Chris-Craft is entering the performance-oriented center console market, http://speedonthewater.com/new-boats...center-console

Looks good from the exterior. Not a fan of the interior layout, especially the side by side captains chairs behind the helm and the layout up front looks like apoor use of space. But that's just my personal opinion. I do like the flooring, and am interested in hearing the performance numbers.

I'll be very surprised if it isn't slow and a fuel hog, relative to other boats of the same size with the same power. Say a 34 Nortech, or 36 Yellowfin...

In that I believe it rides on a conventional non-stepped V-bottom, the boat's efficiency numbers (especially rpm to mph) are likely to be lower than they would if its hull had an efficient (key word) stepped hull. So my guess, having not set foot on the boat, is that you're correct.

However, what I found significant is Chris-Craft's push into a market we've seen grow in our world—non-angling oriented performance-minded center consoles. That the company is willing to power the 34-footer with triple 300-hp engines is pretty telling in terms of intention. They want the 34 to be a performance center console.

That it likely won't perform as well as Nor-Tech or another performance-targeted center consoles, while probably true (always have to wait and see what the numbers are before reaching a conclusion), is less the point than a company that made its name on sporty runabouts and launches entering the market, even in a small way.

You know what will be really interesting? The price—something I don't have at this point. My guess is that it will be a bit more spendy than people expect, but that, too, is just a guess.

In that I believe it rides on a conventional non-stepped V-bottom, the boat's efficiency numbers (especially rpm to mph) are likely to be lower than they would if its hull had an efficient (key word) stepped hull. Listed weight is 10,000 pounds, which makes it 1,000 pounds heavier than the Nor-Tech 340. So my guess, having not set foot on the boat, is that you're correct.

However, what I found significant is Chris-Craft's push into a market we've seen grow in our world—non-angling oriented performance-minded center consoles. That the company is willing to power the 34-footer with triple 300-hp engines is pretty telling in terms of intention. They want the 34 to be a performance.

That it likely won't perform as well as Nor-Tech or another performance-targeted center console, while probably true (always have to wait and see what the numbers are before reaching a conclusion), is less the point than a company that made is name on sporty runabouts and launches entering the market, even in a small way.

You know what will be really interesting? The price—something I don't have at this point. My guess is that it will be a bit more spendy than people expect, but that, too, is just a guess.

I like the way the seating is set up. Looks set up to entertain!! With trip outboards I bet it will hit right where they want it to be.... I'm thinking this is going to be a very successful move by crist craft!

Like the Everglades/Edgewater/Whaler boats.......sleds, 10 MPH+ slower than stepped bottoms and with heavy fuel burns.......

It's a different buyer and most of the clientele that would purchase that boat will think high 60's-70mph is hauling the mail...