I recently purchased a 1970 30' Commander fly bridge and I have to say I love this boat. We were lucky to find a boat like the "Sea for Two",she was repowered only 200 hrs ago with new shafts, props and transmissions. We are on the Hudson River in Stony Point NY and this boat rides beutifully in a river that can get pretty snotty at times.

Your Forum was discovered by me when I first started looking at the boat and it has been very helpfull in answering some of my questions. I would like to replace my forward hatch if possible and I'm curious if anyone would know where I could find one. It appears to have a built in vent which will allow fresh air in if the hatch is closed. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You, Ray Mulholland

Hi Ray,

Congratulations on getting your 31' Express, that should be a fun boat for you. That forward hatch is the same cast aluminum piece that has been used on many wood and glass Chris Crafts over the years. Every now and then I see one on ebay. They have a piece of milk glass in them to admit light, and the vent slides one way or another in order to admit air when the hatch is closed and is still "water tight".

The hatch can he held open in two heights, and serves as an air scoop when opened half way.

I am reasonably sure you could find one of these through Hundley in Texas, or by keeping an eye on ebay. http://www.hundleychriscraft.net/pages/wooden_parts.html

Send photos of that boat!

Regards,

Paul

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the information and link, I'm sure I will be able to replace the hatch with a little research. I'm going to try and attach some pictures of the "Sea for Two" for to enjoy.

I can completely understand how all those who look at this sight and are lucky enough to own one of these boats can't resist to share their stories. When I'm in my home marina or when visiting another, people from all boating persuasions stop by to look at her or ask questions about her.

I will share her story when I have a little more time but I hope the photos attache without a problem so they can be enjoyed by all.

Thanks again,
Ray

Hi Ray,

Is she a 31 Express or Sedan? That one shot from the rear looks like it might have the sliding glass door of a sedan?


Here is why I say that, the photo below is SHADY LADY, a 31 Sedan owned by my parents, which they run on the Cumberland.


The 31 is a fast boat by any standard, and fast enough to water ski behind, actually. My parents boat is faster than a 95-hp Hercules powered 17' Chris Craft Utility, which I pulled scores of water skiiers behind.

Hey, a tip about your photos. When you upload images to your photobucket account, be sure to look at the size designation before you upload, there are settings for 15" screen, etc., and most of the images look best if they are at 800x600 or 1024x768. Yours appear to have been set on the "small" designation at 160x120.

Good job on the first go of it, however, the boat looks great and tons of fun. Keep us posted, and send more photos!

regards,

Paul

Hi Paul,

Sorry I haven't responded sooner but we were on vacation in July and technology free. You did see glass doors in the picture so she is a sedan. It's nice having the xtra cabin space but the doors and the bridge ladder cut in to cockpit space considerably. We spent 21 days on her and we were very comfortable. The fresh water system and the head/holding tank need to be upgraded over the winter and of course the interior wood needs attention.

We took more pictures over vacation and will send them soon. Your parents boat is a beauty and inspires me to get mine to shine as nice. As far as the speed your absolutely right when you say a person could ski behind the boat. My last boat was a 22' Glastron Vagabond with a 302 in her and she could not get on plane like my Chris Craft. When I get a little more time I'll send more pictures.

Regards,

Ray

All I can say about that is, "some people really know how to live". That sounds like one heck of a great vacation! Glad you like the boat, and congratulations for using it for the intended purpose.

Paul