Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsA simple, compact motor yacht, thekit boatfromChris-Craftmeasures 14 ft (4.27 m) in length with a 5 ft (1.52 m) beam and is powered by a single Johnson engine. Backed by Shestakov Yacht Sales and broker Andrey Shestakov, this approachable platform offers easy ownership and straightforward enjoyment on the water.
Selecting a kit boat
Choosing the kit boatis about simplicity and access. Its 14 ft LOA and 5 ft beam make it easy to manage, while the single Johnson powerplant reduces complexity compared to twin‑engine setups. For buyers seeking a compactmotor yachtfrom the heritage builderChris-Craft, this model delivers essential boating without unnecessary complication.
Features of the Model
- Compact footprint: 14 ft LOA (4.27 m) and 5 ft beam (1.52 m)
- Single‑engine simplicity: 1 x Johnson
- Straightforward fueling with a 6‑gallon capacity
- Easy day‑use orientation within the motor yachtclass
Technical Specifications
- Builder: Chris-Craft
- Model: kit boat
- Category: motor yacht
- LOA: 14 ft (4.27 m)
- Beam: 5 ft (1.52 m)
- Engines: 1 x Johnson
- Fuel Capacity: 6 gal
Pricing and Ordering
For current pricing, availability, and to discuss inspection or delivery options for a kit boatbyChris-Craft, contact Andrey Shestakov and the team at Shestakov Yacht Sales. We will guide you through the selection, offer-to-purchase, and closing steps to streamline your acquisition.
Questions and Answers
Q: What category does the kit boatbelong to? A: It’s categorized as amotor yacht, combining compact size with straightforward operation. Key details includeLOAof 14 ft and a 5 ftbeam.
Q: Who builds the kit boat? A: The builder isChris-Craft. Working with Shestakov Yacht Sales, you can reviewbuilderprovenance and discuss suitable examples with Andrey Shestakov.
Q: What is the engine setup on this model? A: The kit boatfeatures asingleJohnsonengine(1 x Johnson), offering simple ownership and maintenance.
Q: How much fuel does it carry? A: Fuel capacityis 6 gallons, well‑matched to the single Johnson configuration on thekit boat.
Q: How do I get pricing and arrange a viewing? A: Contact Andrey ShestakovatShestakov Yacht Salesto discuss marketpricing, availability, and viewing logistics for akit boatbyChris-Craft.
Owner Experience Review
Owners approach the kit boatfromChris-Craftas a 1950s-era platform that shines on short daytrips and family weekend runabout duty, especially in the 8'–16' sizes catalogued from 1951 through the late 1950s. Period layouts like the open-hull “Dolphin” suit fishing and other utilitarian tasks, while a documented 19' example has completed trailerable coastal hops such as Long Beach–San Diego–Catalina–Ensenada. Many survivors today are either restored for antique-boat events or reproduced from modern kits.
On the water, owners describe quick, responsive steering (typically via unassisted cable on originals) and predictable manners when trimmed correctly, with little porpoising or chine-walk. One hands-on reviewer noted, “The ride wasn’t at all jarring, but there was a bit more movement than would be comfortable to me for long periods,” and performance tends to improve when heading into the waves; trim strongly changes bow attitude. Some enthusiasts have pushed lightweight builds with modified outboards to very high speeds, though those setups are exceptions rather than the norm.
Comfort tracks closely with size: the smallest kits are cockpit-only, while 14'–16' double-cockpit runabouts work well for two to four people on day trips, and longer ~19' builds can add cruiser-like touches such as an outboard in a well, multiple fuel tanks, and even a taller trailer for beach launches. Owners also remark that the cockpit accommodates a range of body sizes. Maintenance history is well known: original Dolfinite-bedded plywood joints often began failing after roughly 6–10 years, leading to leaks and rot if not rebedded or sheathed; many period engines have since been rebuilt or replaced as parts have become scarce. Restorers now favor epoxy and external fiberglass sheathing to prevent those issues, and reported project costs vary widely—owners have cited figures like $5,000 on a single restoration, while others simply advise budgeting a meaningful share of the overall effort depending on condition and scope.
Pros and Cons
- Versatile for daytrips, fishing, and even documented trailerable coastal routings in 19' examples.
- Predictable, responsive handling with quick cable steering, best when trimmed and run into the waves.
- Strong restoration pathway: epoxy and fiberglass sheathing now mitigate the original leak/rot issues.
- Ride can have more movement than some prefer over longer periods, even if not jarring.
- Original Dolfinite-bedded joints commonly fail after about 6–10 years if left unrebedded, leading to leaks and rot.
- Many 1950s propulsion systems are obsolete, making parts sourcing and rebuilds challenging and potentially costly.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kit boat | 14' 0" (4.27 m) | 5' 0" (1.52 m) | - | - | - |
| Dory | 22' 0" (6.71 m) | 8' 0" (2.44 m) | 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |
| Launch 32 | 34' 0" (10.44 m) | 10' 0" (3.10 m) | 6' 3" (1.92 m) – 10' 8" (3.25 m) | - | - |
| 381 Catalina | 38' 0" (11.58 m) | 14' 0" (4.27 m) | 9' 10" (3 m) | 17 kn / 24 kn | - |
| CATALINA 34 | 34' 0" (10.44 m) | 10' 0" (3.30 m) | 6' 0" (1.83 m) – 9' 7" (2.92 m) | - | - |
| 34 Catalina | 34' 0" (10.44 m) | 10' 0" (3.30 m) | 6' 0" (1.83 m) – 9' 7" (2.92 m) | - | - |
| Corsair 25 | 25' 0" (7.62 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 9' 7" (2.92 m) – 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |
| Dory Skiff | 22' 0" (6.71 m) | 8' 0" (2.44 m) | 6' 7" (2 m) | 18 kn / 22 kn | - |
| 26 Continental | 26' 0" (7.92 m) | 8' 0" (2.44 m) | - | - | - |
| cadet | 22' 0" (6.71 m) | - | - | - | - |
Learn more on the “Chris-Craft - kit boat”
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