Here are some early pics, on trailer is in Old Saybrook Ct. where we found her, some interior before cleaning, and engines in place and removed after transport to our marina in Shelton Ct. More to down load. I got a nice surprise tonight, I had removed the lower portion of the lower helm because the side to the center of the boat had been home to many switches and holes that were not used so I gave it to a buddy of mine that is a cabinet maker and had duplicated it exactly out of new mahogany. I still need to take pics of that.
Hope the pictures make it to you it sounds like this is going to be a much watched project. I have always loved the commanders. Growng up at a yacht club we had a friend that had a 65 38 sportfish with 431 lincolns that always gave him problems that I remember so he repowered with 454 Mercs and that boat flew.
Take care Paul and thanks for posting the pictures.
Don
DUCKTALES
FXA 31 2074 H
PHOTO OF THE DAY AWARD (July 27, 2008)
Edit Comment: "The photo at the top of this page was awarded the "Photo of the Day" on July 27, 2008.
The following comments were noted at that time:
(ABOVE:) Most people would look at a boat like this with a romantic eye and either run, or put a for sale sign on it. The person Don Hancock purchased this boat from obviously put a for sale sign on it, and after Don spent a considerable amount of time and cash on the boat, this 31’ Commander now has a bilge painted up nicer than a new boat, and two beautifully detailed 454 take out motors are now sitting right here ready to go. In addition, Don has added new rudder blocks, new hydraulic steering, finished the hatch covers, added a bran new mahogany helm cluster, removed and refinished the flybridge, and even finished that cool retro Detmar steering wheel found on many Chris Craft boats of the era.
Don is actually one of the many heros in Commanderland, and indeed, there are quite a few even though this is a very select group. All the guys and gals who have done their own work on these boats to help maintain them to proper standards, and all who have taken on tough jobs like this to bring a Commander back to sometimes “better than new” condition are all heros in the eyes of the do-it-yourself world of classic boating. We have featured MANY such restorations here on The Chris Craft Commander Forum, Inc., for educational and inspirational purposes. The Forum is an opportunity to showcase who these capable people are, and what kind of challenge it is possible to take on. By showcasing projects like this, we are demonstrating that is IS POSSIBLE and VIABLE to spend time and money on an old fiberglass Chris Craft Commander and end up with a real gem. The Forum also supports efforts like the Chris Craft Commander Rendezvous, coming up at Huron, Ohio, in about a month, to also help spread the information and enthusiasm about the Commander boats.
The byproduct of sharing information like this, is sometimes a boat will now be saved, rather than allowed to languish and eventually be destroyed. In addition, we believe showcasing projects like Don’s and many others, we are promoting a higher standard of Chris Craft Commander throughout the land. Don, we salute you, and hope your project is moving forward well. THANK YOU for sharing your project with people world-wide. The quality of workmanship you have shared with us suggests this boat will be a great looker and great performer too.
Paul,
forum moderator