1956 Chris-Craft Capri

Manufacturer Provided Description

PLEASE CONTACT LUKE MAY - NEW YORK - 1-833-829-2248 EXTENSION 4001

Chris-Craft boats, founded in 1874 by Christopher Columbus Smith, are iconic American luxury powerboats renowned for timeless design, high-quality craftsmanship, and performance. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and owned by Winnebago Industries, the company currently produces premium sterndrive and outboard models ranging from 24 to 35 feet, including Launch, Calypso, and Catalina series. Originally starting in Michigan, the company became famous for mahogany-hulled runabouts in the 1920s–1950s, pioneering mass-production of pleasure boats, including the widely popular Capri.

The Chris-Craft Capri was exceptionally popular and considered one of the most stylish wooden runabouts of its era. Introduced in the 1950s, it was celebrated for its elegant design, featuring mahogany construction, a wraparound windshield, and strong performance for water skiing and cruising. The Capri was a cornerstone of Chris-Craft's lineup during its post-war "heyday," when the company was the most popular boat builder in the world. Approximately 800 of the 19-foot Capri models were built between 1955 and 1958, and while once common on lakes, these boats are now highly sought-after, restored collector's items.

One-Of-A-Kind: “Carpe Diem”

Carpe Diem exemplifies the elegance and style of the original Capri model, while showcasing some nice upgrades and additions to make her better suited for a modern day pleasure cruiser. This truly one-of-a-kind piece of American boat building history was created at the Michigan plant in 1956 to be showcased at a factory trade show. Since then, she went through a professional restoration between 2023 and 2025 to bring her back to her original beauty and like-new condition. She was the Silver Award Winner at the ACBS 50th anniversary show in September of 2025, and a recent survey done in September of 2024 left her with a BRISTOL + overall condition! Uniquely outfitted with all brass hardware in place of chrome, this is just one original feature that makes this Capri stand out from the rest. Beautiful red upholstery throughout really makes her pop as well! Restoration and enhancements included retaining original wood bottom and finishing with 17 coats of varnish and 3 coats of bottom paint. Boat has been fully rewired with modern safety upgrades, including a battery on/off switch in the engine compartment and a new gas tank. Removable bimini top as well as a full canvas trailering cover. Heated front seat, USB charging port for all your accessories, custom built trailer with electric winch, and so much more. All this powered by a newly replaced Gray Marine Fireball V8 CH-185 engine. If you are looking for a fully restored, turn-key classic, that is ready to hit the water in style this summer, you have found her!

ONE OF A KIND - FULLY RESTORED - PIECE OF HISTORY - BRISTOL + SURVEY RATING - NEW V8 - BRASS HARDWARE - BIMINI TOP - FULL CANVAS COVER - CUSTOM TRAILER - MODERN UPGRADES - ABSOLUTE BEAUTY!

Please call today for a private showing - updated photos and videos coming soon!