1989 Chris Craft 392 Commander

After taking over Uniflite Boats in 1985, Chris-Craft marketed several of the line’s models, including the 38 convertible – which they essentially renamed the 382 Commander. A year later, Chris-Craft redesigned the deckhouse and fly bridge, creating the 392 Commander.

Not as readily available as many of Chris-Craft’s other models, the 392 is still a wonderful used boat buy. Its classic sport fish lines and subtle Chris- Craft touches are a timeless design that has aged quite well. Stepping aboard, you will certainly note the spacious cockpit, well suited for relaxing in the sun on deck chairs, as well as its handling lines, whether they are the baited or mooring kind. The coaming is capped in teak and a decent sized transom door provides access to the swim platform, where this boat had a dinghy mounted on a roller system. Two hatches in the cockpit sole provide access to storage and a third to the 6.5-Kw Onan generator.

Access to the bridge is via the traditional ladder – although not great by today’s standards, this is functional. The bridge layout is typical for a sport fish or convertible with the helm seats at the aft edge behind a large helm console with guest seating forward. This is a layout you may or may not like, but the helm position is excellent for backing down into a slip.

Our test model’s helm was a mix of old and new electronics, so the cost of upgrading these systems would have to be taken into account in your purchasing budget. The 392 did sport a white, powder-coated arch for the antennas and radar, and the nicely designed white canvas still had a few more years of service left.

Access forward is a little tight along the side decks, so you have to hang on to the rail along the bridge side. However, the flat recessed deck forward of the Chris-Craft designed deckhouse is excellent for line handling.

The salon is accessed through a sliding door complete with a screen to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The salon in the single-cabin layout model (like this boat) feels quite open from the aft bulkhead to the dinette and galley down. Light floods the cabin from the aft windows and sliding door and the large side windows, while the forward windshield bathes the galley and dinette in sunlight (interestingly, Regal has reintroduced this feature to some of the current express models).Thankfully, the dual central air systems and curtains kept things comfortable at dockside.

The entire space and cabinetry is finished in warm traditional teak, a look that I personally love. Seating in the salon is provided by a pull-out sofa to starboard that converts to a berth and two tub chairs to port. A great benefit to these types of furnishings is that updating the window treatments and carpets and replacing the chairs and sofa can easily give the boat a whole new look – and at a reasonable cost.

A breakfast bar divides the salon from the galley and the electrical panel and entertainment centre protects the dinette area. The galley and dinette sole is finished in parquet, with a hatch in the galley sole for storing bulk items like soft drinks. The U-shaped galley has ample storage and an updated three-quarters fridge/freezer and microwave, an electric range and oven, and double stainless sink. It is nicely equipped and laid out for prepping some real meals. The dinette to port is roomy and will comfortably seat four for dinner. Why can’t we find dining arrangements like this on new boats?

Forward of the galley is an adequate head with a separate shower stall, so you aren’t wiping things down for a half hour after a five minute shower.

 Behind a teak door forward is the master stateroom with a queen-size island berth. Although the storage space found in the cabinets flanking the berth is average, additional items can be accommodated on the shelf that wraps around the cabin.

Our test boat’s owner spoke passionately about the vessel’s attractive lines and excellent sea keeping abilities, commenting that the modified-V hull could handle more punishment than the crew could. Other positive comments covered the build quality of the overall boat and the attention to detail with the interior finishing.

Negative comments from the owner included the height of the swim platform off the water and scuppers in the cockpit that were easily clogged with dirt and leaves. As well, ventilation to the backside of the galley refrigerator had to be improved to keep it working efficiently.

Getting underway, the 392 Commander is well mannered with excellent control around the docks. The hull handles itself well at all speeds and she cruises nicely at 17 to 18 knots with her standard 454 Crusaders.

Chris-Craft produced the 392 Commander from 1985 through 1990, so there are a good number out there to choose from. If you are fortunate, you may find one with the optional 375-hp 3208 Cat diesels that really make the Commander a long-legged performer.

Twin 454 ci Crusader V8 gasoline
inboard engines, 350 hp apiece
Length: 38 ft 11 in / 11.86m
Beam: 13 ft 11 in / 4.24m
Draft: 3 ft 9 in / 1.14m
Weight: 28,000 lb / 12,700 kg
Fuel Capacity: 350 gal / 1,590
litres
Holding Tank: 28 gal / 127 litres
Freshwater: 100 gal / 455 litres