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Chris-Craft, Discontinued Lines

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Keith C, Mar 18, 2023.

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  1. Keith C, Mar 18, 2023
    #1
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    I'm a new shopper for a Loop boat and saw a 2006 Roamer for sale and I'm very impressed with the overall craftsmanship and detail that Chris-Craft puts into their products. While the Roamer is a decent size, we would like something a bit bigger, so I went to the Chris-Craft site to see their current lineup and it looks like they no longer make any type of yacht. Does anyone here know why?
  2. Capt Ralph, Mar 18, 2023
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That Roamer is from a different era.
    The changes in Chris Craft is a long troubled story.
    IMO; These last 20 years buried in turmoil.
    Up to and maybe including the new owners, WinneBago.

    It is easier to think of todays Chris Craft as another new boat company and yester-years Chris Craft as an grand past company that has faded on.
    Long live original Chris Crafts.
    Good luck to the new company.
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  3. YachtForums, Mar 18, 2023
    #3
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Ralph is right. The new Chris Craft isn't your father's boat, it's a production line penned by Michael Peters. Attractive, retro-inspired boats but you pay for the CC name. Didn't they acquire OMC and Indian motorcycles back in the 2000s?
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  4. Capt Ralph, Mar 18, 2023
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    At one time during the 2000/2010s, a London-based private equity firm Stellican Ltd. owned both companies at the same time.
    Then;
    Sold off Indian to Polaris in 2011.
    Sold off Chris Craft to WinneBago in 2018.

    Long up/down stories for both companies but the later/newer brands seem to be doing well.
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  5. Keith C, Mar 18, 2023
    #5
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    Is there another company that makes a solid built MY with a fly?
  6. Capt Ralph, Mar 19, 2023
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Lots.
    However, There are some fixed low bridges that must be considered when shopping for a fly bridge looper.

    I would advise picking up a few Great Loop guides and read them well to help assist you on a vessel selection.
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  7. Keith C, Mar 19, 2023
    #7
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    I've been reading a few guides online and listening to the AGLCA's podcast and read all of the requirements and I do have to stay at or under 19 feet of course, but I have found quite a few fly's that are under that number, but I'm not familiar with the various brands to know whether they are solid built vessels or not.
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  8. Pascal, Mar 19, 2023
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Impossible to answer the question without details on boat size, budget, age etc. the loop can be done is pretty much anything as there are few sections with possible rougher water. Also depends on your definition of solid built.

    People have done the loop in bayliners or carvers which hardly fit the definition of solid built.

    The key criteria is comfort level and amenities like refrigeration, storage space etc. I would also absolutely avoid anything gas powered for safety and range reasons
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  9. Keith C, Mar 19, 2023
    #9
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    Personally, I would like something with 3 staterooms as we have a daughter and when she takes a trip with us, we would like for her to be able to bring a friend. We love all of the creature-comforts and as many amenities as possible without breaking the bank. I agree with you about avoiding gas-powered. We are huge diesel fans (currently drive 2 diesel SUVs) and if I could find something within the budget, I would love pod drive (unless you guys think they have higher maintenance costs or other known issues). Speaking of budget, we would like to stay at or below $450,000. I know this means an older vessel, but sometimes those turn out to be gems as someone already took the time to refit and/or repower them.

    My definition of "solid built" really just means one that can take a beating (rough waters), one that is fuel-efficient, requires less maintenance than other brands, and has a solid reputation with the boating community. Although I am not new to boating, I will be a first-time owner.
  10. Pascal, Mar 19, 2023
    #10
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Many options then. I would definitely prefer a well maintained and upgraded older MYs from the 80s or 90s to some of the newer lighter boats. For instance Viking, Hatteras, etc. are definitely solid build boats

    Also some quality trawlers/fast trawlers. Should be plenty of options in that budget even allowing 50/75k to upgrade a few things.
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  11. Keith C, Mar 19, 2023
    #11
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    Thank you so much for the info. I believe you confirmed what I assumed already. I definitely have Hatteras, Viking, Princess, Sea Ray, Nordhavn (albeit, above the budget), Fairline, Tiara, Cheoy Lee, Maiora?, and Carver. Of those, I don't know which ones I should eliminate from my candidate list. I've never heard of Maiora, but the listing that I found is absolutely amazing looking and checks most of the boxes (except I have to contact the broker to find out the air draft).
  12. Pascal, Mar 19, 2023
    #12
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I don’t think Tiara made any boat with 3 staterooms, did they? Well built though.

    Carvers are not what would call well built although I would add their corporate cousins Marquis to you list.

    Nordhavn are good but you don’t need that style boat for the loo. The higher freeboard and “offshore” designs isn’t as practical for shelteeed waters

    Cheoy Lee are ok although the older ones are pretty much your typical Taiwan trawlers
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  13. Keith C, Mar 19, 2023
    #13
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    I believe I will remove Carver and Nordhavn from my list as I wasn't sure about the build quality of the Carver and the Nordhavn is definitely out of the price range. After looking at the listings that I found for Tiara, you are correct, they are 2 stateroom vessels. Good to know though that they are well built. I did find a Marquis, but didn't know if they were decent or not, so since you recommend them, I will add it to the list. I really appreciate all of the info and it has helped tremendously. One last question, even though the Chris-Craft is only 2 staterooms, is the 2006/2007 Roamer a decent boat? If so, I may keep it on my list.
  14. ranger58sb, Mar 19, 2023
    #14
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Pods have pros (mostly about efficiency) and cons (mostly about service). Volvo IPS pods have so far survived in the market place. Zeus pods (with Cummins diesels) not so much. And then even various generations of Volvo pods need more service, sometimes out of the water, than others. You'll want to read a bazillion threads about all that, make your own decision.

    There probably are no boats that will require less maintenance than any other... eventually. Depending on your maintenance budget, you will have to be electrician, plumber, sanitation engineer, fiberglass guy, canvas guy, refrigeration guy, air conditioning guy, project manager, parts department... along with pilot, navigator, cook, purser... et cetera.

    There are a bazillion brands of boats that will work for The Loop (including Carver and Bayliner); it's not like there are ocean crossings involved. Many of the Chevies and Fords float fairly well, and often give you whatever amenities you want at a price you might choose to afford. Carver, for instance, is known for maximizing interior space at a moderate price point... even if they're not Vikings or Hatts... although every pro like that usually generates a con you might not appreciate. (For instance, we didn't care for Carver helm stations, either on the flybridge or down below... but what we prefer isn't necessarily what you might like.) Another for instance, many owners of the large Bayliners, and follow-on brand Meridian, seem to love 'em.

    You might get a copy of the Powerboat Guide and search through that to discover other options that might be worth a look. Lots of other brands I think not yet mentioned here (Formula, Cruisers, Sabre, Silverton/Luhrs/Mainship, Fleming, Bertram, Post, Egg Harbor, Ocean Yachts, Helmsman, Nordic Tugs, Navigator, Tollycraft, Meridian...) and a bazillion offshore brands...

    -Chris
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2023
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  15. Keith C, Mar 19, 2023
    #15
    Keith C

    Keith C New Member

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    Wow! Lots to digest and thank you! You're the third person to recommend the powerboat guide, so I believe I will pick up a copy.