June 12, 2016

Chris-Craft will reclaim one of the most famous names in its 142-year history: The Commander. The all-new “Commander 42” will make its debut next month at the 2016 Chris-Craft Dealer Meeting in July.  The rapid “to market” timing is possible due to a joint venture with Italian yacht builder, Austin Parker. Chris-Craft designed the interiors and specified the new Commander 42, working closely with Austin Parker as its design and manufacturing partner.

The Commander 42 marks Chris-Craft’s first step into the cabin cruiser market through a range of New England Lobster-style open boats that dovetail perfectly with Chris-Craft’s classic design philosophy. With a modern interpretation on a historical lobster boat line, the Commander 42 will embrace the brand’s timeless heritage and signature design. “Chris-Craft has always sought to be differentiated, and we believe that the new Commander line is a perfect addition to our product line,” commented Stephen Julius, Chairman of Chris-Craft.  

The Commander 42 has a distinctive hull design and will be powered with twin Volvo IPS 600 D6 435-HP engines. It has two cockpit areas for entertainment (one open aft, and one under a hardtop which can be fully enclosed with sliding doors), a large sunbed on the bow, a cockpit galley, sleeping below for five people, a head and separate shower, teak floors in the cockpit, wooden floors below deck, beautiful upholstery, and classic Chris-Craft design details throughout.

Following the introduction of the Commander 42 in July, the boat will be showcased at major shows and events across the world, beginning with the Cannes Yachting Festival in France, and the Newport International Boat Show in Rhode Island in September 2016. Chris-Craft will launch a Commander 36 and Commander 52 in 2017, bringing the Chris-Craft Commander range of open boats to three models which will be sold exclusively on a global basis under the Chris-Craft brand name.

Austin Parker will continue to build and market a range of flybridge boats in 54, 64, and 74 ft. lengths under the “Austin Parker” name.