Celebrating its 145th anniversary with the 2020 model year, the senior management team at Chris-Craft Boats was in a particularly festive mood in early July as the company welcomed dealers, VIP customers and media to its Summer Showcase buying event in Sarasota, Florida. It’s been a little over a full year since the iconic US fibreglass boat builder came under new ownership, following its June 2018 acquisition by recreational vehicle manufacturer Winnebago Inc.

President and CEO Stephen Heese remains firmly at the helm of the company that he and partner Stephen Julius rescued from the ashes of the Outboard Marine Corporation bankruptcy 18 years ago. He spoke with IBI in early July as Chris-Craft unveiled its 2020 model year lineup and prepared to celebrate 145 years in the recreational boating business.  To continue reading, see options below for accessing IBI Premium Content…