Chris-Craft Comanche 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comanche 42 was designed as an "ocean racer" under the Cruising Club of America (CCA) rating rule, though its lines show the early influence of the International Offshore Rule (IOR). With a displacement of approximately 17,500 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 40%, the vessel is noted for its exceptional stiffness and ability to carry sail in heavy air. Its fin keel reduces wetted surface compared to the full-keel designs of the early 1960s, allowing for faster acceleration and significantly better tacking angles.

Handling is characterized by the responsiveness of the spade rudder, which provides immediate feedback and more control in following seas than a traditional keel-hung rudder. While the hull shape features the classic S&S overhangs—which provide a long, graceful appearance at the dock—the effective waterline length increases when the boat heels, boosting its theoretical hull speed. Owners frequently note that the Comanche 42 tracks remarkably well upwind, a hallmark of the Sparkman & Stephens philosophy, though the narrow beam typical of the era can lead to a more pronounced rolling motion when running dead downwind in a swell.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comanche 42 reflects the transition from the "working" yacht to the "luxury" cruiser. While the layout is strictly traditional, the finish work utilized high-grade mahogany and teak, distinguishing it from the more spartan interiors of contemporary European racers. The standard configuration includes a forward V-berth with an adjacent hanging locker and a private head compartment featuring a shower.

The main salon is optimized for offshore use, typically featuring a pilot berth and a pull-out settee on each side to provide secure sleeping quarters while underway. This "four-berth" salon arrangement was a standard for racing yachts of the time. Moving aft, the galley is positioned to starboard with a deep sink and icebox, while a dedicated navigation station sits to port. Variations in the interior often relate to the specific wood finishes chosen during the production run, as Chris-Craft offered varying levels of trim. Unlike modern "wide-body" cruisers, the Comanche’s 10-foot 10-inch beam results in a narrower cabin, but this creates a secure environment with plenty of handholds for movement in a seaway.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comanche 42 should focus on the technical realities of a first-generation fiberglass hull that is now over 50 years old. While the hulls were built with a robust laminate schedule, several areas require scrutiny:

1. Rudder Post and Spade Assembly: As one of the early adopters of the spade rudder, the Comanche 42 can suffer from crevice corrosion in the rudder post or delamination of the rudder blade itself. Inspections should focus on the internal skeletal structure of the rudder and the integrity of the stuffing box.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Chris-Craft utilized balsa-core construction for the decks to save weight. Over decades, leaks around the stanchion bases, chainplates, or the large mahogany handrails can lead to localized delamination and soft spots.
3. Chainplate Attachments: The Comanche 42 utilizes substantial rigging to support its high-aspect mast. Buyers should inspect the bulkheads where the chainplates are bolted for signs of water ingress or wood rot, which can compromise the structural tension of the rig.
4. Original Engine Replacement: Many Comanche 42s were originally fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Westerbeke diesels. Prospective owners should verify if the vessel has been repowered, as the engine room access is relatively tight, making modern diesel conversions a labor-intensive project.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of the Comanche 42 are often active within the broader Sparkman & Stephens community. The Sparkman & Stephens Association provides a centralized technical repository and a global network of owners who maintain these classic designs. Because the Comanche 42 shares many design DNA markers with the Swan 43 and the Tartan 41, technical data regarding rigging and hull performance is often cross-referenced within these high-performance classic yacht circles.

The Verdict

The Chris-Craft Comanche 42 is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a rare blend of mid-century American craftsmanship and world-class naval architecture.

Pros

• Pedigree: Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, ensuring long-term value and aesthetic appeal.
• Upwind Performance: Exceptional pointing ability and stiffness in a breeze.
• Construction: Heavy-duty fiberglass hull that remains structurally sound if properly maintained.
• Aesthetics: One of the most beautiful profiles of the late 1960s, featuring classic S&S lines and mahogany trim.

Cons

• Narrow Beam: Offers less interior volume and "social space" than modern 40-footers.
• Maintenance: Exterior wood trim and aging fiberglass systems require a dedicated maintenance schedule.
• Draft: The fin keel design may limit access to shallower cruising grounds compared to centerboard models.