport-boat builders.
The brand has changed hands repeatedly across 150 years, including periods under Outboard Marine Corporation and Genmar. Winnebago Industries acquired Chris-Craft in 2018, and the parent has stayed consistent since.
Production has stayed in Sarasota since the Winnebago acquisition. The 2022 model-year refresh added composite stringers across the Launch series, replacing wood.
Design philosophy
Chris-Craft hulls use moderate-V planing form. The brand differentiates on styling (teak accents, classic runabout lines) rather than novel hull architecture.
Sterndrive Mercruiser and Volvo Penta are the standard rigging on Launch and Capri lines. Center-console Calypso uses outboard rigging.
Terminology you should know
- Launch
- The heritage runabout line. 22 to 28 feet, teak accent trim, classic Chris-Craft styling.
- Capri
- Sport runabouts with classic styling, smaller LOA than Launch.
- Calypso
- Center-console line, 26 to 35 feet. Saltwater-spec hardware on Chris-Craft styling platform.
- Catalina
- Cabin cruiser line with Chris-Craft heritage aesthetic.
Used-market notes and known issues
Pre-2022 Launch hulls used wood stringers. Inspect for moisture at survey.
Teak deck maintenance is not optional. Annual oil treatment is the cost of ownership.
2019 to 2021 Capri 27 hulls had a recurring helm bolster stitching issue. Warranty replacements were honored.
Boutique dealer network across the US, with Florida and the Great Lakes the densest. Service for the styling-grade interior trim is specialty work and runs higher than Sea Ray or Cobalt rates.
Resale
Chris-Craft holds resale on styling, not on volume. Three-year depreciation runs 15 to 25 percent depending on cosmetic condition. The buyer market is narrow but loyal, which keeps the floor under clean hulls steady on the used market.
Where Chris-Craft fits
Chris-Craft is its own market. Buyers are paying for the heritage runabout aesthetic. Cross-shop is thin because no current builder matches the teak-and-mahogany styling at this scale. Cobalt and Cruisers Yachts overlap on price but compete on a different argument entirely. Buyers who want the heritage aesthetic and are willing to pay the styling premium buy Chris-Craft.
