Detailed Information:

Brief Previous Onwer History:

This boat has always been a fresh water boat. Prior to the last owners purchase, the boat was kept on Lake Winnabego in Wisconsin. Just prior to selling the boat, the previous owner, an executive for Mercruiser in Fon Du Lac, WI, had new engines, transmissions, shafts and props put in the boat (around 1990,or 1991). The boat was purchased by the previous owner (a family aquaintance), and relocated to McHenry, IL on the Chain o' Lakes. During her tenure there, the previous owner added a rebuilt 6.5kw Onan generator (rebuilt by Onan), Air Conditioning, and a new hot water heater. Cosmetically the previous owner had the counter tops replaced, new carpeting installed, new cabin headliner installed, and did some other minor interior work. In 1998 I purchased the boat and had it transported to it's current home on the Mississippi River.

Since I've Owned the Boat:

The boat came to me in good overall condition. As with anything, parts and components wear out. With that in mind, I've replaced or added the following items since purchasing in the boat. Most of these items were between 2003 and 2006:

- Battery Charger (TrueCharge 20+ trickle charger)
- Fresh Water Pump
- Trim Tab Pump - also added Bennett Automatic Trim Tab System.
- Refrigerator. The old fridge was fine, but had a freezer that was sort of a pain (ice buildup and thawing). I still have the old fridge, but the new one does not have a freezer.
- Carpet. In 2004 all carpet was replaced (cabin and aft deck).
- Canvas. Also in 2004, all new canvas was made (bow flag cover, spotlight cover, hatch cover, windshield cover, aft sheet, and side triagles).
- In the summer of 2007, both Paragon trasmissions were removed from the boat and completely rebuilt. A long-time OEM repair center (dating back to the 50's) for Paragon,Hurth, and Velvet Drive, did a complete overhaul of both transmissions. Federal Marine in Countryside, IL replaced all seals and any worn parts, as well as cleaned and repainted them, bringing both transmissions back to better than new condition. Total cost of the rebuilt was $5200.

In addition to the above items, the following cosmetic items have been done:

- Many layers of blue bottom paint was scraped and sanded off in 1999. Since that time a single coat of the original Interlux Y999 Racing Bronze Bottomkote is applied each spring. This is done after a light sanding of the previous years layer. This process prevents massive layers of bottom paint from being accumulated.
- Most helm area trim and side panels have been refinsihed or repalced.
- Since I purchased the boat, I've worked to bring the gelcoat up to a like new condition. In spring the hull is washed, then 3M cleaner wax is applied, and finally a coat of Collinite Fleetwax (paste). This gives the hull its like new shine.
- I wetsanded both the cabin top and hard top, and two times a yeer (srping and fall) both are waxed.
- Both the stairs to into the aft deck and the stairs into the cabin of the boat have been refinished - with all steps being replaced. Previously they had been covered with carpet, and the steel staples ruined the steps cosmetically. They are now finished wood, with rubber inserts for anti-slip.
- The dinette and couch bases are both mahogany (as is the rest of he interior of the boat), and had been covered (glue and staples) with carpeting by the previous owner. I removed all the carpeting, and refinished the mahogany. Additionally, the original drawer fronts (removed, but thankfully retained by the previous owner) were refinished, and new drawer pulls were purchased.
- Removal and complete refinishing of the v-berth hatch. This included paint removal, repainting, all new fasteners, and a new hatch seal.
- Rub rail was removed and the gasket material used between the rub rail and hull was replaced.
- in 2006, the bow plate, side and rear vent scoops were rechromed, and new Chris Craft script was purchased.

Other Notes:

- The previous ower removed the military mast from the boat when he had the new headliner installed. The mast base was lost, and wood of the mast was rotted on the bottom. I have since procured a base, and also have a new piece of wood (awlgripped). With two new stainless poles, and a new wood base the mast would be ready to put on the boat. I did not put it on as it would require taking the headliner down in the cabin.

- I have a like-new 1968 brochure for the Chris Craft Commander line. It will go with the boat.

- The boat was originally sold with the shower option. The shower option consisted of an aluminum track for the shower curtiain, the shower curtain itself, a floor pan that folded up and latched to the aft wall of the head, shower controls, and a shower head. The previous owner removed all of the hardware except for the track. I have the original shower pan, and new shower head and hose. The latch hardware, and new shower controls are all that is needed to be able to put the shower back in.

- Electronics. Becuase of the location of the boat, and it's history on small water, the only electronics on the boat are a depth sounder, and a marine radio.

- I've owned and enjoyed this head turner for 9 seasons. The only reason my wife and I are selling her is due to teh purchase of our 1967 42 Commander last fall.

- The "Maid for C." is an above average classic being offered at $42,000. Additional pictures can be obtained by contacting Chris Orphal.

Do You Have a Commanding Interest?

Do you currently own a Chris Craft Commander? Are you considering the purchase of a classic Commander, or do you have an interest iin the Chris Craft Commander boats? If so, please check out the Chris Craft Commander Club & Registry.