Corvette
From ClassicBoatWiki
Corvette is a naval term used to define small war ships from the days of sail to present time. Corvette is also the name given to the General Motors sports car first introduced in 1953 by Chevrolet. One or both of these identities may have influenced Chris-Craft's decision to name this model.
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[edit] Overview
The Corvette was introduced in 1954 with models available in 1955, 1968 and 1969 as well. The 1954 and 1955 models were built on the same hulls as the Commander series and the forward cabins were the same layout as the Commander (4 Sleeper). These Corvettes included an additional aft cabin located about midway on the huge (almost 14') bridge featured on these Commanders. There was a small aft deck with a door and steps down into the cabin and an ample sized open bridge between this cabin and the forward cabin area, also with a door and steps. Thus, the aft cabin was only accessible by crossing the open bridge. These Corvette models featured upgrade finishes.
The 1968-1969 model was built on a Jim Wynne design deep-V ocean racing hull and was built for performance as well as for modern creature comforts of a luxury cruiser. This was a double cabin forward layout, slept 6, featured an enormous bridge deck and was offered with an optional hardtop or Command Bridge (fly bridge) with hardtop.
Two other Corvette models were built but only one of each model was produced. These were a single 1955, 42' model and a 1977, 36' fiberglass model as listed below.
[edit] Models
| Model Year | Hull Number Series | Quantity | Length | Beam | Notes: |
| 1954 | CV-36-001 to -033 | 33 | 35'-11" | 11' | |
| 1955 | C(4S)-37-001 to -060 | 10 | 36'-8" | 11' | 1 |
| 1955 | EX-42-201 to -212 | 1 | 41'-9" | 12'-2" | 2 |
| 1968-1969 | CYFV-36-001 to -020 ('68) | 20 | 36'-7" | 12'-5" | |
| CYFV-36-2001 to -2014 ('69) | 14 | 36'-7" | 12'-5" | ||
| 1977 | MDA-37-6033 | 1 | 37' | no data | 3 |
[edit] Notes
- The 1955 37' model was built within the Commander (4 Sleeper) hull series, 10 were Corvette models.
- The 1955 42' model was built within the Express hull series. Only one Corvette model was produced.
- Built in Fuimicino, Italy before all production was terminated in 1977.
[edit] 1954
[edit] 36' Corvette
The first Chris-Craft Corvette was built on the same hull as the 36' Commander (4 Sleeper) of the same year. The forward cabin layout was identical, however the Corvette model was carpeted. The aft side coaming on the Corvette was high to accomodate the aft cabin roof, giving the center bridge deck the apperence of being a fly bridge although it was at the same level as the Commander bridge. The aft cabin side windows were bullet shaped and equipped with blinds for privacy. The forward vee-birth cabin forward windows were small oval shapes in a solid windshield panel.
[edit] 1955
[edit] 37' Corvette
The 37' Corvette interior was virtually the same layout as the earlier 36' model. The added length was due to a change in the stem design. The "turdle back" bow cap was gone, being replaced by continuing the beefy shear (toe) rails to the extended stem for a more modern appearence. The forward cabin windshields were rectangular, full ventillating in lieu of small oval windows in the earlier model.
[edit] 42' Corvette
Only one 42' Corvette was built and it was not included in the 1955 sales literature. The layout was very similar to the 37' model of the same year but was built within the same hull sequence as the 42' Express model, thus, the forward cabin layout was the same as the 42' Express, 1955 model. This cruiser is possibly still in service in Norfolk, Virginia.
[edit] 1968-1969
[edit] 36' Corvette
This Corvette was built for speed, handling and comfort. She was capable of speeds up to 35 mph with twin 300 hp engines. The engines were set further aft utilizing V-drives for balance needed in the ocean racing deep-V hull. This deep-V hull included linear steps to improve slow speed stability. The interior included a comfortable salon with two lounges, one that folded out to a double bed, the other folding up to create twin bunk births. The forward vee-birth was private and included wardrobes and lockers for plenty of storage. An L-shaped galley was equipped with electric refrigerator and range/oven and included a corner sink. A full facility lavatory was opposite the galley.
[edit] 1977
[edit] 37' Corvette
This fiberglass Corvette is another one of a kind model built in Fuiminico, Italy befroe the facility was closed.
[edit] References
- Chris Craft, The Essential Guide, by Jerry Conrad; Mariners' Museum
- Type: Book; English
- Publisher: Newport News, VA : Mariners' Museum, ©2002.
- OCLC: 49780180
- Chris-Craft Boats, by Anthony S Mollica; Jack Savage
- Type: Book : Biography; English
- Publisher: St. Paul, MN : MBI Pub. Co., ©2001.
- ISBN: 0760309205 9780760309209
- OCLC: 48086949
- The Legend of Chris-Craft, by Jeffrey L Rodengen
- Type: Book; English
- Publisher: Fort Lauderdale, FL : Write Stuff Syndicate, ©1998.
- Edition: 3rd ed | 3 Editions
- ISBN: 0945903200 9780945903208
- OCLC: 40002035
- Chris-Craft Corporation History
