Editorโs Note: This story originally appeared in Volume 5 of B.H. Magazine. To get your copy (and access to future issues), subscribe here.
The Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT has been designed for people who understand the difference between having something and owning something truly special. Built for pristine harbours or coastal waters and long, Champagne-fuelled lunches, this 31-footer redefines the meaning of pleasure craft.
The bow lounge immediately sets the tone โ thick teak decking, pop-up cleats, freshwater shower, stereo controls, USB-C charging, and high-sided leather seating thatโs ideal for two but can accommodate more than a few. When the table is stowed, infill cushions hidden behind the helm transform the space into a level sun pad when the afternoon calls for it.
Every surface tells a story about attention to detail, clearly built by craftspeople who obsess over the brand. Moving aft, the bow can be closed off thanks to a retractable door and stainless-steel-framed windshield that folds over to shield guests from wind while underway. The hard bimini is optional but highly recommended for 35-degree days. It not only incorporates down and LED lights for evening soirรฉes, but also an electrically deployable sunshade to protect those conversing in the cockpit and relaxing on the rear-facing sun lounger below.
At the helm, the Launch 31 GT is all about style, dripping in leather, teak, glossy wood, and magnificently polished chrome. Optimised for cruising in seated comfort, the captain has access to all boat information through a multifunctional screen that sits above ten machined buttons controlling the key systems. Ergonomically positioned throttle controls with optional joystick and bow thruster manage twin 300hp Mercury V8 outboards that will happily do 45 knots โ made even more enjoyable via the analogue tacho and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The deep-V hull and hand-laid fibreglass construction create a foundation that handles weather without drama. The self-bailing cockpit means less worry about following seas, and every hinge, latch, and storage solution feels like it was made to last decades rather than seasons. Throw in the optional Seakeeper Ride system and afternoon chop becomes irrelevant.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Launch 31 GT delivers on practicality. Massive storage compartments under every seat, deep dry lockers for gear, and separate wet storage for soggy equipment. Details like weighted cushions and drink holders that fold down from the lounge seatback highlight more than 150 years of design excellence, while the enclosed (and air-conditioned) head below deck allows for extended sessions in comfort for all guests.
Boats represent significant investments โ just shy of $1 million in this case โ but only a handful go beyond mere ownership. Unsurprisingly, the Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT falls into that very category while managing to be both thoroughly modern and timelessly appealing.
If youโve enjoyed this feature on the Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT, consider some of our other favourite stories straight from the pages of B.H. Magazine:
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