Chris-Craft – established in the 19th century - now in the 21st

by Bob Wonders on 23 May 2012 A highly successful Miami International Boat Show (February) and a solid growth in sales, has Chris-Craft President, Steve Heese, looking confidently to the future. 'The Miami International Boat Show is an event we look forward to every year and this year was certainly no different, in fact, we couldn’t wait for it to arrive,' he declared.

'This has been our third successive year of sales growth and with the release of our latest model, the 32’ (9.75-metres) Launch we saw it as an opportunity to fill a particular niche in our product line.

'The 32’ Launch is now the largest of our top-selling Open Bow or Bow Rider series and we believe we have developed a boat ideally suited to the boating family.

'We have also re-designed our superb Corsair 36’ (10.97-metres), largest of our closed-deck cruisers.

'Chris-Craft views customer feedback very seriously and fortunately we have a very knowledgeable and savvy fan base.

'It was largely this that influenced us and we decided to go for it, the end result helping us achieve the best Miami show in terms of sales since 2007,' he added.

I was fortunate enough to see both new models at Miami and although an on-water test was not possible at the time, I came away quite convinced Chris-Craft had come up with a couple of winners.

The 32 Launch is perhaps best described as 'A luxury bow rider generously equipped for versatility.'

It is built to handle long and short range cruises, thanks to its clever design incorporating overnight accommodations with a roomy head compartment and ample stowage.

The Launch boasts sleek proportions and with its practical configuration presents as a boat well-suited for long excursions while remaining practical for day cruising.

Chris-Craft’s Corsair 36 has long been among my favourite vessels from the legendary company (which has a history dating back to 1874!) and the upgrade of its design unveiled at Miami will serve only to increase its desirability.

This hull, designed by the renowned offshore race boat designer Michael Peters, is capable of taking on offshore conditions with ease, it really is a boat equipped for all seasons.

Both vessels are offered with a choice of MerCruiser or Volvo Penta power.

An inspection of any model from the Chris-Craft range will reveal the company’s extreme attention to detail, with an overall finish unmatched in the industry.

All components on board together with available options are produced from the finest materials available and buyers are also treated to a stunning array of colours in hull graphics and upholstery.

Christopher Columbus Smith, the man who established Chris-Craft 138-years ago would, I’m sure, give the 2012 company his seal of Chris-Craft website