22nd December 2021
Join us as we delve into the history of Chris Craft Boats, all the way back to its humble beginnings in 1883 where the company was founded by Christopher Columbus Smith.
Founded in 1883, Chris Craft Boats started with a small boat shop in Michigan. The company’s first boats were made out of wood, and they were very popular with the people living in the area. In 1910, Chris Craft introduced the first all-metal boat. This new design was a huge success for the company.
Chris Craft has a long history of high-quality vessels providing fantastic fishing trips and family cruises. The new century brought immense change to the company including the end to production in 1931. It wasn’t until nearly 40 years later that they started producing boats again, but this time it was outboard models. At this time, the company was only producing three models, but they were still a massive hit with their buyers.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Chris Craft started selling fiberglass boats instead of wooden ones. This was a major breakthrough for the brand at the time.
Chris Craft Boats of the 1960’s and 70’s
Chris Craft Roamer
This first boat was made out of fiberglass. It first hit the market in 1962, and was designed to be a performance speedboat. The high-performance Roamer accommodated up to ten passengers. This model remained on the market until 1967 when production stopped.
1962 Chris Craft Custom Runabout
This new model was introduced in 1962 and was also crafted to be a high-performance speedboat. The boat accommodated up to six passengers and had an open cockpit design, which allowed access to the engine while it’s still running. This model remained on the market until 1967 when production halted.
1963 Chris Craft Sea Skiff 19′
The Sea Skiff was designed to be an all-purpose boat for both fishing and cruising purposes. The boat could accommodate up to six people, but it did not have a head or any storage compartments. This model remained on the market until 1966.
1965 Chris Craft Sportsman 27′
This model was introduced in 1965 and was crafted as a family fishing boat. The Sportsman had an enclosed cabin and could accommodate up to six people. The model remained on the market until 1971 when production stopped.
1967 Chris Craft Commander
The Commander was releasd to market in 1967 as an executive yacht. It was designed with a luxurious cabin that could accommodate up to six people. Chris Craft stopped producing this particular model after two years of production.
1971 Chris Craft Catalina
The Catalina was introduced in 1971 as a recreational cruiser. It was designed with an open cockpit and could accommodate up to ten people. The model remained on the market until 1975 when production ceased.
1972 Chris Craft Cavalier
The Cavalier was introduced in 1972 as a sport fisherman. It was designed with an open cockpit and could accommodate up to four people. The model remained on the market until 1975 when Chris Craft stopped producing this particular model.
1973 Chris Craft Aquahome
The Aquahome was introduced in 1973 as a houseboat. It was designed with a cabin, galley kitchen, and two bunk beds. At the time of its release, it was one of the company’s most luxurious models. The model remained on the market until 1980 when production stopped.
1973 Chris Craft Catalina 22′
This model was released in 1973 as an entry-level boat that is perfect for watersports. The Catalina 22′ had an open cockpit and could accommodate up to four people. The model remained on the market until 1978 when production stopped.
1974 Chris Craft Corsair
The Corsair was introduced in 1974 as a performance speedboat. It was designed with an open cockpit and could accommodate up to six people. The model remained on the market until 1978 when production halted.
1975 Chris Craft Crowne
The Crowne was introduced in 1975 as a luxury yacht. It was designed with an enclosed cabin and could accommodate up to six people. Chris Craft stopped producing The Crowne in 1981.
1976 Chris Craft Catalina 25′
This model was released in 1976 as a bigger version of the Catalina 22′. It had an open cockpit and could accommodate up to four people. The model remained on the market until 1980 when production stopped.
1976 Chris Craft Corsair 28′
The Corsair 28′ was introduced in 1976 as a high-performance speedboat. It was designed with an open cockpit and could accommodate up to six people. It was known for its “knee-knocker” twin outboard engines that were located directly behind the cockpit. The model remained on the market until 1978 when production stopped.
1977 Chris Craft Cavalier 26′
This model was released in 1977 as an entry-level yacht, which is suited for casual cruises and watersports. The Cavalier 26′ was designed with an open cockpit and could accommodate up to six people. It featured one V8 engine that drove the boat at speeds up to 32 knots. Chris Craft stopped producing this model in 1980.
1977 Chris Craft Custom Line 30′
This model was introduced in 1977 as a semi-custom boat. It was designed with a luxurious cabin that could accommodate up to six people. The model remained on the market until 1981 when production stopped.
1978 Chris Craft Catalina 27′
The Catalina 27′ was released in 1978 as an updated version of the 1965 Chris Craft Sportsman 27′. The model had an open cockpit and could accommodate up to six people. It was equipped with two V8 engines that allowed the boat to reach speeds of 32 knots. In 1981, Chris Craft stopped manufacturing the Catalina 27’
1978 Chris Craft Custom Line 29′
The Custom Line 29′ was released in 1978 as a semi-custom boat. It was designed with a luxurious cabin, galley kitchen, and two bunk beds. At the time of its release, it was one of the company’s most luxurious models. The model remained on the market until 1981 when production stopped.
1979 Chris Craft Cavalier 30′
This model was released in 1979 as a bigger version of the Cavalier 26′. It had an open cockpit and could accommodate up to six people. 1984 saw the end of the Chris Craft Cavalier 30’.
Modern-day Chris Craft Boats
The company still exists today, stronger than ever before, and manufactures a line of various power boats for both recreational and commercial use. Some of the models that are still being made include runabouts, cruisers, cuddy cabins, sport fish boats, bow riders, center consoles, express cruisers, bayliners and utility boats. Chris Craft also makes a series of small engines for both inboard and outboard use.
