Express Cruiser

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The Chris-Craft Express Cruiser models are much the same as the Express models and others containing the word Express in their model names. See the Express model for links to these others.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Models 2.1 Notes: 3 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 Cruisers range in length from 21' to 40' and were included in the Kit Boat, Cavalier and Sea Skiff Divisions as well as the Main Division.

[edit] Models

Model Year	Hull Number Series	Quantity	Length	Beam	Notes:
1939-1942	92000 to 92108	83	29'	8'-8"	1
1940-1942	51102 to 51169	68	25'	8'-1"	2
1940-1942	34000 to 34083	84	33'-10"	10'-9"
1941-1942	66000 to 66138	139	23'	7'-8"	7
1941	59000 to 59053	27	40'	11'-6"	9
1951-1954	XS-24-001 to -502	502	23'-7"	7'-8"	3
1952-1953	KD-18-451 to -633	1,950	18'	7'-0"	8
1952-1954	none	no data	30'-7"	10'-1"	4
1953-1954	X-32-001 to -142	142	31'-9"	10'-0"	3
1961-1962	VXA-21-001 to -060('61)	60	21'	8'-6"	5
	VXB-21-001 to -080('62)	80	21'	8'-6"	5
1962	SXA-27-001 to -150	150	27'	10'-0"	6
1964	SXB-28-001 to -100	100	28'	10'-0"	10

[edit] Notes:

1. The Custom Sportsman (13) model is included in this hull number series along with 13) "Special" models.
2. This Express Cruiser is known as the "Red & White".
3. These Express Cruiser models are also included with the Express models inasmuch as they closely follow that model hull number series as well.
4. Built by the Kit Boat Division. These were sold as kits and had no hull number.
5. Built by the Cavalier Division.
6. Built by the Sea Skiff Division. The 1963 Corinthian Express model is included in this hull number series. In 1962 this model was named the Express Cruiser.
7. The 1946-1950 Express model was built on this same hull as this model.
8. This model was built by the Kit Boat Division. A quantity of 183 were factory assembled and given the hull number series shown. The remainder were sold as kits and had no hull number.
9. The 1941 Challenger (12) and the 1942 Double Cabin Enclosed Bridge Cruiser (10) models are included in this hull number series along with 5) "Special" models. The 40' Express Cruiser was included in 1942 Marketing Literature and Price Schedules but none were delivered.
10. Built by the Sea Skiff Division. In the 1964 Marketing Literature, this cruiser is named Express Cruiser. This cruiser is also listed as the Corinthian Express: 1964-1965.

[edit] References

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