CLASSIC CRAFT
T-Sea
The first Chris-Craft Commander debuted at the 1964 New York Boat Show. Not only was she a beautiful express cruiser, but she surprised and wowed showgoers because she was “Styled in Fiberglass” — the slogan Chris-Craft gave to its allnew, state of the art line of all-fiberglass cruisers. The 1968 model year saw the introduction of the 35 Commander, which is, in my opinion, the best looking cruiser ever built. And as a teenager in the 1990s, I knew I had to have one. By then I already owned my first boat, a 21-foot Wellcraft cuddy that I ran all over the Western Basin of Lake Erie. As much as I loved that boat, I was ready to buy my own cabin cruiser and spend weekends aboard like I grew up doing on my family’s boat. After looking at a variety of generic express cruisers, my parents finally pointed out the obvious: Why would I pour my heart and scarce funds into an interim boat that I’d just sell in a couple years at a loss? I loved the Commander — go find my Commander. And at age 19, I did. I looked all over for the right candidate — a specific make and model that only saw production numbers in the low 200s — before finding one practically in my backyard in Vermilion, Ohio. She was tired, dirty, and what systems were still functioning were doing so with the proverbial duct tape and bailing wire. But she was all there — the perfect candidate. This spring, I’m celebrating 20 years of ownership. In those years, I’ve completely restored and upgraded nearly everything aboard, both mechanical and cosmetic. At this point, it’s easier to simply tell you that the sole piece of untouched original equipment is the optional two-burner electric stove. While I’ve made some significant changes, I’ve done my best to be faithful to her designers’ intent — keeping her in, as I call it, the spirit of original. I’m also very proud of the fact that, outside of some engine work early on, I’ve done all of the work myself. The past 20 years have been sheer bliss, and I can’t wait for the next 20. She’s a regular sight around the Western Basin and Lake Erie Islands. If you see us around, don’t hesitate to say hello! —Tom Michaels, Sandusky, OH ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM if you have a Classic Craft with a great story to share!
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F E B R U A R Y 2022
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LAKELANDBOATING.COM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM MICHAELS
1968 Chris-Craft 35 Commander Express
