Paul:

I posted the gas tank question the other day...doesn't look TOO bad, going
to make efforts to stabilize before it rusts more...I have a TON of before
pictures, and will likely set up a website to show our progress -
stabilization (attempt to halt the aging process)/seaworthiness improvements
and cleaning this season, more in-depth work next year...

Going to keep her under wraps for another week or two, try to take advantage
of the extra protection against the fickle Spring weather...I'll send more
info when she is "unveiled".

Looking forward to becoming an active member of the forum!

Marko Kaar
"Esme"
FXA 27 2130 T
1966 27' Commander w/single Chrysler 318

Hi Marko,

I think you may have a pretty rare boat on your hands, and you may not see another one exactly like it. The power options in the Essential Guide show all GM small block power, but yours has a Chrysler 318.

In 1966 there was a flurry of activity to source motos due to the GM strike. I don't think this affected the big block Ford supply, but it does appear to have affected the small block GM supply. I understand they (Chris Craft) printed a supplemental engine list for 1966, that included the 318 and I believe the 413 and 426B as well. The 426B is a wedge head motor that could have been used in the 38 sized boats, and I have heard of one such installation, but I believe they are a rare exception (like yours).

To my knowledge the 318 was only used during the part of 1966 when the GM motors were not available.

In any case, there's nothing wrong with the boat or the motor becuse of the fact that its a chrysler. There are many thousands of these 318 motors still out there in boats running well. We have a host of large houseboats in Tennessee that have used these motors, and they sound great and from what I've seen, do their job well.

I really like the fact that the starter is up out of the bilge where you can get to it, and where it will stay dry. The Chrysler dashboard makes me wonder if your boat was actually repowered with Chrysler power, as that does not seem to be a 1966 vintage installation. It is entirely possible that your boat came with GM power and was repowered sometime along the line with a nice 318. See what you can find out from the previous owner.

In the interim, CONGRATULATIONS, Welcome Aboard now as a Commander Owner, let us help you any way we can.

Regards,

Paul

These motors came in the Harbormaster line of houseboats, Marinette, Correct Craft (and Ski Nautique), Trojan, Pacemaker, Silverton, Luhrs, RevelCraft, and many others (including some Chris Crafts).

They are basic good strong American iron, with a pretty good parts supply. Here is an example of the parts supply availability of blocks, for instance.
http://theserviceadvisor.com/part/reman/chryslerbesttsamop_318mlb_r.html

I am wondering, like Paul, if the dashboard with the Chrysler name was something that came with the motor when it was repowered. Normally, CC didn't advertize like that, as I never saw any reference to Ford or GM on the dashboard of a Chris. Therefore I suspect this is a repower.

Tom

It looks like the distributor and possibly ignition module under that black cover is electronic which signals a later model. Probably 70's vintage. If so that is a good thing. When you get a chance pull the distributor cap and if you don't see points, you will know. That is a fine engine!