What the Chris Craft Launch 27 is and who owns one
The Chris Craft Launch 27 is a recreational cabin cruiser built by Chris Craft Industries, a manufacturer based in Pompano Beach, Florida. The boat is roughly 27 feet long, designed for day trips and overnight cruising on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Owners typically use it for fishing, entertaining, or weekend getaways rather than long-distance ocean voyaging.
Chris Craft produced the Launch 27 across multiple decades, with different model years featuring different engines, layouts, and equipment. The boat appeals to buyers looking for a mid-sized cruiser with sleeping quarters, a galley, and a head—the essentials for a self-contained vessel without the cost or complexity of a larger yacht.
If you own one or are considering buying one, the information below covers the practical realities of ownership: what systems you'll maintain, what costs to expect, and where to find parts and service.
Key Takeaways
- The Launch 27 typically has a single or twin gasoline engine, a small galley and head, and sleeping berths for two to four people, making it suitable for weekend cruising rather than extended voyages.
- Maintenance costs include regular engine servicing, through-hull fitting inspection, fuel system cleaning, and seasonal winterization or storage, which vary by climate and how often you use the boat.
- Parts availability depends on the model year; older models may require sourcing from salvage yards or specialty suppliers, while newer ones have better access to original equipment through Chris Craft dealers.
- Insurance, mooring or storage fees, and fuel consumption are ongoing expenses separate from maintenance and should be factored into the total cost of ownership.
- Finding a surveyor familiar with Chris Craft vessels and having a pre-purchase inspection is essential if you are buying used, since hidden issues with the hull, engine, or electrical system can be expensive to repair.
Engine types and fuel systems across model years
Chris Craft offered the Launch 27 with different powerplants depending on the year of manufacture. Earlier models often came with Chrysler or Volvo gasoline engines; later models sometimes featured Mercruiser inboards. The horsepower ranged from roughly 150 to 250 hp per engine, depending on the configuration.
Gasoline engines require regular oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fuel system maintenance. Ethanol-blended fuel, now standard at most marinas, can cause corrosion in older fuel tanks and carburetors if the boat sits unused for weeks. Many owners install fuel stabilizer before storage or switch to ethanol-free fuel if available in their area.
The fuel tank itself—typically 100 to 150 gallons—should be inspected for rust and sediment every few years. If you find discolored fuel or water in the tank, a professional fuel system cleaning can cost $300 to $800 depending on the extent of contamination.
Hull, through-hull fittings, and structural maintenance
The Launch 27 hull is typically fiberglass, which does not rot but can develop cracks, blisters, or delamination if exposed to prolonged moisture or UV damage. Blistering—small bubbles in the gel coat—is common in older boats and usually cosmetic, but extensive blistering can indicate water intrusion into the laminate and may require professional repair.
Through-hull fittings—the seacocks and thru-hulls for the head, galley sink, and raw water cooling—are critical safety points. These fittings corrode over time, especially in saltwater. Inspect them annually and replace any that show white or green corrosion or feel soft when tapped. A corroded seacock that fails while you are underway can flood the boat.
The cabin sole (floor) and interior wood trim are prone to rot if ventilation is poor or if water leaks around windows and hatches. Check for soft spots in the sole by pressing on it with your heel; soft areas indicate rot underneath and may require replacement of the plywood and stringers supporting the cabin structure.
Electrical systems and battery management
The Launch 27 runs on a 12-volt DC system powered by one or more lead-acid batteries. The alternator charges the batteries while the engine runs, but if you use the boat for short trips or leave it idle, the batteries may not fully recharge. Many owners add a battery charger for use at the dock or a solar panel to maintain charge during storage.
Corroded battery terminals, loose cable connections, and old batteries are the most common electrical problems. If the boat does not start reliably or the cabin lights dim when you run the engine, have the battery voltage and alternator output tested before assuming a major electrical fault.
The galley and head often have 110-volt AC circuits if the boat has a generator or shore power connection. These circuits should be inspected by a marine electrician if you notice tripped breakers, outlets that do not work, or any sign of water near electrical panels.
Cooling systems and winterization
Gasoline engines in the Launch 27 use raw water (lake or seawater) cooling or closed-loop freshwater cooling. Raw water cooling is simpler but requires flushing the cooling passages with freshwater after each use in saltwater to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion. Closed-loop systems use a heat exchanger and are less prone to corrosion but more complex to service.
In cold climates, winterization is essential. The process includes draining the cooling system, adding antifreeze to the engine block and raw water lines, stabilizing the fuel, and removing the batteries or connecting them to a trickle charger. Skipping winterization can result in frozen water lines that crack, a frozen engine block, or corroded fuel injectors—repairs that cost far more than winterization.
If you store the boat in a heated facility or in a warm climate year-round, winterization may not be necessary, but you should still run the engine monthly and change the oil at least once a year.
Finding parts, service, and professional help
Chris Craft ceased production in the 1980s and again in the 2000s, so parts availability depends on the age of your boat. Newer models (1990s onward) have better access to original equipment through remaining Chris Craft dealers and online suppliers. Older models may require sourcing from marine salvage yards, eBay, or specialty forums dedicated to classic Chris Craft vessels.
Engine parts are usually easier to find than boat-specific components because the engines are Chrysler, Volvo, or Mercruiser units sold through automotive and marine suppliers. A marine mechanic familiar with inboard gasoline engines can service the powerplant, but finding someone who knows Chris Craft cabin systems (plumbing, heating, original cabinetry) may require calling local marinas or posting in Chris Craft owner forums.
A surveyor—a professional who inspects boats for structural and mechanical condition—is invaluable if you are buying used. Expect to pay $400 to $800 for a survey of a 27-foot boat. The surveyor will identify hidden problems and give you a realistic picture of what repairs or maintenance the boat needs in the near term.
Insurance, storage, and ongoing costs
Boat insurance for a Launch 27 typically costs $300 to $600 per year, depending on the boat's age, condition, where you keep it, and your boating experience. Some insurers offer discounts if you complete a boating safety course.
Storage or mooring fees vary widely by location. A dry-stack storage facility might cost $100 to $300 per month; a wet slip at a marina could range from $150 to $500 per month depending on the region and amenities. If you keep the boat at home on a trailer, you avoid these fees but need a suitable launch ramp nearby and a vehicle capable of towing.
Fuel consumption for a Launch 27 with twin 150 hp engines typically runs 8 to 12 gallons per hour at cruising speed, so a weekend trip can easily cost $50 to $150 in fuel alone. Maintenance reserves—setting aside money for unexpected repairs—should be budgeted at 5 to 10 percent of the boat's value annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used Chris Craft Launch 27 cost?
Prices vary widely based on age, condition, engine hours, and location. Boats from the 1970s and 1980s typically sell for $15,000 to $35,000; 1990s models range from $25,000 to $50,000. Newer models or those with recent engine rebuilds or interior refits command higher prices. Check listings on Craigslist, Boat Trader, and local marinas for current market prices in your area.
Can I use a Launch 27 in saltwater?
Yes, but saltwater requires more frequent maintenance. You must flush the cooling system with freshwater after every saltwater use, inspect through-hull fittings more often, and explore corrosion inhibitor to metal fittings. Many owners keep their Launch 27 in freshwater lakes or rivers to reduce maintenance demands.
What is the fuel tank capacity and range?
Most Launch 27 models have a fuel tank between 100 and 150 gallons. At cruising speed with twin engines, you can expect a range of 100 to 150 miles on a full tank, though this varies with sea state, engine condition, and throttle setting. Always plan trips with fuel reserves and know where the nearest fuel dock is located.
Do I need a captain's license to operate a Launch 27?
No federal license is required for recreational boating in most U.S. waters, but many states require a boating safety certificate. Requirements vary by state and by whether you operate in state or federal waters. Check your state's fish and wildlife or boating authority website for current rules.
What should I look for in a pre-purchase survey?
A surveyor should inspect the hull for cracks or blisters, test all through-hull fittings, run the engine and check for leaks or unusual sounds, examine the electrical system and batteries, and review the cabin structure for rot or water damage. Ask the surveyor to provide a written report with photographs and recommendations for repairs or further inspection.