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02/01/2002

	From his humble beginnings, Chris Smith's genius for boat design and craftsmanship created a legacy that endures in a name synonymous with superb boats: Chris-Craft.
	The Smith brothers, Chris and Henry, build their first wooden boat. (Photo courtesy Marian Dawson)
	Smith Brothers Boat Builders open their first mass-production facility in Algonac, Michigan. (Photo courtesy Marian Dawson)
	Smith Brothers Boat Builders introduce their first steam-powered boats, available from 25 to 40 feet.
	Smith Brothers Boat Builders introduce first gasoline-powered recreational boats. (Photo courtesy Marian Dawson)
	Company changes its name to Chris Smith & Company Boat Builders and Boat Livery.
	The Smith Ryan Boat & Engine Company is formed - focusing on building fast, economically priced runabout boats for mass-market distribution. Products debut New York and Chicago boat shows. (Photo courtesy Pete and Jean Henkel)
	Chris Smith Boats win six consecutive Gold Cup racing awards. (Courtesy Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia)
	Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company formed in Algonac. (Top: Courtesy Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia; Bottom: Photo courtesy Betty Droulard)
	Chris*Craft becomes standardized brand name.
	Chris*Craft recognized as world's largest builder of mahogany constructed recreational powerboats. (Courtesy Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia)
	Chris*Craft begins building patrol boats, utility launches and rescue vessels for the United States Navy and Army. (Courtesy Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia)
	Chris*Craft offers 139 different recreational powerboat models.
	Chris Craft manufactures its first fiberglass boat. (Courtesy Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia)
	Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company sold to Shields & Company and National Automotive Fibers, Inc.
	In 1962 the company was renamed Chris*Craft Industries, Incorporated.
	Chris-Craft builds last mahogany boat - a 57-foot Constellation - which completes the transition to fiberglass products.
	Chris*Craft boat manufacturing operations sold to George Dale Murray. In 1982, Murray buys Viking Boat Company renaming it Chris*Craft Sportdecks. (Photo courtesy Murray Industries, Inc.)
	Outboard Marine Corporation purchases Chris*Craft Boats.
	Chris*Craft brand celebrates 125th anniversary.