Manta

This project focused on exploring a new product realm that a luxury brand like Chris Craft can show off and further promote their brand.

Make It

For those who do not know, Chris Craft has an incredible history being one of the United States’ oldest boat manufacturers.

1861-74

Founded in Algonac, Michigan Christopher Columbus Smith earned a reputation for building beautiful boards earning him a title as a master boat builder
1910-1922

The Smith Ryan Boat company was formed and focused on building fast economically priced boats for the masses
1927-1955

Under the leadership of Chris’s son Chris Craft was known as the largest builder of mahogany powerboats creating a lineup that included 139 powerboats including their first fiberglass boat
Today

Chris Craft is a renowned boat manufacturer around the world dedicated to preserving the beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship that is worthy of its brand

Developing ideas around what products categories Chris Craft could expand into

Moving forward exploring a surfboard direction

Upon reviewing the directions with teammates and friends it was agreed upon that the surfboard direction was the strongest. Chris Crafts form, style and material can be explored in many ways. My goal was to create a luxury surfboard the pushes some of the limits in form and aesthetic that normally isn’t seen within the industry.

Based off the sketches I did some small scale foam models

Blue foam and hot wire cutters enabled me to cut out some small models quickly to further explore and understand a direction I felt best fit Chris Crafts aesthetic

Rough Large Scale Study With Color and Material

Of the three foam directions I liked the version that had more of a manta ray nose. It felt and looked different from most surfboards and took inspiration from a wakeboard nose.