Comanche 42 (Chris-Craft) Information, Review, Specs

The Chris-Craft Comanche 42 emerged during a significant transitional period for Chris-Craft, as the company moved from its iconic wooden powerboats to fiberglass construction in the mid-22th century. The company's foray into sailboats, specifically fiberglass models, began in 1962 and lasted until 1976, with all sailboats constructed at their Algonac, Michigan facility.

The Comanche 42 was a product of Chris-Craft's exclusive collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens, a partnership that ensured their sailboats maintained a reputation for solid design and performance. The design philosophy behind the Comanche 42 leaned towards creating a capable ocean racer, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, attributes that contribute to both steering control and hydrodynamic efficiency. While initially rigged as a fractional sloop, some later models were delivered with a masthead rig, offering a variation in sail plan to suit different preferences or racing rules of the era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chris-Craft Comanche 42 exhibits sailing characteristics that position it as a capable and stable performer, particularly suited for offshore work. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.66 suggests a moderate-weight sailboat capable of reasonable performance across a range of wind conditions, showing a slight edge in lighter air while still handling heavier breezes efficiently. The high Ballast to Displacement ratio, nearly 0.49, indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong blow without excessive heel. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway and a stable platform, a quality often praised by owners.

With a Displacement to Length ratio of around 282.5, the Comanche 42 falls into the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser. This weight class, combined with its Sparkman & Stephens design, translates to an impressive and stable motion through the water, capable of making good progress even in challenging sea states. Owners have frequently noted its "impressive performance on the water" and its ability to handle the ocean, describing it as "very stable / stiff" and having "excellent righting." The original fractional sloop rig, often configured as a 15/16 rig with running backstays, provided a powerful and adjustable sail plan for competitive sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Chris-Craft Comanche 42 is designed for comfortable cruising and extended time aboard, reflecting the builder's tradition of quality and an emphasis on functional living spaces. The cabin is typically described as warm and friendly, often featuring paneled finishes that were characteristic of Chris-Craft's era of production.

The layout generally includes a private forward stateroom, commonly configured with twin berths and two hanging lockers, providing dedicated sleeping quarters. The main salon would typically feature settees and a dining area. The galley is well-equipped for offshore living, with examples including a propane three-burner stove, an oven, and refrigeration, making meal preparation feasible during longer voyages. A dedicated head compartment is also standard, often featuring a manual marine toilet. The boat carries a substantial water capacity of 70 gallons, supporting longer periods away from shore. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the boat's overall length and design suggest comfortable standing room in primary living areas.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chris-Craft Comanche 42 consistently express high regard for the vessel's robust construction and offshore capabilities. Many choose the Comanche 42 specifically for its inherent stability and its proven ability to handle demanding ocean passages, often referring to its "great bones." The Sparkman & Stephens design is frequently cited as a key factor in its enduring appeal, ensuring the boat performs well while maintaining a comfortable and secure motion.

While specific recurring issues are not widely documented, the general consensus among owners is that these solid fiberglass yachts are well-built and, when properly maintained, continue to offer excellent value as capable cruiser-racers. The care and attention many owners devote to their Comanche 42s underscore their appreciation for the model's quality and design.