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Chris-Craft Boats

An American Classic

Foreword by Ralph Lauren
Contributions by Chris-Craft Boats
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Hardcover
$65.00 US
10.4"W x 10.3"H x 1.1"D   | 55 oz | 8 per carton
On sale May 22, 2018 | 224 Pages | 978-0-8478-6174-3
Celebrate all that is quintessentially American about being on the water in the world’s most beloved boat.

Since 1874, Chris-Craft has built boats of immense beauty that evoke an emotion and passion in all who see them. The varnished mahogany runabouts of yesteryear, and their modern sister-ships of today, all share the same design ethos, gorgeous lines, high quality, and style. The name alone conjures up images of classic wooden boats, waving flags, and unforgettable memories made on the waves.

Immortalized on the big screen in such movies as On Golden Pond and Mission Impossible, the aura and romance of Chris-Craft shines through in this book featuring more than 200 boats—from never-before-published archival images to gorgeous color photos of collector and new boats—as well as plans and ephemera from Chris-Craft’s own collection. A thoroughly researched and informative narrative brings the captivating 140-year story to life.

This is the ideal gift for boaters, as well as the perfect book for any owner of a vacation home or lake house—or those who aspire toward this American dream.
"The must-have book features photos of more than 200 boats from never-before-published archival images to great color photos of collector and new boats as well as plans and ephemera from Chris-Craft’s own collection. . .  You may own one already or merely dream of doing so, but either way, this book is a worthy way to immerse yourself in the world of this iconic American brand." 
—AIROWS.COM


"Timeless Beauty… Whether it’s a beautiful varnished mahogany runabout cutting across a glassy lake or a sleek center console taking on a tumultuous inlet, Chris-Craft boats have an unmistakable look and impeccable style, in large part because the builder has been refining its designs for 144 years. The history of this iconic builder is chronicled in the pages of Nick Voulgaris III’s Chris-Craft Boats: An American Classic. The 224-page story starts in Algonac, Michigan, in 1874, when Chris Smith built his first wooden boat at age 13. The rest of the Chris-Craft story spans world wars, economic crises and political upheavals, and includes photographs of hundreds of models produced by the company over the decades. The stunning photography in this hardcover edition makes this book an excellent addition to any coffee table.”
 — Soundings

"Chock-a-block with beautiful photography and iconic boats, this is another potential resident of the coffee table that boaters will find irresistible.”
Points East: The Boating Magazine for Coastal New England

“The Best Coffee Table Books for Your Superyacht. These best coffee table books and glossy picture books are sure to keep superyacht owners and sailing enthusiasts entertained... Decorate your home or superyacht with our pick of the best decorative books...” — Boat International
Nick Voulgaris III is an entrepreneur, writer, and avid sailor who is passionate about yacht restoration. He has owned and restored dozens of boats, including two vintage Chris-Crafts. He is also the author of two previous Rizzoli books, Hinckley Yachts and The Seaside House. Nick is the proprietor of Kerber’s Farm, a historic farm and retail brand on Long Island (www.kerbersfarm.com). Nick lives in New York City’s West Village with his English Labrador Charlie, and in summer aboard his 58-foot Alden sailboat Scout.

Ralph Lauren began his career in 1967, designing neckties under the label Polo. Today, his collections include menswear, womenswear, accessories, fragrance, and home. He has received numerous awards for his work in fashion, philanthropy, and humanitarian causes and is the only designer to receive the CFDA’s four highest honors: Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.

About

Celebrate all that is quintessentially American about being on the water in the world’s most beloved boat.

Since 1874, Chris-Craft has built boats of immense beauty that evoke an emotion and passion in all who see them. The varnished mahogany runabouts of yesteryear, and their modern sister-ships of today, all share the same design ethos, gorgeous lines, high quality, and style. The name alone conjures up images of classic wooden boats, waving flags, and unforgettable memories made on the waves.

Immortalized on the big screen in such movies as On Golden Pond and Mission Impossible, the aura and romance of Chris-Craft shines through in this book featuring more than 200 boats—from never-before-published archival images to gorgeous color photos of collector and new boats—as well as plans and ephemera from Chris-Craft’s own collection. A thoroughly researched and informative narrative brings the captivating 140-year story to life.

This is the ideal gift for boaters, as well as the perfect book for any owner of a vacation home or lake house—or those who aspire toward this American dream.

Praise

"The must-have book features photos of more than 200 boats from never-before-published archival images to great color photos of collector and new boats as well as plans and ephemera from Chris-Craft’s own collection. . .  You may own one already or merely dream of doing so, but either way, this book is a worthy way to immerse yourself in the world of this iconic American brand." 
—AIROWS.COM


"Timeless Beauty… Whether it’s a beautiful varnished mahogany runabout cutting across a glassy lake or a sleek center console taking on a tumultuous inlet, Chris-Craft boats have an unmistakable look and impeccable style, in large part because the builder has been refining its designs for 144 years. The history of this iconic builder is chronicled in the pages of Nick Voulgaris III’s Chris-Craft Boats: An American Classic. The 224-page story starts in Algonac, Michigan, in 1874, when Chris Smith built his first wooden boat at age 13. The rest of the Chris-Craft story spans world wars, economic crises and political upheavals, and includes photographs of hundreds of models produced by the company over the decades. The stunning photography in this hardcover edition makes this book an excellent addition to any coffee table.”
 — Soundings

"Chock-a-block with beautiful photography and iconic boats, this is another potential resident of the coffee table that boaters will find irresistible.”
Points East: The Boating Magazine for Coastal New England

“The Best Coffee Table Books for Your Superyacht. These best coffee table books and glossy picture books are sure to keep superyacht owners and sailing enthusiasts entertained... Decorate your home or superyacht with our pick of the best decorative books...” — Boat International

Author

Nick Voulgaris III is an entrepreneur, writer, and avid sailor who is passionate about yacht restoration. He has owned and restored dozens of boats, including two vintage Chris-Crafts. He is also the author of two previous Rizzoli books, Hinckley Yachts and The Seaside House. Nick is the proprietor of Kerber’s Farm, a historic farm and retail brand on Long Island (www.kerbersfarm.com). Nick lives in New York City’s West Village with his English Labrador Charlie, and in summer aboard his 58-foot Alden sailboat Scout.

Ralph Lauren began his career in 1967, designing neckties under the label Polo. Today, his collections include menswear, womenswear, accessories, fragrance, and home. He has received numerous awards for his work in fashion, philanthropy, and humanitarian causes and is the only designer to receive the CFDA’s four highest honors: Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.