I only recently purchased a vintage 1968 fiberglass Chris-Craft Commander 31. She was made in Holland, MI and sold out of a dealership in Norfolk, VA. A diamond in the rough. Currently on the hard at the local marina (Pt Lookout Marina, Ridge, MD). Engines are 1980 Chrysler 225's (LM318's) - a re-power from the original GM 327F engines.
My Grandfather was a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1900's working out of St Jerome's Creek just North of Pt Lookout. My Dad also loved the water. Built a home on the same St Jerome's Creek and spent endless hours teaching us kids (5) how to fish, crab, row, scull, sail, navigate & pilot a boat, start & service both outboard and inboard motors and a myriad of other mechanical and carpentry skills needed to do-it-yourself (DIY). Of course, Mom also insisted we all learn to swim. My Mom was a Historian and Author. If interested in the history of St Mary's County, I recommend her Book "A History of St Mary's County" by Regina Combs Hammett. I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into a US Navy Engineering College Extension Program at the local Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD. I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973 at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. I love Engineering and after retiring in 2005 have spent uncounted hours researching whatever topic interests me. Computers, Generators, Old Tractors, Engines, Boats...you name it. I love fishing and never turn down an invite. My favorite restaurant is Courtney's Seafood Restaurant, Ridge, MD. Luckily, I married a saint who tolerates my passions and gave me two (2) kids - now grown and on their own. My son is a Master Electrician and my daughter works in IT. I have four (4) wonderful grand kids.
I bought my Chris-Craft from the Reedville, VA Maritime Museum. Had to have it towed over to Maryland. As expected, it needs a lot of work. The engines need to be remanufactured. The hull bottom has been blasted and epoxied. I have a do-list longer than my arm but I love it. She's a beautifully designed boat. Once restored she'll be a real beauty. I joined your Forum to hopefully learn more about my boat - especially that which I cannot find on my own. I have lots of questions and possibly a few answers for anyone willing to share. I thank all in advance for the pure joy of sharine and learning. I'll be putting contact info in my profile. - Mike
My Grandfather was a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1900's working out of St Jerome's Creek just North of Pt Lookout. My Dad also loved the water. Built a home on the same St Jerome's Creek and spent endless hours teaching us kids (5) how to fish, crab, row, scull, sail, navigate & pilot a boat, start & service both outboard and inboard motors and a myriad of other mechanical and carpentry skills needed to do-it-yourself (DIY). Of course, Mom also insisted we all learn to swim. My Mom was a Historian and Author. If interested in the history of St Mary's County, I recommend her Book "A History of St Mary's County" by Regina Combs Hammett. I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into a US Navy Engineering College Extension Program at the local Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD. I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973 at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. I love Engineering and after retiring in 2005 have spent uncounted hours researching whatever topic interests me. Computers, Generators, Old Tractors, Engines, Boats...you name it. I love fishing and never turn down an invite. My favorite restaurant is Courtney's Seafood Restaurant, Ridge, MD. Luckily, I married a saint who tolerates my passions and gave me two (2) kids - now grown and on their own. My son is a Master Electrician and my daughter works in IT. I have four (4) wonderful grand kids.
I bought my Chris-Craft from the Reedville, VA Maritime Museum. Had to have it towed over to Maryland. As expected, it needs a lot of work. The engines need to be remanufactured. The hull bottom has been blasted and epoxied. I have a do-list longer than my arm but I love it. She's a beautifully designed boat. Once restored she'll be a real beauty. I joined your Forum to hopefully learn more about my boat - especially that which I cannot find on my own. I have lots of questions and possibly a few answers for anyone willing to share. I thank all in advance for the pure joy of sharine and learning. I'll be putting contact info in my profile. - Mike