1966 Chris-Craft Commander

Step aboard and you can feel why these early Commanders built Chris-Craft’s fiberglass reputation. The sightlines from the helm are excellent, with that classic upright windshield and just enough flare in the bow to keep spray down when the afternoon chop kicks up. The side decks are generous for a 27-footer, making line handling and anchoring straightforward, even short-handed. Inside, the joinery has the warm, lived-in feel only a well-kept vintage boat can offer, and the layout still works for real cruising weekends. Storage is surprisingly plentiful, with clever nooks tucked under seats and along the cabin sides, so you can stow gear without cluttering the space.

A 27' Chris-Craft Commander is an ideal platform for the mix of sheltered waterways and open stretches common in this region. The solid fiberglass hull has a reassuring, heavy feel when the breeze pipes up, yet the size makes it easy to slide into tighter moorage or older boathouses. With its enclosed cabin and real head, you’re set for shoulder-season cruising when evenings turn cool and damp. The efficient single engine keeps fuel use reasonable on longer runs between harbors, while the boat’s classic profile looks right at home among both working craft and yacht club fleets.