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Time
was, the name Chris-Craft was virtually synonymous with pleasureboating.
In the 50s and 60s I recall telling nonboating friends that our family
owned a boat, and they would say, “Oh, you have a Chris-Craft?”
It seemed then that everyone knew of the legendary mahogany runabouts
and classic cruisers. But the venerable brand, founded 125 years ago by
Chris Smith, was sold in 1959. Ownership changed several times during
the next four decades, in what seems in retrospect to have been a series
of ever more ill-fated corporate ventures, culminating two years ago with
the bankruptcy of its most recent parent company, OMC.
During
those troubled decades, Chris-Craft’s distinctive flair all but
vanished, new models lost among the anonymous ranks of me-too boats. But
somehow the magic of the name endured, a million-dollar brand in search
of a product. And then along came Stephen Julius and Steve Heese, Harvard
classmates with recent ties to the renowned Italian builder Riva, looking
for a new challenge.
Purchasing
the company from OMC, they started production of a completely new line
in September 2001, each model bearing styling features that are, once
again, unmistakably Chris-Craft. My first glimpse of the new flagship
43-foot Roamer was at the 2002 Miami International Boat Show. Sitting
proudly, just inside the entry to the convention center, her blue hull
and rakish silver hardtop commanded the attention of every passerby.
Now
don’t misunderstand. To paraphrase a car commercial from not so
long ago, this is not your father’s Chris-Craft. It isn’t
retro-style, and it doesn’t bring on waves of nostalgia. It is a
singularly distinctive look with signature elements that will become hallmarks
of every new Chris-Craft.
Most
obvious is the reverse transom and tumblehome stern that belie the ample
proportions of her integral swim platform. Measuring nearly five feet
fore and aft, the platform can host a small tender or PWC with room left
over to deploy the fold-up ladder or open a stylish stainless steel door
to the cockpit. And it just wouldn’t be a Chris-Craft without some
varnished wood trimming her exterior. Gleaming teak handrails grace the
cabin top, and matching teak rails (with integral drink holders) rim the
forward sunpads. Handsome teak fashion plates lend a touch of class to
the deckhouse sides. The clever part is that all the teak trim can be
removed with just a couple of screws, taken home, and refinished at your
leisure in controlled heat and humidity.
As impressive
as the Roamer was at the boat show, I got to really appreciate all she
has to offer a few weeks later in Sarasota. Our test boat was fully equipped
with options and upgrades, including the “heritage package”
(the aforementioned varnished teak trim, along with teak decking for the
cockpit and swim platform) and a handsome maple and cherry sole in the
saloon. But I was even more taken by features that are standard on the
Roamer.
Interior
joinery is all varnished cherry, finished in deep, rich tones. Even the
door of the Norcold fridge is faced in matching cherry veneer. Both stateroom
doors and the top of the hi-lo cocktail table are cherry, with a laser-cut
maple inlay forming the Chris-Craft logo. And all Roamers are equipped
with a full set of Chris-Craft china, flatware, and glasses, with custom-fit
holders to keep them secure underway—real classy.
As I
poked around the Roamer’s interior, it struck me that she seemed
a lot brighter than many other express cruisers I’ve been on. Then
I realized why. Instead of the usual oval ports, Chris-Craft endowed the
Roamer with long side windows that measure eight inches high in the forward
spaces and even more in the saloon and galley. The flood of natural light
is complemented by recessed overhead lights and indirect lighting throughout.
There are even built-in strip lights illuminating each step of the companionway
stairs up to the cockpit.
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