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CHRIS CRAFT HOLIDAY RUNABOUT
SAVY DIRECT PRICE Inc. TaxInc. TaxMSRP: Inc. TaxSAVY DIRECT PRICE $629.96MSRP: $699.991962 CHRIS CRAFT HOLIDAY RUNABOUT FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY BOAT MODEL Dimension approx.: 32″ (long) x 8″ (beam) The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP... -
1953 CHRIS CRAFT RACING RUNABOUT
SAVY DIRECT PRICE Inc. TaxInc. TaxMSRP: Inc. TaxSAVY DIRECT PRICE $629.96MSRP: $699.991953 CHRIS CRAFT RACING RUNABOUT FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY BOAT MODEL Dimension approx.: 32″ (long) x 9.5″ (beam) The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT In... -
1930 CHRIS CRAFT 24" RUNABOUT
SAVY DIRECT PRICE Inc. TaxInc. TaxMSRP: Inc. TaxSAVY DIRECT PRICE $589.96MSRP: $599.991930 CHRIS CRAFT 24"RUNABOUT Dimension approx.: 324.40L x 7.08W x 7.87H The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT The 1930 Chris‑Craft runabout occupies a...
Description
1959 CHRIS CRAFT CONTINENTAL RUNABOUT
FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY BOAT MODEL
- Dimension approx.: 38″ (long) x 12″ (beam)
- The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT
Introduced in 1955, the Chris‑Craft Continental marked a turning point in the company’s evolution. After years of producing traditional utilities and postwar runabouts, Chris‑Craft unveiled the Continental line as its new flagship utility—sleek, modern, and unmistakably mid‑century in its styling. These boats were designed to blend the practicality of an open utility with the elegance of a premium runabout, creating a versatile craft that appealed to families, weekend cruisers, and enthusiasts who wanted both beauty and function.
The first Continentals were low, streamlined bullnose runabouts, instantly recognizable by their sloping chrome‑framed windshields and blond deck highlights. Ranging from 18 to 26 feet, they occupied a sweet spot in Chris‑Craft’s lineup: more refined than the 17–20‑foot Sportsmans, yet more accessible than the company’s largest models. For a time, the familiar Holiday name was even repurposed as a simplified Continental variant, offering buyers a mid‑priced option that carried the same hull DNA.
The 18‑foot Continental became the most iconic of the series. Early models from 1955–1958 featured mahogany hull sides and transoms, with windshields evolving from a single vee design to a graceful two‑piece curved form. In 1959, Chris‑Craft introduced a redesigned clipper bow, giving the boat a sharper, more modern profile. Power options expanded as well, with the Chris‑Craft 283 V‑8 becoming available—and eventually standard—bringing strong performance to a hull known for its stability and smooth handling.
Production reflected the Continental’s popularity. The bullnose Holiday variant saw 808 units built, while the clipper‑bow Continental produced 578 more between 1959 and 1961. In 1961, the hull was stretched to 19 feet, white panel detailing was added, and the 283 V‑8 became standard equipment. These refinements marked the final chapter of the Continental era.
By the end of 1961, Chris‑Craft was undergoing major changes. The company shifted operations to Pompano Beach, Florida, was sold to NAFI, and began phasing out the Continental and Holiday lines in favor of a new generation of “sports boats.” Yet the Continental’s legacy endured. It represented a moment when Chris‑Craft embraced modern styling without abandoning the craftsmanship that had defined its earlier wooden boats. The Continental bridged the gap between wartime utility craft and the open, stylish runabouts of the postwar leisure boom.
Today, the 18‑foot Continental remains a favorite among collectors. Its combination of bullnose charm, clipper‑bow refinement, and mid‑century design makes it one of the most distinctive Chris‑Craft models of its era—an elegant reminder of a company in transition, and a boat built for those who wanted both practicality and style on the water.