Chris-Craft Corporation

What Chris-Craft Corporation does

Chris-Craft Corporation is a U.S. premium recreational boat manufacturer founded in 1874 and currently operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO). The company designs, builds, and distributes luxury powerboats under five model lines — Sportster, Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, and Catalina — ranging from 24 to 37 feet in length with manufacturer-suggested retail prices between approximately $352,000 and $814,550. Its product architecture centers on a signature deep-v hull with flared bow, premium teak craftsmanship (including a Heritage Edition trim), and integrated marine technology stacks from partners such as Garmin (electronics), Mercury Marine and Volvo Penta (propulsion), Seakeeper (gyro stabilization and vessel attitude control), and Lumishore (LED lighting). Notable proprietary and optional features include the Seakeeper Ride vessel attitude control system (standard on Launch 31 GT), optional lithium-ion battery systems, inductive phone charging at the helm, and Lumishore LUX color-selectable LED lighting.

The business model is hardware sales through a U.S. authorized dealer network, with pricing set by dealers and augmented by a Build Your Own online configurator that supports hull color, trim, and option personalization. Chris-Craft serves affluent families, boating enthusiasts, and watersports users seeking premium recreational vessels with overnight-cruising capability, prioritizing craftsmanship, brand heritage, and integrated technology. The company supports its offering with experiential marketing via boat shows, multi-channel social media presence, an email list, and a branded apparel store at apparel.chriscraft.com. As a subsidiary brand within Winnebago Industries' marine segment (alongside Barletta Pontoon Boats), Chris-Craft does not disclose standalone revenue and inherits the parent's corporate, legal, and operational infrastructure, with the corporate office located at 8161 15th St E, Sarasota, FL.

Name

Chris-Craft Corporation

Legal name

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Website

https://chriscraft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1874

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Chris-Craft Corporation is a premium U.S. recreational boat manufacturer founded in 1874 and owned by Winnebago Industries, producing luxury powerboats (Sportster, Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, Catalina series) priced $352K–$814K and sold through an authorized dealer network to affluent families and watersports enthusiasts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Sarasota

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Boat Sales: Chris-Craft generates revenue through the sale of recreational powerboats. Boats range from Sportster Series (entry-level bowriders) to Calypso Series (luxury dual console boats), with prices from approximately $350,000 to over $800,000. Sales are conducted through authorized dealer network with final pricing established by dealers.
2. Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: The company operates an apparel store (apparel.chriscraft.com) selling branded merchandise and accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Chris-Craft Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells premium recreational powerboats ranging from 24 to 37 feet across five series (Sportster, Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, and Catalina). Boats feature deep-v hull designs, premium teak craftsmanship, and integrated marine technology (Garmin electronics, Mercury/Volvo propulsion, Seakeeper stabilization), with starting MSRPs from approximately $350,000 to over $800,000 sold through an authorized U.S. dealer network.

Product overview

Chris-Craft Corporation is a premium recreational boat manufacturer founded in 1874, operating as a subsidiary of Winnebago Industries. The company offers a portfolio of five distinct boat series: the Sportster Series (modern bowrider range), Launch Series (classic open-bow), Launch GT Series (modern open-bow runabout with luxury features), Calypso Series (dual console entertainment boats), and Catalina Series (pilothouse center console). All models feature signature deep-v hulls, premium marine materials, and advanced technology integrations including Garmin electronics, Lumishore LED lighting, Seakeeper stabilization systems, and Mercury or Volvo propulsion. The product lineup ranges from 24 to 37 feet and supports multiple power options including sterndrive, outboard, and surf configurations. Customers can customize boats through an online Build Your Own configurator, and the company provides the MyChris-Craft App for connectivity features.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sportster Series: Modern Bowrider Range available in Sterndrive, Outboard, and Surf configurations
• Launch Series
• Launch GT Series
• Calypso Series
• Catalina Series

Products and services

• Sportster Series Modern bowrider boat range available in 25 and 28-foot models with sterndrive, outboard, or surf propulsion options, designed for adventure seekers and watersports enthusiasts.
• Launch Series Classically styled open-bow boat available in the Launch 27 model with sterndrive propulsion, designed for enjoying time on and in the water.
• Launch GT Series Modern open-bow runabout available in 28 GT, 31 GT, and 35 GT models with sterndrive, outboard, or surf power options, offering luxury features and advanced helm technology.
• Calypso Series Versatile, sporty dual console boat series available in 24, 28, 32, and 35-foot models designed for entertaining and extended water excursions with premium amenities and galley options.
• Catalina Series Pilothouse center console boat series available in 24, 28, and 31-foot models designed for easy movement while onboard, featuring enclosed helm areas and premium construction.
• Build Your Own Configurator Online customization tool allowing customers to design and price their boat by selecting hull colors, vinyl seating, interior trim options, and various optional equipment packages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Seakeeper gyro stabilizer eliminates up to 95% of boat roll

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Winnebago IndustriescoreOthersChris-Craft is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, Incorporated. Winnebago Industries operates the chriscraft.com website and includes Chris-Craft among its family of brands alongside Grand Design RV, Newmar, Barletta Pontoon Boats, and Lithionics Battery.
• GarmincoreTechnology or IntegrationGarmin provides multifunction displays and marine electronics integrated into Chris-Craft boats. Standard features include flush-mounted Garmin displays; optional upgrades include Garmin radar and VHF radio systems.
• Mercury MarinecoreTechnology or IntegrationMercury Marine provides outboard and sterndrive propulsion systems. Chris-Craft boats feature Mercury Verado engines with Digital Throttle and Shift, Active Trim, and Joystick Piloting capabilities.
• Volvo PentacoreTechnology or IntegrationVolvo Penta provides sterndrive propulsion systems for certain models including the Launch GT series. Features include Digital Throttle and Shift with joystick control.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tiara Yachts: Tiara Yachts is a Michigan-based luxury boat manufacturer offering premium express cruisers, dual consoles, and center consoles that compete directly with Chris-Craft's Launch GT and Calypso product lines in the U.S. premium market.
• Boston Whaler: Boston Whaler (Brunswick Corporation) manufactures unsinkable recreational boats including dual console and center console models that overlap directly with Chris-Craft's Calypso and Catalina series at competitive price points.
• Scout Boats: Scout Boats produces premium center console, dual console, and sportfishing models targeting the same affluent recreational buyer. Direct competitor to Chris-Craft's Calypso and Catalina lines in the U.S. premium segment.
• Cobalt Boats: Cobalt Boats manufactures premium bowriders and runabouts positioned in the upper-mid to premium recreational market. Comparable to Chris-Craft's Sportster and Launch series in hull style, customer base, and dealer distribution model.
• Pursuit Boats: Pursuit Boats manufactures premium offshore and dual console boats targeted at affluent recreational buyers. Directly comparable to Chris-Craft's Catalina and Calypso series in product category, customer base, and price range.
• Grady-White Boats: Grady-White builds premium center console and dual console boats known for quality construction. Direct competitor to Chris-Craft in the U.S. premium recreational segment with overlapping dual console offerings.
• Formula Boats: Formula Boats is a Michigan-based premium recreational boat builder offering bowriders, cruisers, and performance boats. Comparable to Chris-Craft in premium positioning, customer profile, and distribution through authorized dealers.
• Hinckley Yachts: Hinckley Yachts is a U.S. luxury boat builder known for premium picnic boats and jet propulsion systems. Directly comparable to Chris-Craft as a heritage American brand selling luxury recreational powerboats at similar premium price points ($400K+).
• Riva (Ferretti Group): Riva is an Italian luxury boat builder producing premium runabouts and open yachts with comparable craftsmanship and heritage positioning. Comparable to Chris-Craft in the ultra-premium recreational segment with strong brand-driven pricing.
• Sea Ray (Brunswick Corporation): Sea Ray is one of the largest recreational boat manufacturers offering premium runabouts, sport boats, and cruisers. Broadly comparable to Chris-Craft in premium recreational powerboats with overlapping sterndrive and outboard configurations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ChrisCraftBoats
• Facebookfacebook.com/chriscraftboats
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/152100
• Instagraminstagram.com/chriscraftboats
• Xx.com/chriscraftboats

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chris-Craft Corporation