First of all, I love your site. The pictures are great and I've learned quite a bit about Chris Craft boats. What I haven't found yet is much info on 1980's era CC's. I am currently looking at a 1980 CC 36 foot Commander. It has brand new 454 mpi mercruisers with new transmissions, shafts, and 4 blade props. It has the original AC units, but the owner said the "pumps" were replaced last year. I am cautious going into this purchase because I know very little about these boats generally, and inboards more specifically. I have always owned center console outboards, and currently own a 25 ft. tower boat. So this is a big step for me. It is definitely a project boat cosmetic and interior wise. I look forward to restoring this boat because the lines of the boat (as you all know, of course) are just beautiful. My questions are as follows:

-I've been told that the Commander models (including the 1980) is completely made of solid core fiberglass with no wood (stringers, transom, deck etc.) Is this true?
-Are the 454 mpi Mercruiser's a good match for this hull?
-What concerns should I have about the A/C units?
-Where can I find information about this specific year and model of CC (specs, manuals, etc.) I've found tons of info on this site, but most of it pertains to 1960/1970 era boats.

Thank you in advance for any input, advice, and help! Attached are some exterior shots of this soon to be restored beauty. What great boats they made back then!

Regards,
Joe











ADDED CROSS REFERENCE LINKS: Here are some cross links to similar 36' Commanders, this boat apparently had a 13-year production run, ending in the 1986 model run, all great looking boats.

Reece Ewton's 1973 36 TF, Old Hickory Lake (Nashville TN area).
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/thread/1227979292

Glenn's 1973 36 TF, Cincinnatti, Ohio
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1225845062

Jim Peters' 1974 36 TF, Seattle, WA
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/thread/1211424128




edit comment: links added

We have a lot of info on the 1973 (Reece Ewton's boat) and 1974 (Jim Peters's boat), of Tennessee and Washington State, respectively, but not much on the 1980. In addition, there are several others being restored by Commander Forum members at this very time! Looking at the fabulous photos you've posted, they look the same as the 1980 model you're looking at, with minor visual differences. I'd suspect the hulls are essentially the same, and probably the only "real" difference is the badge or marketing splash.

The Essential Guide shows the original run of 36' boats 1973-1977, and it appears that same fine hull lived on for a few more years. It is highly unlikely they changed the profile of the hull, beause the question would be "why?", because it's such a great fishing hull for open water. I've been aboard Jim's boat at full throttle and even with what I suspect is more wetted area than the fast 38' hull, his boat will get up and really run fast with 600 hp. These are NOT sluggish boats by any stretch. Look at these comparisons

Your 1980 prospect


Reece's 1973, Cumberland River, Tennessee


Jim Peters's 1974, Lake Union, Seattle


Glenn's 1973 in Cincinnatti


Parting shot, of Reece's 1973 running on the Cumberland River, central Tennessee last November




454 power in this boat would be just fine, similar power and torque. I believe the 454 was the original engine offereing for this model year anyway, so the repower is most likely a drop-in without having the stringers cobbled up with a sawsall, etc. I would naturally pay attention to engine hours, but "condition" generally trumps "hours" due to the manner in which the boat was maintained. If it is pumping raw salt water through the engine block, that's a bad thing and I hope it's not. Otherwise, shop for the best price you can get on it, because it's a GOOD LOOKER and that hull is noted for being one of the better preforming Commander hulls, especially in this size range, in open water.

Regards, and ooooohh, one more thing...................


WELCOME ABOARD !! (and thanks for the kind comments, we're always to get another Commander enthusiast here, it helps spread around the information and also helps with the fun factor too).

Paul
forum moderator
FXA-38-3004-R
1966 38 Express
original 427 power

Hi Paul,
Thank you for the reply and the pictures. These are absolutely beautiful boats. Both engines are new, not rebuilds and I don't know about whether or not the salt water runs through the engine block. I doubt it, as the boat was re-powered here in FLA. I will definitely check that out though. I'm still curious about the wood issue though. Are these solid fiberglass boats as I have heard and read? I'm especially concerned about the stringers, especially with salt water. If the stringers are solid core fiberglass, I'm a happy (and less nervous) camper! Also, any advice on where I might find a .pdf manual, brochure, or catalog on this 1980 boat. I just can't seem to find anything on this year CC when I google it. Thank you again and I will keep you posted on my progress.

Regards,
Joe

There is little to no structural wood on a Commander. Yes, the engine stringers are wood, but they are simply bolted to the big hollow transverse and longitudinal box beams that give the boat its structural integrity. On some models these box beams are filled with foam, not necessarily for any structural duty, but for sound dampening.

There may be some wood fill in the upper deck or roof, but not in the hull. Walk around look at the boat, tap here or there, you'll soon see it's built like a tank. These are solid boats with very solid reputations.

Cheers!

Paul

Hi Paul,
Well, I spent two+ hours going through the boat. From the flybridge to the deep recesses of the bilge. I was amazed at what I saw below deck in the engine compartment. I pounded on the stringers and I almost thought I heard them laugh at me like "is that all you got"! And trust me, here on the west coast of FLA today it was 95 degrees. It was hot in that bilge! From what I saw, with the new 454 mpi's, new transmission (mercruisers?), shaft and props, I don't know how I can go wrong with this fine vessel. So the deposit was made and all that is pending now is a short haul just to check out the underside for peace of mind! I am real excited to get started putting her back to original condition. The inside needs a lot of TLC. The good news is that the teak and what looks to be mahogany in the salon and staterooms all look in fairly good condition. This will be a fun project for me and my 15 year old son! He's as excited as me. I again wanted to thank everyone for their input and info that helped me feel more confident in moving forward with this boat! I will keep you posted with the progress and pictures!

Regards,
Joe

My 1973 36 does not have any wood in the stringers. There is some wood where the motors mount but other than that no wood in the hull structure. These hulls are solid and are made for offshore use. My 36 weighs 22,000 lbs per the spec.


I think ac water pumps can burn up if they are ran without water. (not self priming) No biggie on that. I have dual units that are Original and they run fine. I just havew a small leak on the fron AC unit so we recharged it last week. ($100)

What transmissions does this 360 have?

RE

I think they are mercruiser transmissions. Could this be possible? I haven't read about a whole lot of 454's being paired with MC. I'll find out tomorrow when I speak to the owner. I'm in FLA and he has moved to DC. You guys are right about the hull, unbelievably solid. My dad had a 1980's CC Catalina 280. I haven't told him yet. He will be excited (and jealous!!)

Regards,
Joe





"Greg Maddux could put a baseball through a life saver if you asked him to." - Joe Morgan, Hall of Famer, Cincinnati Reds.

Hi Joe,

You wrote that the engines and transmissions are new, so you might have either Hurth or Borg Warner 5000 series, you should be able to find a ID plate.

Look up in the bow in the anchor rope locker for your hull ID. They have the number stamped on a plastic strip which is then covered by a thin layer of glass matt, on the port side. My number is also embedded on the transom, some of the earlier boats did not have there.

The foredeck and possibly the cabin top might have end-grain balsa coring, my boat does. The front hatch had been leaking water on my boat (before I bought her) which migrated into the coring and rotted it out around the hatch. There are 2 substantial layers of glass, top and bottom, with coring between. I cut mine out from the inside and replaced it with divinycell foam coring and thickened epoxy (after a whole bunch of grinding to roughen up the surfaces)and then replaced the headliner and installed a new Bomar hatch. I cannot detect any movement or flex in the foredeck with several people standing on it now .You can get a moisture meter or hire a surveyor who has one, and check your decks for water intrusion, hopefully you wont find a problem. I have not had any other soft areas show up, I think someone did not bed the hatch properly at the factory.

You have found a wonderful boat which will serve you and your family well. I worked on my boat for 2 1/2 years, as time and money allowed, and sometimes it seemed endless.
Justhave to take each project one at a time and focus on that. Have fun and keep the pictures of your progress coming so we can watch the progression. When I was doing the restoration work on mine this forum wasn't here and I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, wish it had been!
We owe Paul a big THANK YOU for this website. We need to support him and keep it going.

Greg M

Here is a 1983 360 for sale in Elk Rapids, Michigan, looking like its in very good condition. The link has lots of interior photos, and it looks like the previous owner put down some very nice teak sole in her too. The info in the ad referenced below says this model had a 13 - year production run, so the 1980 model you are looking at is about half-way through the run. Great looking boats, very good reputation. You won't have any problems to speak of with the hull on this boat, mechanicals will be as reliable as any other CC so as Paul noted, "condition" is everything when looking at the motors.

Dave

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=2055889&ybw=&units=Feet¤cy=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1532&url=

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the link. A very nice boat indeed. But I have taken the plunge on the 1980 360 right here in my back yard! I'm real excited and appreciate all of the info from the members of this forum.

Regards,
Joe





"Greg Maddux could put a baseball through a life saver if you asked him to." - Joe Morgan, Hall of Famer, Cincinnati Reds.

Congratulations on the find and for going for it. The 36 is a great hull, I think you and your 15 year old son will both have a blast with this one. They have all the class and style of a top-of-the-line yacht, great interior and exterior function taking into consideration all of what CC learned over the years raising fish and making the boat work as a whole. Here's hoping you guys have many years of fun together on this boat. As with all boats, there will be some hiccups, we've all been-there-done-that too, it's part of boating. With good pre-emptive and proactive maintenance, paying attention to filters, impellers, quality oil, and batteries (Xantrex chargers make it easy) you guys should be setting yourselves up for some good times (and look real good doing it too).

Keep us posted, there are people here at The Forum who will be able to help with just about anything on these Commanders you'll encounter.

Regards, cheers,

Paul

Here are photos of Greg's 1985/86 Commander 360, from the archives! Note the side vents in the hull. This one was built under the ownership of Murray Chris Craft, same hull as the rest of the series, note some minor differences to give it a little more "modern" look. Still a VERY good looking boat, last of the 36 Commander series!

Regards,

Paul

Over the years this same boat has been sold under the marketing name of Sports Cruiser, Sports Fisherman, Tournament Fisherman, Convertible, Sports Sedan, am I missing anything?

Dave