By Andrew Middleton
Chris Craft boats have remained an American favorite since their beginnings in 1874. The name alone evokes awe and conjures images of mahogany runabouts of immense beauty. The vintage wooden ships of the past and their contemporary sister ships of the present share the same design philosophy, exquisite lines, remarkable craftsmanship, and style. Since their humble start, these breathtaking pleasure boats have remained synonymous with premium luxury.
How Chris Craft Became an American Classic
In 1874, 13-year-old Christopher Columbus Smith constructed his first boat in the small town of Algonac, Michigan. His first designs were flat-bottomed boats called "punts" or "skiffs" solely for skirting around on the water for pleasure. His reputation as a master boatbuilder quickly soared, as did the increased interest in his boats. He and his brother Hank teamed up to meet the increasing demand and began producing the boats full-time, forming Smith Ryan Boat Company in 1910. Designed for the masses, these roundabouts were fast and economically priced.
By 1922, the name changed to Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company, where Chris' son, Jay, became president in 1927. For the next 31 years, Chris Craft became known as the largest producer of mahogany powerboats. But during 1935-1939, the depression led them back to their roots of crafting roundabouts. The company turned its focus to the country during the war and began building boats for the United States Navy and Army. By 1945, Chris Craft had built 12,000 military vessels, including patrol boats, utility launches, and rescue vessels.
Chris Craft expanded its lineup to include 139 powerboat models in the early 50s. By 1953, their first fiberglass boat was constructed. The last mahogany boat, a 57' Constellation, was built in 1971, ending an era. In the early 80s and 90s, Chris Craft returned to producing high-performance sport boats and racing catamarans. An investment group purchased Chris Craft in 2001, taking them into the new century with plans introducing three new Heritage models and a 43' Roamer Yacht.
The Durability of Vintage and Present Models
The vintage wooden Chris Craft boats were some of the most durable of their time. As all wooden boats do, they require an extraordinary amount of upkeep. Today, these vintage models are generally owned by those who can dedicate the time and resources needed for their extensive care. A common problem with the earliest models is rot, requiring restoration. Delamination is a typical issue seen in the earliest models built during the transition to fiberglass and again in the 80s. Other problems in the 80s are seen in the decks going soft, stringer cracks, and blisters in the gel coat.
Today, all models are made of fiberglass, although some decking is wood. Stainless steel is used throughout, and significant backing plates at the cleats spread the load to prevent the fiberglass from cracking. A "vinylester" resin added to the gel coat makes it resist blistering and cracking, which is better than the more commonly used polyester resin. Another favorite that adds to the visual appeal of the Chris Craft boat is its five-step Dupont chromobase paint process. It is then sealed with UV-resistant polyurethane, making it a formidable competitor against oxidation and chipping.
Another draw to the Chris Craft construction is the wiring system. It is run through plastic tubing in areas where chafing may occur. The harnesses are easily accessible and neatly bundled, using waterproof Deutsche connectors. Additionally, Chris Craft uses double-clamped stainless steel worm gear to avoid clamp failure, more commonly seen with pinch-on or plastic hose clamps.
Except for a few points in their manufacturing history, Chris Craft boats have solidified their integrity and longevity compared to almost every brand due to their top-quality construction standards. These boats can still be seen on the water from virtually every era today, even wooden hulls.
The Enduring Appeal of Chris Craft Boats
Today, Chris Craft is manufactured with the same precision and unparalleled craftsmanship as it began in 1874. Vintage models are still widely admired for their sleek lines, mirror-like varnish finish, and polished brass catching every glimmer of sun. Aside from the gorgeous aesthetics, Chris Craft boats are a hallmark for their simplicity in operation. The straightforward design and high-quality materials keep the brand at the forefront of the water. The visual appeal was the simple beauty of the construction without bells and whistles. Traditionally, there has been little that can go wrong with these boats because of the structure.
Chris Craft boats are easily recognized by their concave curves above the waterline, giving them a distinct look. The bow flare gives it a visually appealing look while also serving to knock down any spray and keep a wide box—this design easily slices through waves. The hull-to-deck joint also protects it from sheering forces. This joint is backed with a wooden strip to prevent bolts from loosening.
Chris Crafts are a popular attraction at Classic Boat Shows. People gather from around the country to admire these vintage beauties. The brand represents six ideals:
- Timeless beauty
- Stylish comfort
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Agile performance
- Dependability
- Exceptional client service
Few can resist these restored classics' gorgeous design and sparkling varnish finish. At any classic boat show, Chris Craft's wooden runabouts, cabin cruisers, utilities, and fiberglass models line the docks for the crowd to admire in awe. This brand remains a popular attraction where visitors feel nostalgic for its design and place in American maritime history.
Join the everlasting Chris Craft craze today and check out our models for sale. At Absolute Classics, you will find a large selection of post-restoration models such as the Riviera, Racing Runabout, the Constellation, and much more. If you want to enjoy the restoration process, why not look at the Sportsman? Already an owner? Absolute Classics can help you with the entire restoration process from beginning to end. We have a wide selection of restoration supplies and vintage boat parts to bring your classic back to life!
