More than 80 boats are expected to attend this year’s 24th annual Chris-Craft Rendezvous which will be held July 11-14. Boats will range from 16 feet to nearly 100 feet.

The event provides an opportunity for Chris-Craft owners and their families to share the pride and enjoyment of the boats they love. All Chris-Crafts are welcome regardless of size, age, model, construction material or condition. The boats are made of many materials, including steel, aluminum, fiberglass and, most spectacularly, wood.

And it’s focus is on fun, camaraderie and, of course, Chris-Crafts.

“We are way ahead of normal on this event for reservations so [we] could get 80 or 90, which is as big as we have been in many years,” said Mike Monda, event chairman.

The Port Orchard stop is the largest Chris-Craft gathering in the Pacific Northwest. It skipped Port Orchard once, in 1997, due to space problems. Several years ago, more than 137 boats made the event.

“This is our 24th year coming here,” Monda said. “Occasionally someone will suggest another spot and there is an immediate rejection by the group.”

Boaters at the four-day Rendezvous put on a barbecue, nightly dances and an awards banquet for Chris-Craft club members. The Rendezvous serves both the boat owners, and the local residents and merchants, many of whom see a boost in sales during the time the boats are docked in the Port Orchard Marina.

“We try to work with local businesses as much as possible for our party supplies, awards and morning pastries,” said Monda. “People do frequent the Saturday Farmers’ Market and do frequent the local night spots near the marina.”

There will be free access to the marina docks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Events after 5 p.m. are for event participants.

The first boats arrived about noon Thursday.

On Friday, boats will be open for touring, along with a clothing sale, raffle and dinner on the Activity Float with live music by the Michael Crane Band.

On Saturday, people can vote for their favorite boats in several categories and a swap meet is planed for the afternoon. There will be an art project for children of all ages on the Activity Float. An award dinner, ceremony and auction is planned at Port Orchard Marina Park.

The Lions Club will sponsor a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.