Here is Ron Romatz’s beautiful and rare 1969 31’ Commander Sports Express.
Although Chis Craft built 410 of these from 1967-74, this is still a rare sight to see in a marina, and it is one of the best looking Commanders of the entire line. It features the largest aft deck of any 31’ boat I know of, for entertaining guests, fishing, camping, and general utility. It has the integrated upper helm station, and a remarkable amount of room inside. This is one of my favorite Commander models.
The beam is 11’-3”, and weight is in the 9320 - 10,000 pound range depending upon the choice of 427, 327F, 327Q, or 350Q power, and this one has the 327Q (230-hp) motors. I’m familiar with this motor, my dad has a pair of them, and his 31’ Sedan will fly. Any option, including a pair of 327F (210-hp) motors in this boat would be a nice combination.
Photos can tell a lot about a boat, and this is one of the features of this forum. It was intended from the start, to be photo-friendly (and photo intensive). There’s no substitute for seeing a boat in person, however. From these photos, Ron’s 31 looks VERY clean, indeed. The Commander line is beginning to gain “collector status” and this model will always be a popular one. I’d love to have one myself, and had one been available when we found our 38, I suspect I’d have one now.
The 31’ Express is like my 38 Express only smaller. The 31 Sedan has quite a lot of room inside, including an “upstairs sofa” next to the helm. This boat is really unique, because it has that large aft deck I value highly, a nicely integrated upper helm, and interior space too!!! With a head, galley, dinette, and V-berth, this boat is sure to appeal to a certain brand of boating. For anyone looking for a “small cruiser”, this model is very attractive, sporty, and fast! It’s a boat that can really be enjoyed in good weather. I have seen a few of these with full canvas in an attempt to turn this model into something it isn’t, which must have cost a fortune, and did nothing to enhance the appearance of the boat. These boats are not closed cabin boats with an interior helm station, and it is the writers opinion they are best left “unmolested” and enjoyed the way Chris Craft intended them to be. As a result, there is little protection from the elements, but in a warmer climate (or season), this is a very big plus.
The boat is located at Miller Marina, St. Clair Shores, MI. The asking price is $18,000 or best offer, and guys, this kind of money for a boat like this makes my head spin. I know people are paying 2X for ski boats these days! Ron can be contacted at 586-871-4000 or ronromatz@comcast.net
Thanks, Ron, for emailing these photos to me, it helps us document the model line and all of the features. We wish you luck in finding a new and appreciative buyer, and wish you all the best. Let us know if you need any assistance finding a larger Commander (or a smaller one!).
Regards, Paul