Introduction to the Chris Craft Boat Launch 28 GT

Picking the right boat means thinking about what you truly want out of your on-water experience. The Chris Craft Boat Launch 28 GT stands out in ways that matter if you value reliability, comfort, and smart features. This boat offers a layout designed for real-life fun with friends, family, or on solo outings. Everything from the cockpit to the bow area is set up for easy use, plenty of space, and safety on board. Whether you need a reliable option for weekend getaways or want something that lets you join water sports and relaxation in the same trip, the Launch 28 GT covers those needs.

Chris Craft Brand History and Build Quality

With a history of building boats that last, Chris Craft is a name that’s recognizable to most boaters. The quality behind the Launch 28 GT reflects years of fine-tuned construction methods and attention to details. Every hull is hand-laid fiberglass for consistent strength across all parts of the boat. Gelcoat finishes are applied with care to create a deep shine and protect the structure from the sun and the water. The hardware you find onboard—rails, ladders, and cleats—are marine-grade stainless steel so you won’t be facing corrosion even after years of use. Seats and cushions use foam with drainage channels, and every stitch in the upholstery is double-checked. The deck layout is strong enough to support plenty of foot traffic, and all hatches close securely with stainless steel hinges and latches.

Overall Size, Dimensions, and Fit for Different Activities

• Length overall: 28 feet, 9 inches
• Beam (width): 8 feet, 6 inches
• Approximate dry weight: 7,000 lbs
• Draft: About 20 inches with the engine up, 36 inches with the engine tilted down
• Passenger capacity: Often seats up to 10 people comfortably

The size of the Launch 28 GT means it can handle bigger groups without feeling crowded. The beam (width) gives good balance so you feel stable walking or moving around. The relatively shallow draft means you can explore more areas like inlets and coves, but you don’t have to worry about scraping bottom in most waterways. Its seating layout means a group can easily enjoy the day with enough space to bring coolers, water toys, bags, and more.

External Appearance and Functionality

The Launch 28 GT has a look that’s traditional yet modern. The bow has a gentle curve with a protected rail around the seating area. The side profile shows a deep hull for smoother rides at speed and sharp creases that edge the boat without looking boxy. At the stern, a wide swim platform flows smoothly off the back, making it easy for people to rest, get in the water, or load up from the dock. The rub rail and cleats match the rest of the polished hardware, so there’s nothing out of place. The windscreen is low enough to keep the view open yet blocks enough wind at the helm for added comfort.

Color and Finish Choices

Chris Craft allows buyers to choose from multiple gelcoat colors, giving a personal touch to each build. You can pick options for hull stripes, deck colors, and upholstery color schemes to fit your style. These color combinations let you make your Launch 28 GT different from any other boat parked at the marina.

Cockpit Comfort and Social Space

Inside the cockpit, the arrangement is built to support everything from conversation to moving around freely. There’s L-shaped seating on one side, a straight bench on the stern, and two bucket seats at the helm and co-pilot spot. The depth of the cockpit means passengers sit down inside the boat, adding a feeling of safety for families or groups with younger kids. Everything about the placement of the seats lets people gather in the middle, spread out to relax, or shift seats for different views on the water.

Comfort Details and Material Quality

• Marine-grade vinyl on seats resists fading and feels soft
• All foam cushions are designed to pull water away if it rains or gets wet
• Stitched accents outline the edges without being flashy, showing care and attention
• All seats have breathable fabric sections for staying comfortable on hot days
• Stainless steel grab handles are placed below seatbacks, not in the way, but always close when needed

The seating layout makes it possible for one group to eat or play cards at a table while others sunbathe or relax on the padded stern lounge. The attention to seat height and backrest tilt also helps keep everyone comfortable, even on longer rides.

Bow Area—Lots of Usable Space

In the bow area, there are two main bench seats, one on each side, and a removable cushion that fills the open space at the very front. This makes the bow into a space where two to four adults can stretch out or several kids can sit together. Stainless steel rails provide a strong grip for getting in and out, and cup holders are located in easy-to-reach spots. The seat cushions flip open to reveal easy-access storage, deep enough for bags, towels, or water toys.

Bow Highlights

• Removable center cushion for more walk-through space
• Recessed drink holders with drainage
• Vented storage to keep items dry
• Handholds beside each seat
• Speakers ensure music reaches every part of the boat
• Bow anchor locker with a simple-to-use latch

Helm—Simple Controls and Good Visibility

The dashboard at the helm is set up so all controls are marked and clearly visible, with no clutter or confusing switches. The wheel has a stitched grip and tilts to different angles. Large analog gauges provide readouts for speed, RPM, and engine functions, and an optional digital display can be added for more tech-savvy owners. The throttle lever has a firm feel and is positioned so you don’t have to reach. Trim tab switches and ballast controls are in easy reach alongside the GPS or chart plotter.

Dashboard and Helm Details

• Leather-wrapped wheel with tilt adjustment
• Large dials (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil pressure, voltage, engine temp)
• Push-button switch panel with clearly labeled uses
• Simple ignition system
• Comfortable captain’s chair with flip-up bolster
• Co-pilot chair with identical comfort and adjustment
• Storage tray for keys, phone, or wallet

Electronics and Navigation Tools

For technology, the Launch 28 GT can be equipped with a multifunction navigation display—helpful for charting, depth, and finding your way in new waterways. Switches for nav lights, courtesy lights, and the stereo are simple toggles for ease of use. The audio system is compatible with phones through Bluetooth, letting guests connect playlists easily. There’s also an option for a VHF radio if you plan to go further offshore and need to check weather or contact other boats.

Feature List

• Navigation display (Raymarine or Garmin, depending on package)
• Up to six marine speakers placed around the bow and cockpit
• Subwoofer under the main seating area for better sound
• USB charging ports at the console and seating areas
• 12-volt outlet for larger accessories
• Standard depth sounder and water temperature readout
• Optional compass on the dash

Swim Platform Use and Water Sports Readiness

A standout part of the Launch 28 GT is the swim platform. Covered in a non-slip material, it stays cooler in the sun and ensures secure footing even when wet. The telescoping ladder folds down deep into the water so it’s easy to climb up, even for small kids. There’s a hand shower to rinse off salt or sand before you get back in the main cockpit. Fender storage is built into the transom, preventing clutter in other areas of the boat.

If you’re into watersports, the stern area features a ski tow eye and space to mount a wakeboard tower. The deep-V hull gives a nice, smooth wake behind the boat, making it suitable for tubing, wakeboarding, or kneeboarding. Onboard wake and ski storage keeps gear tucked away and out of walkways.

Swim and Sports Highlights

• Wide swim platform with safe edges
• Fold-down ladder recessed out of the way
• Optional fresh water hand shower
• Rear-facing seats for getting ready to swim or enjoying the view
• Pop-up ski tow eye for easy hookup
• Dedicated locker for skis or boards

Storage Solutions All Around

For day trips or longer outings, storage is key. The Launch 28 GT has plenty of compartments so gear stays neat and off the deck. Larger items fit in the deep in-floor locker, while smaller bags can be stowed under seats or in molded trays along the gunwales. There’s a lockable glove box for valuables, and cupholders are placed close to nearly every seat.

Storage Features

• In-floor wakeboard and lifejacket locker (long and deep)
• Lockable glove box for secure storage
• Anchor locker up front
• Molded trays for smaller items (phones, wallets, sunscreen)
• Cooler storage under cockpit seats
• Dedicated trash bin with easy access
• Bow and stern seat storage deep enough for duffel bags

Engine Choices and On-Water Performance

Buyers can pick between single or twin engine setups, using either Mercury or Volvo Penta engines. Most Launch 28 GT boats are powered by engines between 350 and 430 horsepower, giving plenty of punch for getting up on plane or towing a skier. Hydraulic steering ensures the wheel turns smoothly, with little effort required. Trim tabs at the stern adjust the boat’s angle on the water for a smooth, even ride regardless of the number of passengers or shifting weight.

Engine and Performance Highlights

• Engine options: Single or twin gasoline sterndrive
• Horsepower range: 350–430 hp typical
• Hydraulic steering
• Electronic throttle controls for smoother shifts
• Planes quickly and holds speed with ease
• Stable turning, less lean compared to older hulls
• Top speed in the 50–53 mph range when equipped with the largest engine
• Fuel tank: 80 gallons, supports long outings without frequent stops

Whether you want to cruise at slower speeds to conserve fuel or hit higher speeds when pulling a tube, the power and balance make either style easy. Sound insulation around the engine bay means less noise in the cockpit, making conversations and music easier to enjoy underway.

Safety Features and Family Readiness

Safety always comes first, especially when boating with kids or different experience levels aboard. The Launch 28 GT has high cockpit sidewalls for added protection, reliable grab rails all over, and automatic bilge pumps in case water comes onboard. Navigation lights are flush with the deck to keep walkways clear. The deep bow area ensures children are less likely to slip, and the non-skid decks give good grip even when wet. Life jackets and fire extinguisher locations are clearly marked, and emergency exits are accessible from every seating area.

Safety Equipment and Details

• Automatic bilge pump (with manual override)
• Integrated horn for signaling
• Stainless steel grab rails at all key walking points
• Non-slip surface on all decks and steps
• Enclosed battery switches for power safety
• Secure lifejacket storage for quick access
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit locations
• Emergency ladder accessible at all times

Everyday Versatility and Ease of Use

The Launch 28 GT isn’t just for one style of waterfront fun. Its size and features make it equally useful for quick afternoon outings and whole-day adventures. You can tow it with most full-size trucks or SUVs, and its dimensions fit many public and private docks. The walk-through windshield lets you get from cockpit to bow safely, so it’s easy to anchor in shallow water and let people swim up front or back. Cleaning up after a day out is quick, thanks to the drainage systems and wipe-clean surfaces throughout the boat.

Versatility Details

• Trailerable design, fits most standard ramps
• Full walk-through from stern to bow
• Adaptable for fishing, cruising, water sports, or relaxing
• Fast setup—no complicated systems to manage
• Fits inside many standard dry storage facilities
• Deck drains channel water out, not into storage compartments

Covered Shade and Weather Readiness

To deal with weather changes, optional bimini top or sunshade packages are available. These tops are supported by sturdy stainless supports and cover most of the cockpit and even part of the bow, keeping the sun off for mid-day outings or providing shelter during sudden rain. The standard windshield wraps around to block wind but stays low for visibility.

Weather Protection Features

• Bimini top or canvas sunshade (optional)
• Tall windshield for wind and spray protection
• Drainage channels to prevent standing water
• Snap-in covers for bow and stern seating

Entertainment and Sound

Entertainment is a big part of day trips, and the Launch 28 GT doesn’t disappoint when it comes to onboard sound. The audio system is marine-rated to stand up to sun, water, and humidity. Multiple speakers mean sound carries clearly from bow to stern. The controls are easy to use from the helm, so you don’t need a manual to flip between sources or adjust volume. Bluetooth pairing takes just a few seconds, so everyone can share their own music.

Sound and Entertainment

• Six-speaker Fusion Audio system
• Subwoofer for low-end sound
• Bluetooth pairing for phones and tablets
• Helm controls for music and stereo adjustments
• Rear swim platform stereo controls (let swimmers adjust volume or track)
• Optional satellite radio module

Dedicated Cooler and Food Prep

Nothing makes a day on the water better than cold drinks and fresh snacks. The Launch 28 GT features a removable cooler that slides under a seat, with drainage to make cleanup simple. There’s a cutting board built into one of the storage areas, so quick food prep is possible without bringing extra tools. Extra cupholders at every seat mean drinks don’t get spilled, and the trash bin makes disposal convenient.

Food and Drink Features

• Integrated insulated cooler under cockpit seat
• Quick-drain plug for melting ice
• Snap-on lid fits tight to avoid spills
• Removable cutting board stows away when not in use
• Extra deep cupholders at every seating position

Lighting for Day and Night Use

The Launch 28 GT is built for use at any hour. Bow, stern, and docking lights are all included, and accent lights inside the cockpit add atmosphere and let you keep moving safely after dark. The dashboard is backlit to make controls readable at night without glare. Courtesy lights illuminate step areas, and there are lights under the gunwales to keep storage areas visible even in dim conditions.

Lighting Features

• Bow and stern navigation lights
• White docking lights at the bow
• Blue LED cockpit accent lights
• Backlit dashboard controls
• Step and floor courtesy lighting
• Storage and locker lights

Restroom and Privacy Options

If you’re out for hours or inviting multiple guests, privacy features are often important. The Launch 28 GT has a built-in head compartment to port, just ahead of the passenger seat. It includes a marine toilet, sink with running water, and a small changing space. It’s vented to prevent odors and has a lockable door for privacy.

Restroom Features

• Pump-out marine toilet
• Freshwater sink with faucet
• Mirror and small storage shelf
• Overhead vent and light
• Lockable door for privacy

Customization Options

Chris Craft knows every owner wants something a little unique. For that reason, the Launch 28 GT can be ordered with your choice of hull colors, deck colors, upholstery patterns, and even flooring types. Teak wood can be used on the swim platform or cockpit floor for a luxury touch, or you can choose synthetic options for easy maintenance. Add-ons like wakeboard towers, tower speakers, and underwater lighting allow you to further personalize your vessel.

Custom Options

• Multiple hull and deck gelcoat color choices
• Upholstery colors and stitching patterns
• Flooring options—real teak, synthetic teak, or marine carpet
• Wakeboard tower and speakers
• Underwater transom lights
• Stainless steel flagpole and flag mount
• Nameplate or registration decals to your specification

Set-Up and Maintenance

From the day you get your Launch 28 GT, things like winterizing, cleaning, and minor repairs are made easy. The battery switches and engine compartment are easy to access from the rear lounge area. Snap-in flooring can be removed for deep cleaning or quick hosing. Most hardware and latches are standard size, meaning you can order replacements from marine stores. Drainage channels and covered ports protect electronics and internal compartments from bad weather.

Maintenance Simplified

• Battery access at stern with labeled switches
• Snap-in flooring for easy cleaning
• Drainage built into all seating and storage areas
• Standard-size screws and latches
• Color-coded wiring for quick fixes
• Engine room light for night maintenance

Everyday Life Onboard

A day aboard the Launch 28 GT can mean anything from swimming and tubing to relaxing in a quiet cove. Get on the water early for a peaceful cruise, then open the throttle for watersports. At any time, someone can take a nap or read in the bow, while others get the stereo going in the cockpit. With the bimini up and the cooler full, it’s easy to spend all day making the most of the boat’s features. At the end of the trip, cleaning up, packing away gear, and getting ready for the next outing doesn’t take much time.

Example Activities

• Towing friends on tubes or wakeboards using the ski tow
• Stopping for lunch using the cockpit table and cooler
• Anchoring and leaving from the bow with the swim ladder down
• Full-day cruising with fuel capacity and storage for gear
• Hosting family with seating for three generations

Environmental and Efficiency Features

Chris Craft designs their engines and hull shapes to minimize fuel use whenever possible. The hull’s shape pushes water aside efficiently, and the engines come with fuel management systems to adjust use based on how hard you run the boat. Engine options are compliant with the latest standards for emissions and noise. Proper trimming with the tabs can also improve efficiency, saving fuel and making the ride smoother in choppy water. Drainage channels and pump-out systems make sure onboard waste and water don’t get into the waterways.

Efficiency and Environmental Care

• Fuel-injected engines reduce excess fuel use
• Trim tabs help optimize ride and fuel usage
• Onboard waste management systems
• Engine meets modern emission standards
• Hull shape cuts down on drag
• Drainage systems keep water out of storage and into bilge
• Quiet engine compartments help reduce noise on the water

How the Launch 28 GT Stands Out

Compared to other boats in its class, the Chris Craft Launch 28 GT is often recognized for better fit and finish, smarter use of space, and easier operation for new owners. While many boats promise flexibility, the 28 GT achieves this with no fussy controls or complicated systems, making each feature usable by anyone with basic boating knowledge. The blend of sturdy design and a pleasant ride means more time enjoying the water and less time handling maintenance or frustration.

• Better quality seat foam and covers, reducing wear over time
• Real stainless, not chrome-plated fittings for longer life
• Balanced hull that makes docking and high-speed turns easier
• Easy-reach controls, no hidden switches or confusing panels
• Proven reputation for customer satisfaction

Ownership Experience

What sets the Chris Craft Launch 28 GT apart as well is the experience of using and owning one. These boats hold their value thanks to tough construction and lasting finishes. Owners see less downtime thanks to repair-friendly designs and common parts. The community of owners is active, sharing tips about routes, care, and making the most of each feature. Many owners keep their boats for years, upgrading only when their needs change.

What to Expect as an Owner

• Access to extensive support network
• Easier resale experience due to brand recognition
• Clear service schedules outlined in owner’s documentation
• Parts and upgrades available for most hardware
• Owners’ events and opportunities to connect with other Chris Craft users

Summary of Key Benefits

• Strong, reliable construction
• Comfortable and flexible seating
• Smart storage for gear and essentials
• Real-world performance for both fun and everyday use
• Simple, easy-to-use controls and electronics
• Safety-focused design and materials
• Room for family, friends, and everything needed for a day out
• Customization to suit style and needs
• Well-thought out swim platform and sports features
• Lasting finishes and easy upkeep

Last Thoughts

If you want a boat that can handle everything from busy days on the water to quiet afternoons with family, the Chris Craft Boat Launch 28 GT is a choice worth careful consideration. It is easy to operate, has well-organized space, and is packed with practical features without being confusing or difficult to maintain at the dock. Talk to a Fly Yachts team member today to dive deeper into all the details and see if this is the boat for your needs. The Fly Yachts team is ready to help you match your favorite activities with the best features so your days on the water meet your expectations.

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