2020 Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

The Launch 28 GT is part of Chris Craft’s four model Launch GT series from twenty-five to thirty-five feet, but is not to be confused with the five model Launch series without the GT suffix. The most outwardly distinguishing feature between the two series’ is the handy and practical starboard hullside entry door on each of the GT series models. For 2020, Chris Craft offers a total of twenty models across seven series from twenty-one to thirty-eight feet.

The use of smooth, rounded, flowing lines, rich upholstery, and abundant application of real teak and mahogany accents provide ready identification of most Chris Craft models, and the Launch 28 GT is no exception. The Standard Edition option offers some additional teak accenting over the standard model, while the Heritage Trim Edition adds teak covering boards, teak on the swim platform, aft grab rails. The Heritage Edition option adds teak flooring.

You can rest assured that your Launch 28 GT will be distinct from any other on your lake as, in addition to the above Edition choices, you also have the choice of three gelcoat hull colours, eleven metallic painted hull colour options, and four colour choices of bootstripe. You can then choose from seven vinyl cockpit upholstery base colours, seven choices of seating surface insert colours, nine choices of cockpit accent colours, three contrast stitching colours, and whether you prefer black or blonde teak caulking.

Your Launch 28 GT will also stand out if you optionally add a bimini top, a power folding Sport Arch, or go all out with the GT Hard Top. You can also choose from Volvo DuoProp or MerCruiser Bravo 3 single sterndrive power from 300 to 430 horsepower, or join the trend to outboard power from Mercury or Yamaha with single 350,400, or 425 horsepower respectively. You may further choose to go with the Wake Surf Edition that utilizes Volvo Forward Drive technology.

The interior of the Launch 28 GT is smooth and curvaceous starting with the three-piece stainless capped windshield which curves around to its side wings. The centre opening windshield section has a wind door as standard. The U-shaped bow seating curves around to form port and starboard side forward-facing lounges with flip-up armrests and storage beneath the seat and backrest cushions. The standard teak covered bow deck area includes an anchor locker with a through-stem anchor roller. A bow ladder is optional, as is an anchor windlass.

High back captain’s chairs with flip-up forward bolsters and surrounding stainless steel rails coddle the driver and front passenger. The passenger console with glove box opens to a head compartment with standard porta-potti that can be upgraded to a Tecma head system. The helm features a tilt mahogany steering wheel and custom ten-inch LCD digital gauge package with depth finder. A Fusion AM/FM Bluetooth enabled stereo with USB and MP3 inputs, dash remote, and JL speakers is standard. A Premium upgrade with amplifier and subwoofer is available as is Sirius Satellite Radio. Lenco trim tabs are standard.

Cockpit seating is provided by a portside L-shaped lounge seat extending aft from the passenger chair across the transom to the starboard side walk-through from the cockpit to the integrated swim platform. The backrest of the stern portion of this seat slides forward to change the transom sunpad from a double-wide seat to a full sunlounge. Storage is found beneath the L-shaped cockpit seating with a standard drawer refrigerator within the seat. There is an in-floor ski locker with built-in cooler.

Opposite on the starboard cockpit side and aft of the helm chair is a one person bench seat. This may be optionally exchanged for a cockpit galley unit with sink and second refrigerator. A teak or mahogany cockpit table is available along with a second mounting bracket in the bow. A three-step boarding ladder is mounted below the swim platform and a transom shower is standard, as is a removable ski pylon, an electric engine hatch, and an automatic fire extinguishing system. A battery charger is also standard as is woven Seagrass flooring.

Notable additional optional equipment includes selectable exhaust, active trim, bow, cockpit, and/or mooring covers, underwater lights, docking lights, bow thruster, bow filler cushion, air compressor, mahogany exterior trim package, and a bow and/or cockpit storable sun shade depending on your choice of tops.

Chris Craft claims to “Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness” and the Launch 28 GT certainly lives up to that claim.

2020 Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT Photo Gallery

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