Radical rejuvenation

Chris-Craft celebrates 150 years of boating excellence with release of Sportster 25 bowrider, reshaped in everything from the hull and layout to the shape of the windshield and the submersible step.
Motor boats
09 september 2024
Author: Arsenii Zaguljaev
Photo: Chris-Craft

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Chris-Craft is celebrating 150 years this year, and the brand shows us that the key word in the apt phrase ‘living legend’ is living. Pre-orders for the new 25ft Sportster 25 began in summer. The name conjures up associations with the iconic Harley Davidson motorbike. The price of the compact bowrider is not high for a ‘Chris’. Not to say that the model was created from scratch — which is good in general. What can be better than a perfectionist's look at the GT boats, which have earned a high reputation. Everything has been revised, from the hull and layout to the shape of the windshield and submersible step. The result is a model with a modern, sporty design. It seems to appeal to a new, younger clientele: ‘Hey, look at me!’.

Compared to Launch GT, the Sportster 25 hull has a more pronounced, pointed bow and sloping sides at the transom. The shape of the longitudinal steps has been changed. It is suitable not only for rivers and lakes, but also for the sea due to the ‘deep V’ profile (keel angle 21°) and seaworthy hull lines. The bulwarks are covered with natural teak overlays. If desired, mahogany panels can be ordered instead of teak. The capstan and chain are concealed under the teak hatch in the bow, as is Chris-Craft customary.

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For the first time the swim platform comes with a folding step for easy access to the water. Compared to previous models, the shape of the aft sunbed has changed, with an adjustable headrest and a right-hand padded armrest so wide that a child can lie down there to sunbathe. Many convenient lockers are found around the cockpit. The sports equipment is conveniently stowed in a deep and long storage area below deck.

The cockpit layout is very much similar to Launch GT, but the shape of the rear sofa and front seats is different. The sofa is plush and comfortable. Adding a couple of cushions on the port side connects it with the front seat. This makes a great chaise-longue where you can stretch out your legs. Optionally, an elliptical teak table can be placed in place of the cushions. Two front seats are convertible: the backrest can be shifted back and forth and fixed in three positions.

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The design of the dashboard is rather practical than traditional. Many like the GT's analogue speedometer as a tribute to tradition: you pick up speed and watch the arrow creep to the right. Sportster replaces the conventional dials with two 9-inch Garmin 943 touchscreens. In addition to the main monitor on the dashboard, the boat is equipped with a Vessel View system, which displays all information about the engine, fuel tanks and other auxiliary systems. Beneath the displays on the teak panel is a neat and stylish backlit analogue pushbutton switch block, reminiscent of Hi-End audio controls. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel has been redesigned too. The boat owner will not only enjoy the responsiveness and manouverability of the boat, but also pleasant tactile sensations.

A new feature is the curved windscreen that extends to the middle of the hull. To get to the bow seating area, you have to open the centre window. In front there are two deep sofas converging to the bow. Their backs are raised by a pneumatic drive. Inside there are hidden storage spaces and cup holders. It is convenient to put your things if you are sitting at the side, so you don't have to walk back and forth on the boat.

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The bowrider is equipped with a sport arch, height adjustable at the touch of a button. It is suitable for ‘cruising the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg’. In the folded position, the arch is placed upon the windscreen. It comes with a hardtop or a bimini tent, and an extra optional awning.

The Sportster 25 offers a premium JL Audio system with 6 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. All of them are elegantly tucked away under the signature stainless steel grilles.

The boat is fitted with a stationary eight-cylinder Mercury Mercruiser (default) or Volvo Penta engine with power outputs ranging from 300 to 380 hp. With such a sporty shape, of course, the surf package is requested. This can be ordered as an option if you choose Volvo Penta engines.

The signature color palette includes three shades of gelcoat and eleven shades of finish paint. This year we have added Gulf Blue gelcoat and two paint shades, Aquamarine and Silver Bullet. Seven basic shades of vinyls, eleven for contrasting details and three colours of stitching give the complete freedom of creativity in the design of the cockpit and bow seats. The photo shows an elegant colour combination of coffee and milk, cream and ultramarine stitching. A nice detail is that the control system is initially set up to display the boat in the colour scheme you have ordered.

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By default, the bathing platform, the triangular cover of the bow anchor locker, and the panel under the captain's feet are finished in a faux teak. Its quality is high, but it is possible to order the same in natural wood. This is called the Heritage Trim Edition. In the most luxurious Heritage Edition the entire deck is covered with teak.

Sportster 25 is not only a collector's model for the anniversary, but a new page in the history of the shipyard with the potential to start a line of boats of different lengths. Let's remember the debut of the Launch 28 GT in 2018: then, too, they did not rethink the popular Launch series, but created a separate one.

Launch 28 GT in 2018: at that time, too, they did not rethink the popular Launch series, but created a separate one.



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