Ron Berman
VP of Engineering, Chris-Craft
How would you describe your marine industry expertise?
My marine industry experience is centered on boat building, engineering, product development, and systems integration. I’ve worked across the full product lifecycle—from defining the product and developing concepts to engineering, prototyping, and bringing boats into production. A big part of my background involves integrating new technologies and features into premium recreational boats while ensuring compliance with ABYC and international standards. I bring a practical, hands-on understanding of how to move a product from ideas to a finished vessel successfully.
As VP of Engineering at Chris‑Craft, I led a talented team to blend heritage, craftsmanship with modern innovation, ensuring that each model protects the brand’s legacy while meeting today’s expectations for performance, safety, and intuitive operation.
The Chris‑Craft Launch 27 recently won an Innovation Award. What part of that project was the most innovative or inspiring to you?
The Launch 27 was an opportunity to modernize one of our most iconic models while preserving everything people love about a Chris‑Craft. For me, the most inspiring part was how seamlessly we incorporated advanced systems, including a concealed power Bimini top, cockpit entry system, and an innovative user interface without compromising the classic aesthetics or the boating experience.
Leveraging the Garmin EmpireBus digital switching platform allowed us to simplify the helm layout, improve electrical reliability, and introduce an intelligent user interface that provides necessary information along with enhanced safety information, all in a package that still feels unmistakably Chris‑Craft. Delivering advanced technology in an elegant, intuitive way is incredibly rewarding.
“Innovation isn’t just about adding technology—it’s about making the boating experience better, simpler, and more enjoyable. With the Launch 27, we honored our heritage while introducing smart systems that elevate the entire experience without ever getting in the way of what makes boating special.”
Seeing Launch 27 debut in Miami and then be recognized with an Innovation Award was a powerful moment for the entire team.
Why does being an ABYC Member and participating in standards development matter?
ABYC membership ensures that our engineering approach is aligned with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and technical integrity in the marine industry. These standards form the foundation of responsible product development, guiding how we design, test, and validate every system on the boat.
Participating in standards development is equally important. As technology evolves it’s critical that industry standards evolve with it. Being part of that conversation allows us to contribute real‑world boat building and engineering insight and ensure that the standards remain both technically rigorous and practical to implement. There is a significant amount of experience in our industry, and I encourage other members of the community to get involved and shape the future.
For Chris‑Craft, ABYC involvement reinforces our longstanding commitment to building boats that are not only beautiful and innovative but also engineered with uncompromising safety and quality.