Express

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The word Express appears many times in Chris-Craft models herein. For the purpose of this accounting of the Express Model it will include only those models listed in the publication "Chris-Craft - The Essential Guide" (referenced below) named "Express" (unless noted). Other models such as Constellation Express, Corinthian Express, Custom Express, Deluxe Express, Dispatcher Express, Express Cruiser, Express Cruiser (2 Sleeper), Express Cruiser (4 Sleeper), Lancer Express, Monterey Express, Sea Hawk Express, Seastrake Express, Sports Express, Sports Express Convertible, Super Deluxe Express, Super Express, and XL175 Express Cruiser are not included in this Model page (unless noted).

Contents 1 Overview 2 Models 2.1 Notes: 3 30' Express: 1948-1950 4 References

[edit] Overview

An Express cruiser is generally defined as one with an open helm (bridge) located exterior on (or a step up from) the aft deck area with no aft cabin. An open roof or canopy was offered on some models to protect the helm from the elements. Many Chris-Craft cruisers fall into this definition but their model names do not include the word "Express", although they are indeed an express design or layout. For example, many of the smaller Constellation models are express designs but only one model includes Express in its model name, the Constellation Express. The interior arrangements, external details and power options can be quite different for various models of the Express. The Express models range in length from 16' to 42' and were included in Kit Boat, Cavalier and Roamer Divisions as well as the Main Division.

[edit] Models

Model Year Hull Number Series Quantity Length Beam Notes: 1946-1950 X-23-001 to -1462 1,462 23' 7'-8" 1 1946-1948 X-25-001 to -302 302 25'-1" 8'-2" 1948-1950 X-30-001 to -310 310 29'-10" 9'-5" 1948-1950 X-34-001 to -099 99 33'-11" 10'-9" 1948-1950 X-40-001 to -096 96 39'-11" 11'-6" 2 1951-1954 X-22-001 to -498 498 21'-7" 7'-1" 3 1951-1954 XS-24-001 to -502 502 23'-7" 7'-8" 4 1951-1952 X-31-001 to -290 290 30'-7" 9'-4" 1953-1954 AX-26-001 to -131 131 25'-7" 8'-2" 1953-1954 X-32-001 to -142 142 31'-9" 10'-0" 4 1953-1954 XA-40-001 to 028 28 39'-7" 11'-7" 1954-1956 KX-16-001 to 300 4,475 15'-11" 6'-4" 5 1955-1957 XS-23-001 to 254 254 22'-8" 7'-3" 1955-1956 EX-25-001 to -124 124 25'-1" 7'-9" 1955 EX-27-001 to -050 50 26'-7" 8'-6" 6 1955 X-29-001 to -028 28 28'-7" 9'-0" 7 1955 ROX-34-001 to -002 2 34' no data 8 1955 EX-42-201 to -212 12 41'-9" 12'-2" 9 1956-1959 ROX-28-001 to -040 40 28' 10'-0" 8 ROX-28-103 to -147 45 28' 10'-0" 8

Model Year Hull Number Series Quantity Length Beam Notes: 1956-1961 ROX--35-001 to -316('56-'60) 316 35'-2" 12'-0" 8, 10, 11 ROX-35-401 to -450('61) 50 35'-2" 12'-0" 8, 11 1957-1959 V-19-001 to -225 225 19' 7'-1" 12 1958-1959 ROX-25-101 to -135 35 25' 9'-0" 8 1959-1960 V-23-001 to -1259 1,259 23'-5" 8'-3" 12 1959-1960 V-25-001 to -1415 1,415 25'-4" 9'-0" 12 1959-1961 V-30-001 to -338 338 30'-4" 10'-6" 12 1959-1961 ROX-31-101 to -190('59-'60) 90 31' 11'-4" 8, 11, 13 ROX-31-201 to -240('61) 40 31' 11'-4" 8, 11 1962-1964 RXB-32-101 to -140('62) 40 32' 11'-4" 8, 11 RXB-32-201 to -203('63) 3 32' 11'-4" 8, 11 RXC-32-201 to -220('63) 20 32' 11'-4" 8, 11 RXD-32-301 to -335('64) 35 32' 11'-4" 8, 11 1962-1964 RXB-36-101 to -155('62) 55 36' 12'-0" 8, 11 RXC-36-201 to -235('63) 35 36' 12'-0" 8, 11 RXP-36-1601 to -1610('63) 10 36' 12'-0" 8, 11 1973-1977 MXA-25-001 to -1558 1,558 25'-4" 9'-9" 14 1973-1975 MXA-30-001 to -185 185 30'-2" 10'-6" 14 1977 MXA-28-001 to -178 178 28'-10" 10'-8" 14

[edit] Notes:

1. This model was built on the same hull as the 1941-1942, 23’ Express Cruiser model.
2. The 40’ Challenger (27) model is included in this hull number series.
3. The transom rake was increased on the 1954 model.
4. These Express Cruiser models are included herein inasmuch as they closely follow these model hull number series.
5. This model was built by the Kit Boat Division. A quantity of 300 were factory assembled and given the hull number series shown.
6. Although this model was offered with the Hercules diesel engine none were built.
7. The 1955, 29’ Capitan model interior is identical to this model except the Capitan does not have a step-down aft deck and has high coaming around the aft deck.
8. Built by the Roamer Division.
9. The 1955, 42’ Corvette (1) model is included in this hull number series.
10. The 1956-1960, 35’ Regal model is included in this hull number series and were identified by by hull number series prefix ROS-35. In 1956 this model was called the Sedan.
11. The Riviera model was the same layout as the Express model but was equipped with a hardtop and is included in this hull number series.
12. Built by the Cavalier Division. This model is the same as the 1957-1958 Sports Express Cruiser built by the Kit Boat Division but was factory assembled.
13. The 1960, 31’ Regal is included in this hull number series.
14. These models were built with fiberglass hulls.

[edit] 30' Express: 1948-1950

The 30' Express cruiser was introduced in 1948 and models were built until 1950. It was lengthened to 31' in the 1951-1952 model. They included accommodations for 4 sleepers. The boat was advertised as a 30-footer, but was in reality 29-foot, 9-3/4-inches long with a 9-foot 6-inch beam. During its production run, 310 of the smooth-sided, twin-mahogany hulls were built; some (if not all) at the Holland, Michigan Chris-Craft plant. The boat is easily identified by its single, oval portholes located on each side of the hull at the bow, midship cabin with its tall (nearly 6-foot) mast with white running light and comfortable, stepped open rear deck. Two narrow outboard catwalks allowed mates to walk from the bow to the rear deck without entering the cabin. From the factory, the cabin top was painted the traditional (for the time) "Chris-Craft Blue".

This model boasted twin engines, a small galley with an icebox, food storage and a sink with cold-water pump, a two-burner "range", dish/utensil storage rack, a vinyl-upholstered dinette (which comfortably sat 4 and folded down to make a small twin bed) a pump-flush head, a wardrobe closet and two forward bunks with vinyl-covered foam cushions, under which was the 15 gallon, fresh water storage tank. An anchor rope locker was at the extreme forward bow; a 30-pound anchor was standard.

The cabin interior was largely painted white with traditional brightwork trim. Three 6-volt wall lamps, at the galley, dinette and head, provided interior illumination; two more were located on the forward bunk's bulkhead. The ample side windows with screens made for a bright, airy feel "down below", and a large, tube-type marine radio was attached to the port bulkhead at the dinette; its tall antenna externally mounted on a locking pivot for lowering when going under a bridge. Two oval windows on the cabin front brought in additional natural light to the cabin and head, and a cabin door allowed for privacy.

The helm, located on the port side and just aft of the cabin, featured a 6-spoke, wood-and-chrome pilot's wheel, two large chromed transmission shifting levers, a centrally located, dual-lever throttle control and gauges which measured RPMs, oil pressure and amps for each engine. Push-pull switches controlled running and navigation lights and the bilge pump. Keyed ignition switches and start buttons were on each side of the varnished, rounded-corner console. A canvas (either white or mint green) "bimini" top cover, fastened to the windshield, was all that protected the pilot in inclement weather; a hardtop was not available until the 32-foot version. The windshield, with curved side windows, featured port and starboard hinged sections that could be opened for added "slow speed" ventilation. Two vinyl-covered seats, one for the pilot and one across from it on the starboard side, were hinged to the sides and supported by steel poles when in use.

Engines in known models included the powerful Hercules MLS/MLSO ("O" indicating opposite rotation) 145-hp (1950) and later, Greymarine (Chrysler) 90-hp versions (1952). Two steel, 60-gallon fuel tanks were located directly behind the engines. From the factory, engine electrical systems were of the 6-volt variety; many of these were changed to 12-volt systems.

Navigation lights were located on either side of the cabin top, which was also home for the single-trumpet horn, tall mast and optional spotlight. The forward deck featured a hatch which opened to the bunk area, a forward white running light, chocks, central cleat and a bowrail. In the stern, the ensign mast also had a white running light.

[edit] References

• Chris Craft, The Essential Guide, by Jerry Conrad; Mariners' Museum
  • Type: Book; English
  • Publisher: Newport News, VA : Mariners' Museum, ©2002.
  • OCLC: 49780180