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Chris-Craft Commanders are a range of cruisers built by Chris-Craft Industries.

The 1964 38’ Commander Express was the first fiberglass cruiser built by the company

"The 38’ Commander Express cruiser was the pivotal boat in the development of fiberglass technology by Chris-Craft Industries. It was the first all-fiberglass cruiser made by Chris-Craft. Its production bridged the past to the future as it was the last design by "Mac" Mackerer who had worked for Chris-Craft as far back as 1925. The 38’ Commander Express proved to be a tremendous success for Chris-Craft resulting in the production of subsequent sedan and sport fisherman models." (Classic Boating, Jan/Feb 1998) The 38'Commander debuted at the 1964 New York Boat Show, where it caused a sensation. At the time, none of the large main line motor yacht builders (Matthews, Owens, C.P. Leeks (Pacemaker), etc) were building in fibreglass. Hatterras Yachts, which had started as a partnership between two North Carolina furniture makers, was only one of two companies making fibreglass boats over 30' in length. Pearson, generally noted for their fibreglass auxiliary sailboat cruisers was the other. The Commander used a unique three piece hull. Port and starbord sides were laid up in separate molds as was the bottom. All three pieces were then joined around the framing to crate the complete hull. Commanders have a well deserved reputation for sturdiness and strength. Chris Craft deliberately over engineered these boats, because they had to compete with the craftsmanship of the traditional wood cruiser, as well and the high quality already being shown by Hatteras. Chris's dismal experience with an early composite runabout, the Lake and Sea (which became known colloqually as the Leak and Sink) undoubtely influenced Chris Craft to take an ultra conservative approach on the engineering of this crucial model.

Contents 1 "Weekend" Commanders 2 "Mainstream" Commanders 3 "Large" Commanders 4 "Luxury" Commanders

[edit] "Weekend" Commanders

Weekend Commanders range 19 feet to 28 feet length and are excellent boats for weekend fun. Some are pure runabouts reminiscent of the boating style Chris Craft helped form in the 1920s.

Others are more suited to small sport fishermen or entertaining guests on short cruises. The largest boats in this range also provide for occasional overnight capabilities. The 19' and 23' Commanders feature deep-V hulls designed by Jim Wynne, of offshore racing fame, and are especially well suited for moderately rough water. The 30' Commanders have hulls designed by C. Ray Hunt, and are highly sought after for offshore fishing due to their deep-V hulls and superb rough water characteristics. Numerous options existed throughout the model line, such as the 27' Commander which was available in an open "Sportsman" configuration with single or twin V8 motors.

The models in the range are:

19' Super Sport

23'

27'

27' Sports Express

28' Sports Express

30' Sportsman

30' Tournament Fisherman

[edit] "Mainstream" Commanders

Mainstream Commanders ranged from 31 to 38 feet, and owe their label "mainstream" to the simple fact that they represent by far the largest number of Commanders built. They are all boats that will accommodate families for long cruises with overnight stays, or provide for ample entertainment opportunities at sea or in port. A not-for-profit club formed to celebrate and preserve the full line of fiberglass Commanders exists at http://www.commanderclub.com CommanderClub.com. A not-for-profit Chris Craft Commander Forum, Inc., features an ongoing newsletter, photo documentation, technical tips, and restoration assistance for these boats, available at http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/ also registered as ChrisCraftCommander.com, and hosted the worlds largest gathering of Commanders in 2008/2009 on Lake Erie, at Huron, Ohio.

The models in the range are:

31 Sports Express

31' Commander

31' Sedan

35' Commander

35' Salon

35' SportsCruiser

36' SportsCruiser

36' Tournament Fisherman

38' Commander

38' Sedan

38' Sport Fisherman

[edit] "Large" Commanders

Large Commanders range from 41 to 47 feet. They typically feature double staterooms, dual heads and shower cabins. Some of the models were available with different interior layouts. These boats will accommodate family or friends for extended cruises and provide for ample entertainment opportunities.

The models in the range are:

41' Flush Deck/Yacht

42' Commander

42' Sports Cruiser

42' Tournament Fisherman

45' Commander Flush Deck

45' Tournament Fisherman

47' Commander

47' Commander YachtFish (aft cockpit)

[edit] "Luxury" Commanders

These Mega Commanders were the state of the art luxury yachts of their time. Today, they are still awesome craft that attract attention anywhere they go, thanks to their classic design and attractive looks.

The models in the range are:

55' Commander

60' Commander