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Chris-Craft Corsair 33
by Armando Eason
130 Years of Tradition and Still Going Strong
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When Chris Smith built his first boat more than 130 years ago, he had four objectives: beauty, comfort, performance and practicality. The current owners, Stephen Julius and Stephen Heese, maintain that vision. When a boat-building company has stayed in business for more than 130 years it is obviously doing something right. Chris-Craft is the oldest boat-building company in America and has been building yachts since 1874.
The Chris-Craft Corsair 33 is sleek, fast and fun. This boat is perfect for a weekend at the islands, entertaining or just cruising in the bay. It’s well built, safe, durable and any owner would be proud to show it off, including its numerous custom touches.
The boat we tested was offered for sea trial by Bayport Yachts in Newport Beach, CA. Paul Frantz, who has been selling Chris-Craft yachts since 2002, answered all my questions about the boat and its specs. He took the boat through its paces and it performed beautifully.
On the sea trial, we encountered bumpy conditions, and it was somewhat windy out at sea. The boat cut through the chop with ease, and we never got wet at any speed. The boat turns within one boat length. We were able to talk in normal tones no matter how fast we were going. I went below at a high speed and was impressed with how quiet it was. There was very little engine noise and no equipment rattling; the Chris-Craft Corsair 33 is tight and solid.
The deep-V hull is constructed with hand-laid fiberglass to USCG, NMMA and ABYC standards. Upon inspecting the bilge and under the deck areas, I found the seams, joints and fiberglass work to be perfect. All of the joints were solid and well bonded with fiberglass or fasteners. The XL 10 stringer system is encapsulated in fiberglass for strength and durability. The decks are foam-filled for flexibility, weight-saving and longevity.
To gain access into the engine room, flick a switch and the hatch opens with a hydraulic lift. The space is well designed with all of the components within easy reach. All through-hull fittings, hoses and electrical components are labeled for easy identification.
Two powerful Mercury T-496 MAG Bravo 3 (375 hp) engines (diesel power is an option) are evident as soon as you open the hatch. The engines were set up so you can check the crankcase oil without entering the engine room. The oil dipstick and coolant reservoir are within easy reach. This spacious area makes it easy at a quick glance to inspect all necessary machinery before and after you start the engines and get under way.
The exhaust risers are coupled to stainless steel tubes that direct the exhaust underwater or out the side of the hull. This unique operation is controlled by the Corsa Performance Exhaust system. The captain can direct the exhaust with a selector switch at the operator’s station. When the exhaust is directed underwater, the engine tone is low and muffled. If the exhaust is directed out the side of the hull, the exhaust tone becomes a low “throaty” sound. Perfect at high speeds to relieve back pressure in the engines or if you just want to give it that hot rod feel.
A 5 kw Westerbeke generator is to port to give the boat plenty of power when needed. A Pro Tech 1240i Smart Charger is mounted on the forward bulkhead along with the Sea Fire suppression system. The 20-gallon holding tank is to starboard along with a Teleflex Actuator Shifter system. There are three bilge pumps in the engine room: two Rule 2000 pumps and one high-water Rule 2000 pump. A 6-gallon stainless steel water heater is mounted just forward on the port side. The engine room is well insulated with more than 1 inch of silver mylar to keep the noise at an absolute minimum.
The boat tested has teak on the decks, swim platform and toe rails. This option gives the Corsair a “big boat” feel with relatively little maintenance. Items such as cleats, hatches and vent covers have Chris-Craft engraved logos for that custom look and added beauty.
The spacious teak swim platform is molded seamlessly into the hull for stability, strength and attractiveness. There is a shower outlet and an inlet for fresh water on either side of the platform. Two 110v shore power receptacles are well hidden under the teak passageway to the cockpit just up from the swim platform.
The trademark Chris-Craft Tumblehome sweeps up to the huge cockpit. This area is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. The U-shaped settee is upholstered at Chris-Craft and the work is flawless. There is ample room to seat six comfortably. Overall, there is plenty of storage under the seats. Just forward, on the port side of the seating area, is a small refrigerator/cold plate with additional storage. On the starboard side is a sink with hot and cold running water. Under the starboard-side seating are the battery selector switches with crossover capabilities in case one of the main engine starting batteries is low on power; these are well hidden and out of the way.
The Bimini top is concealed under the engine hatch and behind the cockpit settee. This brilliant design keeps the stainless steel supports well out of the way. It’s simple to deploy, and the stainless steel supports lock securely into receiver locks on the windshield frame. You can enclose the cockpit/helm station with isinglass windows to keep you warm on those cold evenings.
The operator’s helm station, which seats two and has a 360-degree view, is just forward of the cockpit for easy entertaining. The helm and passenger seats offer a flip-up bolster so the operator/passenger can sit/stand while operating or on watch. The Teleflex engine controls are located next to the mahogany steering wheel. The Chris-Craft engine gauges are mounted on a stainless steel perforated panel. These old-school gauges are beautiful, unique and add great character to the yacht. All of the switches are mounted just below within easy reach. A Plastimo magnetic compass is mounted over the helm station for easy viewing and navigation.
The boat tested has a Kenwood AM/FM, CD and is Sirius ready with an iPod connection. There are speakers in the cockpit and the helm station. A Raymarine E-80 GPS plotter with chart navigation and depth finder is mounted just offset to port for easy viewing and operation.
The Solex glass windshield is framed with a beautiful stainless steel enclosure and a door/window that opens to allow passage to the foredeck. The design team at Chris-Craft has kept the foredeck clean and uncluttered. There are two teak handrails on either side of the sunpad area. Stainless steel trumpet horns are to starboard and out of the way.
The Lofrans Project 1000 USA anchor windlass is mounted inside a forward hatch. There’s a remote for easy anchor operation (forward and at the operator’s station). The anchor is mounted on the forward stem to keep the foredeck clear and clean. In addition, there’s a washdown for the anchor rode located in the hatch.
A tinted acrylic cabin door with stainless steel hardware affords privacy when below in the cabin. To port is the functional galley with a stainless steel sink and one-burner, electric stove top in the beautiful countertop. A Vitrifrigo stainless steel refrigerator and Tappan microwave complete the galley. A coffee maker is hidden behind one of the cabinet doors. There is an extra 110v outlet under the microwave.
Just aft of the galley area is the electrical control panel. Chris-Craft has designed this for easy reading and userfriendly operation. The panel is covered with tinted plexiglass to blend in with the surroundings.
The wood trim and cabinets in the galley are beautiful cherry. The cabin sole is maple and teak to give the area a lighter, more open feel. There is a cedar-lined hanging closet just forward of the head.
The V-shaped seating area around the triangular-shaped dining table will seat six comfortably and includes under-seat storage. The cherry wood-trimmed high-low table will lower to turn this area into a large bed. Cherry shelves surround the seating area for chart or book storage. 12v and 110v outlets are positioned behind the seating along with switches for the overhead lights and the mood lighting. Undertrim lights give the cabin a beautiful glow when bright lights are not necessary. Courtesy lighting is abundant throughout the boat.
A Bomar hatch is located over the seating area (on the foredeck) to let fresh air and natural light in the cabin. CruiseAir air conditioning will keep the cabin cool on hot summer days.
Moving aft, under the cockpit, is another sleeping/storage area. Chris-Craft has installed curtains for privacy or to isolate the area for storing equipment.
This boat is very responsive, fast, fuel efficient and safe but most of all, fun. It’s the perfect boat for a family or a short-range coastal cruise. Chris-Craft offers so many options it’s easy to customize your yacht to fit your lifestyle.
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This article first appeared in the February 2010 issue of Sea Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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