Grand Craft was founded in 1979 by Steve Northuis and Chris Smith, grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith, the founder of Chris-Craft. The company was started as a builder of vintage-design mahogany powerboats based on past Chris-Craft boat designs.

Grand Craft melds state-of-the-art woodworking techniques with Old World craftsmanship. Each vessel requires thousands of man-hours, more craftsmanship and attention to detail per running foot than virtually any other watercraft made today.

Grand Craft utilizes a special wood epoxy saturation process, arguably the best epoxy lamination system available. Not only does this technique bond multiple layers of wood for unsurpassed flexibility and strength, but the process also makes the hull virtually impervious to any damaging effects of salt or freshwater. In addition to protecting the wood, this saturation process eliminates the need for “soaking up” the hull, a task traditionally associated with wooden hulls. These boats are ready for immediate use when launched for the first time.

African mahogany is preferred for its flexible strength and sound/shock absorption, as well as its lasting beauty. Each piece is hand selected on the basis of the consistent, reddish-brown hue and grain. Walnut and oak are often used on dash panels and storage compartments. Stringers, made from high-grade fir, run the length of the hull for added strength.

All hardware is hand-cast brass or bronze, which is plated in copper, nickel, and chrome, by the highest quality process available. Heavy as it is handsome, this striking hardware exemplifies the quality of Grand Craft — strong, durable, and beautiful works of art.

Mechanical or hydraulic steering provides quick and stable responsiveness. Top-notch gas marine engines deliver up to 425 hp; these power plants are specified for Grand Craft weight and torque requirements to achieve speeds between 40 and 50 mph. Diesel engines are also selected with the same requirements for larger models.

Grand Craft currently produces five models of runabouts with varying lengths from 20-40 feet, all of which can be customized — The Burnham, The Dearborn, The Roosevelt, The Winchester, and The Wrightwood. Grand Craft also creates unique “one-off” custom boats to order.

For more information, please visit Grand Crafts website https://www.grandcraft.com/