When you step aboard a Chris-Craft, you’re not just entering a boat. You’re stepping into more than a century of American craftsmanship, where timeless design meets modern innovation. Every curve, stitch, and polished accent tells a story of precision, passion, and pride.
Craftsmanship You Can See and Feel
Chris-Craft doesn’t just talk about quality — it’s built into every inch of the boat. At their Sarasota, Florida facility, skilled craftsmen pair state-of-the-art technology with hands-on artistry. Large components are precision-cut with CNC routers and inspected with advanced software, while teak accents are still carved, caulked, and sanded by hand. Every seat is sewn and wrapped individually, every stainless-steel fitting polished to perfection.
It’s this balance between modern precision and human touch that gives each Chris-Craft its unmistakable character. Many of the craftspeople behind these boats have been with the company for decades, pouring their experience into every detail.
Each hull undergoes a six-step lamination process, finished with multiple layers of hand-applied gelcoat and paint. Even the signature boot stripes are carefully coated by hand to become part of the fiberglass structure. Before leaving the factory, every Chris-Craft is tested in an on-site water tank to ensure flawless performance and finish.
A Legacy That Runs Deep
Chris-Craft’s heritage dates back to 1874, when Christopher Columbus Smith built his first wooden skiff in Algonac, Michigan. From those early days, the brand has become a symbol of boating excellence — known for its striking design, exceptional durability, and enduring style.
This legacy continues to attract owners who appreciate not just the look and performance of a Chris-Craft, but the history behind it. There’s a deep community of enthusiasts and restorers who keep these boats on the water for decades, proving that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.
Built to Last for Generations
Owning a Chris-Craft isn’t about keeping a boat for a few seasons. These boats are built to last. any remain in service 20, 30, even 50 years and beyond, often becoming family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next. The same attention to detail that makes them beautiful also makes them incredibly durable.
From the use of genuine teak that naturally resists water and
aging, to marine-grade vinyl with triple-density foam and antimicrobial protection, every material is selected for long-term strength and re
silience. Even the paint and gelcoat systems are engineered to stand up to years of UV exposure while maintaining their rich, vibrant color.
When you own a Chris-Craft, you’re not just buying a boat — you’re investing in something meant to endure, to hold memories, and to stay beautiful season after season.
The Experience That Defines Chris-Craft
A Chris-Craft is more than the sum of its parts. It’s the feeling you get when you open the throttle and glide across the lake, the way the teak warms under the sun, and the pride of pulling into the dock knowing every detail has been considered.
Every design choice — from the hand-wrapped steering wheel to the polished stainless hardware — exists to enhance your experience on the water. Even the digital helm display can be customized to show your exact model in your colors, adding a personal touch that makes the boat feel uniquely yours.
Our Passion for the Brand
At Boats by George, our team shares that same passion for craftsmanship and timeless design. Since becoming an authorized Chris-Craft dealer in 2019, we’ve come to know these boats like the back of our hands. Every member of our staff understands what makes a Chris-Craft special — because we’ve seen firsthand how they perform, how they’re built, and how they make people feel.
George’s appreciation for Chris-Craft began long before he founded Boats by George. In the late 1970s, while working as an assistant general manager at Pilot Knob Boat Company, he learned the art of woodworking, varnishing, and refinishing Chris-Crafts by hand. That early connection to craftsmanship and detail shaped the foundation for what would become Boats by George — a dealership built on the same respect for quality, tradition, and pride of ownership.
Timeless, Refined, and Ready for You
From the first glance to the first ride, there’s something unmistakable about a Chris-Craft. The boats are as much about artistry as they are about adventure — designed to turn heads, built to last a lifetime, and destined to create memories for generations to come.
If you’re ready to experience the details that make a Chris-Craft truly one of a kind, visit Boats by George and explore our current lineup. Our team would love to help you find the model that fits your style, your waters, and your story.