One of the things I love about hosting this forum, is everything I'm learning about the Chris Craft Commander series, and Chris Craft in general. Many people have been quite generous with their time, sending in info about the boats, manufacturing, history, etc., and this is greatly appreciated.
One of the things I've learned, is the 23 Commander was built for a short while, and it has a family tree that leads back to Cortland, New York, at the Thompson Boat Company.
Again, since I'm learning this as we go, anyone out there who may see me repeating something that is not quite accurate, please chime in and we'll edit accordingly.
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The 23' Commander looks every bit the clone of the 23 Lancer Inboard, which I believe the're essentially the same boat except for some minor detailing and the badging. The Lancer was built by the Corsair division. The Corsair division was essentially the Thompson Boat Company, which CC acquired. I also understand the Lancer hull was the platform upon which the XK-19 (and Commander Super Sport) was based. In addition, the Corsair Division in New York also built the Lancer Sea V, a fairly deep V boat offered in a transdrive and true inboard; this boat was initially marketed as the Chris Craft (fiberglass) Sea Skiff, of which 80 were built and of which I just purchased one from the Buffalo, NY area.
Without this forum I wouldn't have the new Thompson-built Chris Craft Sea Skiff close cousin to our 38 Commander Express both built in 1966, and I wouldn't know "anything" about the Lancer or Corsair line of boats. It is quite amazing how someone can discover and appreciate a 40-year old history like this, and I thank those people who have offered their time and information to share here on the forum.
Take a look at the blue 23' Commander, and then take a look at this 23' Lancer, the reason they look so close to one another, is they're out of the same mold!
Another Lancer
Another Lancer
I don't believe the Commander version of this boat ever came in a transdrive, but the timing of the transitiion from inboard to transdrive boats must have come very close to including the Commander. The Commander Super Sport started life as a V-drive unit, and evolved into the XK-19 with a transdrive. Fascinating times back then!
Here is a link to more on the 23 Commander, one of the more rare versions of the Commander lineup.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1149086984/Photos
By reintroducing this subject on the 23 Commander, I'm wondering if we can scare up any other examples of this boat that may be out there in the hinterland, sitting in barns, boat houses, or garages, just waiting for someone to come along and give the boat a new life.
Any news on the one in Montana, has it been sold? I'd probably have it in the garage now if it had been closer to Nashville!
Regards, Paul