36 Sports Cruiser; 36-360 Commander

A longtime favorite with fishermen and cruisers alike, the Chris Craft 36 Commander (called the 36 Sports Cruiser in 1973–77; 36 Commander in 1978–80; 360 Commander in 1981–86) enjoyed an unusually long production run, a rarity for Chris Craft boats of her era. (Indeed, well-maintained models retained their popularity on the used market for years after the last unit was built.) Introduced in 1973, she came standard with a two-stateroom, galley-up interior until 1984 when a more expansive single-stateroom floorplan with a dinette became standard (a queen bed option was available in the stateroom). Note that most 360s were sold with lower helms. Construction is solid fiberglass, and her low-deadrise hull generates good lift but produces a sjpgf ride in a chop. The original profile of the Chris Craft 36 (pictured here) remained pretty much the same until 1985 when the deckhouse and flybridge were restyled for a more rakish appearance. An increase in fuel capacity to 400 gallons in 1983 improved the range considerably. Standard 350hp gas engines cruise at 18 knots (mid 20s top). Cat 300hp (or 320hp Cummins) diesels bring the cruising speed up to 22 knots (26–27 knots top).