Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT (2020-)

Brief Summary

The Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT is the next-to-largest bowrider in the companys’ new Launch GT series lineup. With touches of mahogany and teak accents recalling Chris-Craft’s wooden-boat heritage, the deep-v fiberglass dayboat comes in several trim packages, with either gas or diesel sterndrive options or outboard power.

Key Features

• Seats 10
• Enclosed head
• Sterndrives or optional outboard power
• Deep-v hull
• Yacht Certified

Specifications

Length Overall	31' 9.44 m
Beam	10' 3.05 m
Dry Weight	10,440 lbs. 4,736 kg
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Fuel Capacity	142 gal. 538 L

Engine Options

Std. Power

2 x 300-hp Mercury 6.2L V8 B3 DTS

Opt. Power

2 x 350-hp Mercury MerCruiser V8 6.2L B3 FWC DTS sterndrive 2 x 380-hp Mercury MerCruiser V8 8.2L B3 FWC DTS sterndrive 2 x 430-hp Mercury MerCruiser V8 8.2L (430x2 HP) B3 FWC DTS sterndrive 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 5.3L DP FWC EVC sterndrive 2 x 350-hp Volvo Penta V8 5.3L DP EVC FWC 2 x 380-hp Volvo Penta V8 6.2L DP FWC EVC sterndrive 2 x 430-hp Volvo Penta V8 6.2L DP FWC EVC sterndrive 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta D4 Diesel DP EVC FWC sterndrive 2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke DTS outboard 2 x 350-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke DTS outboard 2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke DTS outboard 2 x 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke Digital Controls outboard

Captain's Report

Editor’s Report by Capt. Peter d’Anjou

Mission

The Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT is intended to be a family entertainment dayboat. It fills a niche in the Launch GT lineup which started with the 28, went to a 35, then a 25, and now includes the new 31.

Distinguishing Features

• Lumishore LUX lighting in six zones

Major Features

• Bimini or optional color-coordinated hardtop
• Side entry door
• Swim platform
• Dual console split window
• Cockpit refreshment center
• Sun pad

Design

Chris-Craft’s designs play on their heritage of handcrafted woodwork and styling but with modern technology.

The new 31’ (9.45 m) Launch GT has a fiberglass deep-V hull with a 20-degree deadrise at the transom. Freeboard forward is 42" (106.68 cm).

Construction

Chris-Craft has experienced many changes over the years, including ownership changes in 2001 and relocation of headquarters and manufacturing to Sarasota, Florida. What hasn’t changed is that Chris-Craft still sees boatbuilding as a manufacturing process done by experienced craftsman that rises to the level of art. 

Yes, they use CNC routers and other modern manufacturing equipment to ensure proper fit and alignment. But hand-made craftsmanship, starting with gel-coating the hulls by hand, right through the six-step lamination of the hulls and continuing to the hand-sewn upholstery and hand-carved inlaid wood accents, is valued because customers expect quality and a touch of nostalgia in the brand. 

Quality control includes an on-site pond to make sure that everything runs exactly as it should and customized computer programs to check that all systems are properly rigged and perform correctly. A 5-year transferable hull/structural warranty and 3-year Chris-Craft protection plan are standard.

Specifications

We have not yet tested the Launch 31 GT and no performance numbers were available from the builder.

The Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT has a length overall with swim platform of 31' (9.44 m), a waterline length of 22' 8" (6.9 m), maximum beam of 10' (3.05 m), and a dry weight 10,440 lbs. (4,736 kg). The Launch 31 GT's fuel capacity is 142 gallons (537 L).

Features Inspection

Bow

This bowrider has forward facing loungers with flip down armrests. The two sockets on either side of the teak on the foredeck are for an optional ‘Mediterranean’ sun shade. The anchor is a through-the-stem plow style anchor.

Helm

The helm console comes with a 12” multi-function display. The three-spoke stainless steel steering wheel has mahogany accents and is on a tilt base with power assist.

The glass front helm panel has touchscreen controls for the new lighting entertainment system as well as a stereo remote for the Fusion Stereo System with AM/FM/Bluetooth/USB. The standard system has an amp and subwoofer along with speakers are JL Audio Sound Systems and includes transom speakers.

LED courtesy lighting is the new LUX system provided by Lumishore. It is set up to strobe, change colors, and light to the beat of the stereo in six zones set up on the boat.

The windshield is curved tempered glass in a stainless steel frame. The helm seating includes electrically adjustable double-wide driver and passenger seats with flip-up bolsters.

Head

The large head compartment has a lockable entry door in the port console. Inside is a Tecma porcelain toilet with holding tank and dockside pumpout system. Interior wood package is a choice of walnut, whitewashed oak or silver oak.

LED lighting is overhead with Vimar switches featured in a chrome frame. Natural lighting comes from a skylight and side window with privacy covers. There is a vessel sink with hot and cold running water on a solid Corian surface counter top in front of a large mirror.

Cockpit

The cockpit has a walkway from the swim platform on the starboard side. Alternatively a side dive door can be used for boarding.  The cockpit is self-draining. Just forward of the dive/entry door is a refreshment center with optional grill. Refrigerator and sink are standard. Opposite is an L-shaped settee which has a second drawer-style refrigerator below the seat.

Swim Platform

The swim platform is integral and contains a stainless steel ski tow attachment.

There is a large sun pad that covers the engine space. The entire pad hinges up on electric rams for engine access. On outboard-powered boats the space below the pad becomes extra storage. Note the stylish engine air intake vents, pop-up cleats, and wood handrails to either side. The platform has a stainless steel three-step reboarding ladder hidden underneath. There is also a hot and cold water pull-out shower head mounted on the transom.

Equipment Discussion

The standard deck is diamond pattern non-skid which can be upgraded with trim packages, ranging from synthetic Esthec to real teak, or snap-in mats.

Price

The boat comes standard with a Bimini top; a hardtop is optional. The standard edition is powered by twin 300-hp Mercury V8 6.2L B3 DTS and has a white gelcoated hull.

• Standard Edition ($320,310)

Includes teak engine hatch walkover, cockpit step, footrests, and drink holder accents

• Heritage Trim Edition ($328,310)

Includes the Standard Edition plus teak covering boards, swim platform, and aft grab rails

• Heritage Edition ($343,470)

Includes Heritage Trim Package plus teak decking

Optional Equipment to Consider

Painted hulls are optionally available in any of 11 colors ($14,236)

 Engine options include:

• Twin Mercury V8 6.2L (300x2 HP) B3 DTS (standard)

• Twin Mercury V8 6.2L (350x2 HP) B3 FWC DTS ($10,300)

• Twin Mercury V8 8.2L (380x2 HP) B3 FWC DTS ($24,280)

• Twin Volvo V8 5.3L (300x2 HP) DP FWC EVC ($6,430)

• Twin Volvo V8 6.2L (380x2 HP) DP FWC EVC ($30,500)

• Twin Volvo V8 6.2L (430x2 HP) DP FWC EVC ($51,580)

• Twin Volvo D4 Diesel (300x2 HP) DP EVC FWC ($92,380) 

• GT hardtop ($52,950)

Custom painted to match hull color, motorized sun shade, LED lighting, and Speakers 

• 12V air compressor with storage rack ($150)
• 12V air conditioning with vents at helm ($10,780)
• Bow docking LED lights ($920)
• Bow filler cushion ($930)
• Bow thruster ($9,800)
• CE Certification ($2,320)
• Cockpit galley grill ($6,690)

Pressure Water, Sink, Refrigerator and Corian Countertop 

• Cockpit and bow cover (Color same as canvas top) ($2,670)
• 6 fender clips ($970)
• Garmin radar with Garmin HD dome ($6,080)
• Garmin VHF radio and antenna ($2,450)
• Beach boarding ladder ($1,450)
• Mahogony Exterior Trim Package ($4,220)
• Mediterranean bow storable sun shade ($2,900)
• Ocean shipping cradle ($1,410)
• Premium audio system ($1,750)

Upgraded speakers, subwoofer, transom remote, and DSP amps 

• Remote spot light ($2,620)
• Sirius Satellite radio - USA and CA only ($490)
• Mahogony cockpit table ($1,590)
• 2 multi-color underwater lights ($2,600)
• Waste macerator with overboard discharge ($890)
• Water Ready Option - Includes batteries ($1,920)
• Windlass with SS anchor and line ($3,050)
• Windlass with SS anchor and chain ($3,530)

Observations

The Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT has the space, seating, and amenities for family entertainment. The engine options offer a wide performance range which can be customized to the owner’s boating venue and preferences – diesel or gas, inboard or outboard. The trim options add traditional wood details to the owner’s preference, and all on a modern deep-V hull from a quality builder. We look forward to providing a full test and inspection of this new build in the very near future.