The boat was constructed at Chris-Craft’s dedicated fiberglass facility in Algonac, Michigan, using heavy-duty hand-laid laminates that have earned the model a reputation for immense structural integrity. While Chris-Craft is often remembered for its mahogany runabouts, the Comanche 42 proved that the company could compete in the offshore sailing market, offering a blend of S&S-designed sea-kindliness and the high-end interior finishing typical of the Chris-Craft brand. Today, the Comanche 42 is regarded as a "classic plastic" cruiser that appeals to sailors who value historical pedigree and robust heavy-weather performance.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Comanche 42 is widely recognized for its "stiff" sailing characteristics, a direct result of its high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 44%. With nearly 8,000 pounds of lead encapsulated in its fin keel, the boat carries its sail area exceptionally well, often remaining upright and powered up while lighter contemporary cruisers are forced to reef. The hull features the classic S&S "bustle" near the stern, which was designed to improve water flow and reduce drag, a hallmark of Sparkman & Stephens designs from the early International Offshore Rule (IOR) era.
In terms of handling, the spade rudder provides the Comanche 42 with a level of responsiveness that was superior to the full-keel Apache 37, its smaller sibling. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind, maintaining a steady groove even in a chop. However, like many designs of its generation with a relatively narrow beam (10' 10") and a high-aspect masthead sloop rig, it can exhibit some rhythmic rolling when sailing dead downwind in heavy seas. Most tactical sailors find that "tacking" downwind or utilizing a well-trimmed pole stabilizes the motion significantly.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Comanche 42 reflects the transition from the traditional wood-dominated era to the fiberglass age. While the hull is GRP, the cabin is finished with a generous amount of mahogany and teak joinery, providing a warmth that many modern production boats lack. The standard layout features a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth with an overhead hatch for ventilation, followed by a full-width head and hanging lockers.
The main salon is typically configured with a pilot berth and a pull-out settee to port, with a fixed dinette or second settee to starboard. This "four-berth" salon configuration was optimized for racing crews but serves modern cruisers well as secure sleeping quarters while underway. The galley is located aft, usually in a U-shape or split configuration near the companionway to ensure the cook remains secure in a seaway. High-authority technical records from the Chris-Craft heritage archives indicate that while the 42 was the primary hull, customization was available in upholstery and minor cabinetry details, though the structural bulkheads remained consistent across the production run.
The Comanche 42 shares its design DNA with other S&S-designed Chris-Craft models of the era, most notably the Apache 37 and the Cherokee 32. While the Apache 37 utilized a long keel with a "scimitar" rudder attached to the trailing edge, the Comanche 42 was the more progressive "big sister," utilizing the separated fin and spade configuration to achieve higher speeds and better maneuverability.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many fiberglass boats of the late 1960s, Chris-Craft used balsa-coring in the decks to save weight. Prospective buyers should use a phenolic hammer or moisture meter to check for delamination, particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step.
- Rudder Port and Bearing Wear: The spade rudder on the Comanche 42 is a high-load component. Over decades of use, the rudder post bearings can develop play, leading to "clunking" or vibration while under power or in heavy steering conditions.
- Original Engine Condition: Many Comanches were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many owners have since repowered with diesel engines (such as Yanmar or Westerbeke). If the boat still carries an Atomic 4, the fuel system and manifold should be inspected for corrosion and safety compliance.
- Chainplate Inspection: The stainless steel chainplates are glassed into the hull or bolted to reinforced bulkheads. Given the age of these vessels, crevice corrosion is a concern where the plates pass through the deck.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Comanche 42 often find technical support and historical documentation through the Chris-Craft Antique & Classic Boat Society, which, while focused on powerboats, maintains archives relevant to the company's fiberglass transition. Additionally, because the boat is an S&S design, the Sparkman & Stephens Association provides a wealth of design-specific data and a global community of owners who maintain similar designs like the Tartan 34 or the Hinckley 41.
The Verdict
The Chris-Craft Comanche 42 is a distinguished ocean sailer that offers a rare combination of 1960s American luxury and world-class naval architecture. It is best suited for the traditionalist who prioritizes structural "over-building" and upwind performance over the voluminous interiors of modern coastal cruisers.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-laid fiberglass hulls that are significantly thicker than modern equivalents.
- S&S Pedigree: Excellent balance and heavy-weather capability designed by the world's then-premier firm.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Classic lines with a low profile that remains elegant in any marina.
Cons:
- Narrow Beam: The interior feels significantly more cramped than a modern 42-footer, particularly in the aft quarters.
- Maintenance Requirements: Aging systems and the potential for deck core issues require an owner dedicated to ongoing restoration.
- Aft Cabin Absence: Lacks the private aft staterooms common in contemporary designs of this length.
