Chris Crafts were first produced in the 1910's as high end powerboats. Throughout the years, Chris Craft became synonymous boating. Master craftsmen handcraft these highly detailed wood models from scratch using historical photographs, drawings and original plans. They are built to scale with high-grade wood such as: western red cedar, rosewood, and mahogany. It'll make a perfect gift for home or office decorators, boat enthusiasts, or passionate collectors. The legend of Chris-Craft began in 1884, when Christopher Columbus Smith began the Smith Boat House on the St Clair River in Algonac, Michigan, to manufacture small duck boats and power launches. Later, the company was extended to Chris Smith and Sons Boat Co. Many of his larger runabouts were used as taxis; transporting guests on the river front to resorts, or to various sightseeing attractions. In the twenty's, mostly runabouts were produced, but with the introduction of his speed boats, Chris Smith's fame took off.
