The Chris-Craft Commander

Styled In Fiberglass.

Styled in Fiberglass is a multi-page publication produced by The Chris-Craft Commander Club since 2001. 

If you have a story or photos for future editions, email any article ideas or feedback to [email protected]

36 Sports Cruiser, 36 Tournament Fisherman, 360 Commander

Model years: 1973 - 1986

Serial numbers: CCHMG,  CCFMG and CCHDA

Number of hulls built: Estimate 300

Length x Beam: 36' X 13'Draft / Weight: 36" / 22,600 lbs

Built for many years, both in Florida and Michigan.  In the early years the boat had 1-3/8" running gear. In 1981, the running gear was up-graded to 1-1/2" for gas and 1-3/4" for diesel.  Major bridge redesign in 1984.  A longtime favorite with fishermen and cruisers alike, the Chris Craft 36 Commander (called the 36 Sports Cruiser in 1973–77; 36 Commander in 1978–80; 360 Commander in 1981–86) enjoyed an unusually long production run, a rarity for Chris Craft boats of her era. (Indeed, well-maintained models retained their popularity on the used market for years after the last unit was built.) Introduced in 1973, she came standard with a two-stateroom, galley-up interior until 1984 when a more expansive single-stateroom floorplan with a dinette became standard (a queen bed option was available in the stateroom). Note that most 360s were sold with lower helms. Construction is solid fiberglass, and her low-deadrise hull generates good lift but produces a stiff ride in a chop. The original profile of the Chris Craft 36 remained pretty much the same until 1985 when the deckhouse and flybridge were restyled for a more rakish appearance. An increase in fuel capacity to 400 gallons in 1983 improved the range considerably. Standard 350hp gas engines cruise at 18 knots (mid 20s top). Cat 300hp (or 320hp Cummins) diesels bring the cruising speed up to 22 knots (26–27 knots top).

About Fred Hudson. 

As Chief Stylist for Chris-Craft from 1960 to 1964, he was responsible for the design of the 1964 38’ Express Fiberglass Chris-Craft Commander.

Fred began his career with the Packard Motor Car Company in 1954, and he moved on to Chrysler where he was part of the team that created the blazingly-fast 300 series. In addition to his Detroit credentials, Hudson made history in boatbuilding.

About the Chris-Craft Commander. In 1964, amidst much secrecy, Chris Craft Boat Corporation unveiled its first entry into the fiberglass cruiser market at the New York Boat Show with the 38’ Express. The boat was heralded as a design marvel from the drawing tables of Fred Hudson and “Mac” MacKerer.

Chris-Craft produced other Commanders ranging in size from the sporty 19’ to the palatial 60’. These boats are still plentiful today, and much sought after for their fine workmanship, seaworthiness and accommodations. They continue to increase in value as the awareness of their construction and durability becomes more well-known.

This film’s focus is on Fred Hudson’s contribution to the Chris-Craft Commander line, and to the lives of countless families who enjoy these classic boats 50 years later.

A film by Whitney Pillsbury

About the filmmaker: When Whitney Pillsbury isn’t dreaming about his next “project” boat, he earns a living as a “Video Storyteller.” His previous projects were on the Wendy’s Hamburgers and the Trojan “evolve” campaign featuring men as the pigs they are. Since starting in advertising over 25 years ago he has created some memorable commercials.

Whitney served as the PR Chairperson and Membership Chairperson of the Chris-Craft Commander Club, resurrecting, building and managing a worldwide boat registry of thousands of Commanders that are still running strong. He donated his creative skills to the design of the Club’s logo, t-shirts, newsletters and short films (like this one.) He has posted dozens of videos that have received 200k views on YouTube. His biggest donation; however, is his time.

Whitney has owned the 38’ Express, a 19’ Super Sport, and a ‘project’ 1974 55’ Commander.

This film was co-produced by the Chris-Craft Commander Club (http://commanderclub.com/)

35' Commander Express

Pictured here with optional command bridge.

FXA-35 manufactured from 1968 - 1972

Hulls built: 222

Length: 35′

Beam: 13' 0

Draft: 36″

Chris-Craft Commander 31ft Sports Express 

With twin 300-hp engines this boat averages 40mph in runs with and against wind and current, with fuel and water tanks 2/3 full and with a driver only.

FSA-31′s Made from 1967 - 1974

Second only to the 31′ Commander in terms of number of hulls built: 410

Length: 31′

Beam: 11' 3"

Draft: 28" 

Weight: 9,320 - 10,000 lbs

Same hull has the 31' Commander, but a very different deck layout and interior. Basically more of a very large day cruiser than a cabin cruiser. Most have optional command bridge.

31ft Chris-Craft Commander

FXA-31 Express with TURMOIL Shot on the Hudson River, New York

The original 31' Commander came as a “soft top” (open cockpit) However, most 31′s have the “optional” hard top and many have the optional flybridge.

Most popular Commander with number of hulls built: 542

Length x Beam: 31' 0" x 11' 3"

Chris-Craft Commander 38′ Express FXA-38

47′ Chris-Craft Commander

The stately 47′ shown here in various states, the vintage shot was her original design with the short hardtop and open back deck, later the hardtop was extended and many owners enclosed the back deck and opted for a flying bridge. She had ample accommodations which came standard with a fwd cabin and head and aft configuration in two options, a large aft cabin or a smaller aft cabin with an additional double bunk cabin.

Model years: 1966 -1976

Serial numbers:

FAA-47-xxx (double) FAB-47-xxx (single) FAC-47-xxx (cockpit) FAD-47-xxx (double) FAE-47-xxx (single) FAG-47-xxx (single) FAF-47-xxx (cockpit) FAH-47-xxx (double)

Number of hulls built: 253

Length x Beam: 47' 0" x 15' 0"

Draft / Weight: 38" / 35,480 lbs

1969 31′ Commander Sedan