Chris-Craft elevates the boating experience with a reimagined Launch 27 designed for effortless enjoyment
MWN-AI** Summary
Chris-Craft, renowned as "America’s Boatbuilder Since 1874," will debut its reimagined Launch 27 at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show from February 11–15, 2026. This new model revitalizes the iconic Launch 27, a longstanding favorite among boating enthusiasts, by merging modern performance enhancements with classic design elements. Ron Berman, the engineering lead at Chris-Craft, highlights the redesign's focus on integrating advanced marine technologies to elevate the overall boating experience.
The Launch 27 features a sleek, sporty profile made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and teak, complemented by a cross-curve glass windshield. Inside, the boat emphasizes passenger comfort with spacious seating and luxurious upholstery, incorporating practical storage solutions and safety features. A standout addition is a concealed Bimini top, with the option for a power version that operates at the push of a button, enhancing convenience without detracting from the boat’s aesthetic appeal.
At the helm, boaters can expect a sports-car-like driving experience with the innovative Chris-Craft User Interface. A new Garmin 1543 XSV Ultrawide display integrates navigation, audio, and engine data seamlessly. The audio system is crafted to provide an exceptional sound experience, with options for premium custom-tuned JL Audio speakers.
The Launch 27 aims to foster family connections through its full beam wrap-around swim platform and durable design elements, ensuring safety and enjoyment on the water. As Chris-Craft celebrates its 250-year legacy, the Launch 27 exemplifies the brand’s commitment to excellence, blending tradition with modern advancements.
For more information, visitors can explore Chris-Craft’s offerings at their website or witness the Launch 27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center’s MB 1966 booth.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As Chris-Craft unveils its reimagined Launch 27 at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show, investors in the maritime and luxury goods sectors should pay close attention. The Launch 27 blends modern technology with classic aesthetics, reaffirming Chris-Craft’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This duality presents a promising opportunity for financial analysts and market participants alike.
The updated model is designed with customer experience at its forefront, incorporating advanced features such as a Garmin 1543 XSV Ultrawide display and optional power Bimini top. These innovations not only enhance usability but also address growing consumer preferences for high-tech, luxury experiences in recreational purchases. Given that the recreational boating market has seen robust growth in recent years, particularly among affluent consumers seeking experiential leisure activities, Chris-Craft's strategic positioning within this sector is noteworthy.
Moreover, Chris-Craft's association with Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) provides a strategic advantage. With Winnebago's established presence in the outdoor lifestyle market, Chris-Craft benefits from shared resources and marketing synergies. Investors should consider this relationship as a potential growth catalyst, particularly as consumer spending in leisure and lifestyle markets remains strong.
Additionally, Chris-Craft’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with trends in the boating industry, where eco-conscious practices are increasingly influencing consumer decisions. This positions Chris-Craft favorably, attracting environmentally aware customers.
From a valuation standpoint, those looking to invest in Chris-Craft or its parent company should monitor customer reception at the Miami Boat Show and subsequent sales figures closely. The Launch 27 could herald a new chapter in luxury boating, and firms focusing on quality craftsmanship backed by modern technology are likely to perform well as the market continues to expand.
In conclusion, Chris-Craft's Launch 27 showcases the brand's strategic innovation and may offer attractive opportunities in the boating market for savvy investors.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
MIAMI, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chris-Craft, America’s Boatbuilder Since 1874, will unveil the all-new Launch 27 at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®, February 11–15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Reimagined from bow to stern, the next-generation Launch 27 blends modern performance with timeless design, offering boaters a more refined, more connected and more effortless experience on the water.
For more than 25 years, the Launch 27 has been one of the most beloved models in the Chris-Craft portfolio—known for its iconic silhouette, smooth ride and unmistakable craftsmanship. The newly redesigned model elevates everything owners love: richer materials, enhanced comfort, and advanced technology that brings luxury and usability together in a fresh, contemporary expression of a Chris-Craft classic.
“The Launch 27 has long been an iconic model in the Chris-Craft portfolio, and we set out to thoughtfully reimagine the boat—building upon its timeless foundation of classic elegance, design excellence, and exceptional craftsmanship,” said Ron Berman, engineering lead at Chris-Craft. “Our goal was to seamlessly integrate the latest marine technologies to elevate performance, comfort and the overall on-water experience.
The exterior design of the Launch 27 has a sleek sporty profile, combining stainless steel, teak and hardware for an elegant appearance. A cross-curve glass windshield blends seamlessly into the design.
The interior is spacious with abundant seating and puts passenger experience above all else. Every detail of the upholstery design has been elevated. The cockpit includes folding steps with grab rail system that provide easy access to and from the cockpit. Additionally, the cockpit includes large storage compartments beneath the seat cushions, a teak table and recessed side storage with cup holders and accent lighting. Wrap around seating in the bow area provides a spacious and comfortable seating arrangement. Standard on the Launch 27 is a concealed Bimini top that stows neatly out of sight when not in use, ensuring maximum comfort without compromising the boat’s clean lines. For the first time, customers can also opt for a power Bimini that deploys at the push of a button—an innovative feature designed to make time on the water easier and more enjoyable.
The Launch 27’s helm provides the feeling of driving a sports car with classic and sporty touchpoints. The Innovative Chris-Craft User interface elevates the experience with a new Garmin 1543 XSV Ultrawide display that allows for audio, switching, engine data, sonar and navigation information integration in a single Interface. The standard audio system includes a Fusion source unit and 4 JL Sport grill M3 speakers. The available premium audio system delivers an elevated listening experience, featuring custom?tuned JL Audio speakers engineered exclusively for Chris?Craft.
Celebrated for bringing the family together in style, the boat features a full beam wrap around swim platform with a manual swim step and safety interlock function. The engine hatch includes fixed sun pads and removable center section for easy access to the cockpit.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, it’s worth noting that the Chris-Craft story is an American story,” said Chris-Craft President Steve Heese. “For more than 150 years, we have carved out a proud place in our nation’s history and in the hearts of boat lovers around the world. We are committed to building on this legacy by investing in new technologies and designs that expand our offerings and upholding the Chris-Craft standards of excellence in boat design,”
For more information about the Launch 27 from Chris-Craft, visit?www.chriscraft.com. To see the boat at its world debut at the Miami International Boat Show, please visit the Miami Beach Convention Center – MB 1966.
ABOUT CHRIS-CRAFT?
Chris-Craft,?America's Boatbuilder Since 1874,?leads the industry in craftsmanship and quality which represents the company's enduring devotion to its proud past. Chris-Craft is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and has developed the following sterndrive and outboard power boat models for the 2026 Collection: The Sportster, Launch, Launch GT, Calypso and the Catalina; which range in length from 25 to 35 feet. For more information, please visit:?www.chriscraft.com. Chris-Craft is a fully owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a 68-year-old manufacturer of innovative outdoor lifestyle products.
For more information, contact:
Allison Scharnow, Chris-Craft
+1 (305) 360-6821 | allison@chriscraft.com
FAQ**
How does the Launch 27 align with Winnebago Industries Inc. (NYSE: WGO) strategy to expand its offerings in the luxury marine segment?
What market trends does Chris-Craft expect to influence the sales of the Launch under Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) in the upcoming boating season?
How does the integration of advanced technology in the Launch 27 enhance its appeal within Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) strategic framework for innovation?
What measures is Chris-Craft taking to ensure the Launch 27 meets environmental standards, considering Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) commitment to sustainability?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Winnebago Industries Inc. (NYSE: WGO).
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