A forum reader sent me these images, which I am posting here. This is a 1963 23' Corsair, with an 8' beam, using Interceptor power rated at 130-hp. Wow, now THIS is one RARE BIRD !!
I have never seen or heard of this model before. Anyone having addl info about this model, please post it here. History will record the fact that NAFI (National Automotive Fibers, Inc.) bought CC from the Smith Family in 1962. They immediately set plans to move into the fiberglass market, and in 1964 they produced the first fiberglass Commander, a 38 Express that was unveiled at the 1964 NY Boat Show.
This particular boat, however, is an enigma. It has not (yet) showed up on any published literature I have seen. Therefore, this may well be "the missing link" between wood and fiberglass boats at Chris Craft. I am sure there were other short lived models, as CC took over Thompson and created the Corsair Division in Cortland, New York. Look at the seating arrangement, cool eh?
I see the same MORSE control lever found on many CC boats of the era, including early small Commanders. The seating arrangement may not be original, it's hard to tell since there is virtually NO literature available on this one. As for that outdrive, it's a museum piece ! Maybe they should put this boat in the Smithsonian?
Regards,
Paul