Trade-A-Boat — January 2018

Joystick is within easy reach on the

other side. The Axis system offers

foolproof docking and Skyhook GPS

control to maintain position in tide and

wind.

A pair of 8.2lt petrol V-eights rest

in the engine room and I noted

reasonable access for regular

maintenance. Pumping out 380hp per

side and matched to Bravo 3 legs with

counter-rotating props they meet the

sporty image of the 38. Options include

more significant horsepower Volvo

diesels and also sets of twin or triple

outboards to a total of 900hp.

TALKING THE TORQUE

Even with the standard 760hp

power option, the test boat has lusty

acceleration and a respectable turn of

speed. The engines feel torquey with a

low rumble at slower speeds. Cruising

at a lazy 3500rpm gave 22kts and a total

fuel burn of 128Lt/h and a range of

160nm. Turn up the wick to 4500rmp

and speed reaches 35kts and fuel usage

jumps to 230Lt/h

From the commanding helm

position, I was quick to feel confident

in the hull’s handling, which is fast and

precise, leaning naturally into turns

and without any of the wandering or

body roll you sometimes experience

in this style of cruiser. The props bite

firmly and hang on tight in sharp turns

with full power. The ride is soft, and the

boat is very stable at rest.

Although we didn’t venture past the

Heads, the launch is a capable offshore

cruiser, and I can see many owners

slipping up to Pittwater or heading out

to Rottnest for the weekend.

CLASS ACT

Performance matches the stunning

looks, while the quality finish and

attention to detail are supreme. The

Chris-Craft is a class act. Price, as

tested, is $929,186 with options like

the Axis Joystick (gotta have), remote

anchor winch (also a must) and the

metallic blue gelcoat (it’s kinda nice).

It’s hard not to be sucked into the allure

of the Chris-Craft mythology. It lives

on in the 38 Launch in dedication to

quality and thoughtful design.

Chris-Craft 38 Launch

facts & figures

PRICED FROM

$870,008

OPTIONS FITTED

Mercury Axis Joystick, windlass, metallic

paint

PRICE AS TESTED

$929,186

GENERAL

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Open Bow cruiser

LENGTH 11.63m

BEAM 3.81m

WEIGHT 7259kg

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 15 (NIGHT) 5 (DAY)

FUEL 1037lt

WATER 189lt

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Mercury 8.2

TYPE Fuel-injected petrol V8

RATED HP 380hp

DISPLACEMENT 8.2L

WEIGHT 449kg

MANUFACTURED BY

CHRIS-CRAFT

Sarasota, Florida USA

SUPPLIED BY

PREMIER MARINE

Sydney Boat House

Unit 4, 2 Waterways Court

Rozelle NSW 2039

PHONE 02 9328 0999

WEB premiermarine.com.au

If you’re lucky enough for it to be in

your price range, then you're getting

a top fun dayboat with speed,

handling and lots of outdoor room

and amenities. The classic style is

made to last, so it's going to look

fantastic for many seasons on the

water.

54 trade aboat.com.au

Chris-Craft 38 Launch