CHRIS CRAFT COMMANDER FORUM ®
.......A photo-intensive technical reference file and ongoing newsletter regarding the original fiberglass Chris-Craft Commander series. This is an independent not-for-profit and non-commercial web site, not affiliated with the Chris Craft Commander Club ~~ or ~~ Chris-Craft Corporation. Our mission here is to "have fun and share information" about the Commander series (and those associated fiberglass boats on the Chris-Craft family tree) for your individual personal use, and by doing so help promote the good name of Chris-Craft, and help preserve, restore, and appreciate Chris-Craft boats. The main reference feature is the ever expanding MASTER INDEX File which contains what we believe to be the world's largest collection of documentation photos and technical information on the Chris-Craft Commander line of boats, (like these original brochure scans, featuring the iconic first 38 Commander styled by Fred Hudson, and many of the great Dick Avery renditions that followed) , (a huge collection of Chris-Craft 427 tuning and specification information), and a few words about how to use the forum.
We extend to you a cordial "WELCOME ABOARD !" Come on in, make yourself at home, we are a friendly group of enthusiasts, and we also appreciate the classic Chris Craft Roamer, Corsair, and Lancer boats too , as they are all on the same family tree and share much in common !
Paul and others, I think I remember one of you saying the Chris Craft Aerosport did not have a good track record, but I'm not sure. Any comments on it?
The reason for my question: I am looking for a trailerable cabin boat -- something in the 24 to 28 foot range with beam of 8'-6" or less so it will not need permits for hauling. I have been looking at a variety of vintages and brands. I'm wanting something I can haul up to the San Juan Islands (between Washington state and Canada) and leave up there for parts of the summer -- and live aboard for a week or two at a time while island hopping. I'm looking to get a boat that has been well-maintained and/or restored for a reasonable amount of money (say $7000 to maybe $20,000 max).
One of the boats I found on the net that is local is a CC Aerosport. Haven't physically looked at it yet, but am interested in opinions.
I have also looked at some late 70's 25 and 26 foot Carver Santa Cruz flybridge boats that were well-maintained, an older 26' Reinell that has been totally restored and upgraded and has all new camper canvas, some Bayliners (shudder), and some more modern boats with smaller cabins that are more like runabouts (Glastron, Sea Ray, etc). I'm wanting a combination of sleeping for two couples, head and galley, lots of outside seating (for 7 or 8 minimum), and camper canvas for use when cool weather and rain come along.
By the way, just for grins I was talking to John Keys in Montana about that 23' Commander which was discussed in the recent thread on this forum. That would be a fun project, and it is less than a 12 hour drive from here. John was going to take some pictures of the side of the engine so I could see if it has cross-bolted mains, but I haven't heard back. According to John, the boat owner is now worn down to where he will take about $1000. It sits on a trailer that would probably get it home (perhaps after tires and bearings). I think I will pass on that boat (although it would be a really cool boat) because I really don't need another project. But if anyone on the forum wanted a great project, that Commander would probably would be good. Due to the unusually deep vee and heavy weight (about 5000 lbs) it would be a super boat for rough/choppy water. I will post about the engine (427 or not) if I hear back from John.
Best wishes, Curt....
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1967 fiberglass 38' Chris Craft Commander Sportfisher with twin 427 CID 300 HP engines.
