Here are two Chris Craft promotional brochures showing why the 38 SF (and other SF and TF models) don't have a rear railing.
The aft deck on the SF models is depressed deeper (closer to the water) than the similar looking 38 Express and Sedan. The SF models came with the "three piece windshield" with the center operable section, rather than the "two piece" windshield of the Express, although there may well have been some SF models that left the factory with the two piece windshield. Doing that, however, would put the center post directly in front of the driver, while the center helm station of the SF is located similar to the sedan, thus the center operable window for unobstructed outward vision. Thanks to Bill Thomas for sharing the attached scans.
Curt Hill, regular contributor here on the forum, has restored a SF model, which he regularly runs on the Wilamette River, Portland Oregon. Here is a photo of Curt's boat during repairs.
Here is what the correct windshield configuration is for a true CC SF (Curt Hill's boat)
Chris Wade launching his well prepared 38 Sport Fisherman
