1990 Chris-Craft 392 Commander “39 Chris-Craft Commander 392 1990”

Under the direction of Greg Poulos this vessel was stripped down to her essentials and carefully and methodically restored much like a classic automobile would preserving every aspect of her legendary heritage of the Chris-Craft name. In her final stages of this restoration Poulos has yet to complete the soft good selections such as flooring and upholsery wanting to leave these choices to her new owner(s). This has been a labor of love for Poulos as he nears his retirement wanting to leave the industry he is so well known for with a "gem" of a commemorative 392 Commander.

Salon

• Buyer’s Choice flooring
• Custom Upholstery (Buyer’s Choice) couch to port with storage below and in back rest
• Custom leather couch to starboard storage in back rest and storage below
• Reverse Cycle Air conditioning and heating
• Engine room access

Forward Stateroom

• Queen island style berth
• Hanging clothing locker
• Overhead Ventilation and Emergency Egress Hatch

Guest Stateroom

The optional second stateroom offers large upper/lower bunks, hanging locker.

• Teak and holly flooring
• Corian counter tops with integrated sink
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Two burner electric cook top
• Microwave
• Ample cabinet space

• 12 V 110V 220V
• Generator w/ hours,
• 3 batteries
• 40 amp automatic battery charger
• electric windlass
• shore power cords.

• Spacious cockpit with combing bolsters and teak cap rail
• New Teak Decking
• Swim step
• Tackle center with storage
• (2) Shore power connections
• Fresh and saltwater washdowns
• LED spreader light
• 110v deck lights
• ____windlass with approx. ___chain and ___of rope
• Stainless steel bow rail and ladder

The Cummins QSM 380 HP is highly regarded as a durable, reliable, and quiet marine diesel engine, often praised for its excellent power-to-weight ratio and clean operation. It is popular for sportfishing and cruising, with 24-valve technology providing fast acceleration and high-pressure common rail efficiency.

Key Takeaways and Reviews:

• Performance & Reliability: Users report the QSM is a solid engine, with some documented cases of strong performance even after 5,000+ hours of operation.
• Operation: The common rail system provides nearly silent operation at idle, with no smoke or smell, and smooth, high-speed performance.
• Maintenance: Generally reliable, but high-performance engines require strict, consistent maintenance to prevent issues like aftercooler failures.
• Specifications: It is a 6-cylinder inline engine that fits well into smaller engine bays (30ft-36ft+ boats), offering high horsepower in a small package.

Common Considerations:

• Optimal Cruising: Many users recommend monitoring engine load (often around 75% load) to prevent long-term overworking, as some users reported high fuel burn if over-propped.
• Sensor Issues: Some users have reported issues with engine sensors or minor power restrictions, highlighting the importance of properly functioning electronics.
• Compared to others: Similar to the 230hp and 330hp versions but with different turbo/aftercooler tuning.

Overall, the QSB 380 HP is widely seen as an excellent repower option and a dependable power plant for new vessels, provided it has been properly maintained.

• Twin 2018 Manufacturer Complete Rebuild Cummins QSM 380 HP with full Manufacturer Warranties
• Twin Disc transmissions
• Generator
• Electronic controls
• Oil changing system
• Racor fuel filters
• Dripless shaft seals
• 2024 House batteries

39’ Chris Craft Commander

This vessel is an historic Older Hull and fiberglass parts. However, this vessel should not be considered “Used” for the following reasons described below.

The vessel is Re-Manufactured, only the gelcoat is original but is in very good condition.

ENGINE ROOM

The old Caterpillar V-8 diesel engines and gears were removed, as was the old Onan generator.

The engine room was stripped down of all hoses, wiring, filters and accessories. It was completely steam cleaned, Fiberglass repairs made, old holes filled and painted.

Two (2) 2018 Factory remanufactured 380B Cummins Electrical 380 HP Diesel engines installed with new motor mounts. All new bronze valves for water cooling with sea strainers on outside of hull. All new wiring harnesses to Flybridge to new Custom instrument panels. All new gauges, switches, compass and hour meters. Brand new depth finder & VHF radio on bridge. Remanufactured Z.F. 2:1 Transmissions, dripless shaft seals. All bridge wiring is brand new.

• Aft bulkhead panel, old sliding door removed. Brand new aluminum door, hinged with S/S
• hinges RH side.
• Tempered sun-resistant aft window in aluminum frame over new tackle drawer & ice
• bin. Custom cabinet is permanently installed.
• Air conditioning is brand new as well as sea water cooling pump: all new hoses.
• All wiring throughout boat has been changed with new.
• Brand new lighting throughout boat.
• Brand new refrigerator drawer & freezer drawer.
• Brand new sinks, toilets, faucets, and shower head.
• Brand new Headliner throughout boat
• Brand new batteries, including battery cables to starter. Brand new teak deck step,
• ladder steps and covering boards. (Will detail vessel upon sale)
• Dive platform with ladder to get onboard
• Brand new Rupp Dual spreader Outriggers
• Brand new Fighting chair with new rod holders (Optional: if wanted)
• Two Reconditioned Flybridge Chairs with new cushions
• Antennas, running light and Flood light: brand new
• Brand new steering ram & hydraulics and steering wheel with hydraulic actuator.
• All throttle and shift cables are brand new
• All electrical switches, gauges, compass on flybridge are brand new
• Custom Main electrical panel brand new
• New tanks throughout vessel : Fuel, water, holding tanks
• UNDERWATER GEAR
• Props, shafts, are NEW
• Underwater lights New
• All cutlass bearings are new on shafts and rudders
• PropSpeed on props
• Upon haul out: bottom to be repainted, new zincs installed

The 39’ Chris-Craft Commander (often called 38/39 Commander variants depending on model year and marketing) tied closely to the Pompano Beach, Florida plant has some pretty interesting—and sometimes overlooked—history.

The legacy of the 39’ Chris-Craft Commander, often referenced alongside its close 38’ sibling, stands as a testament to American boatbuilding innovation and enduring appeal. Introduced in the mid-1960s, these Commanders were among the very first large fiberglass cruisers produced in the United States, marking a dramatic departure from traditional wooden construction and setting a new standard for performance, style, and durability. Many of these boats were constructed at the storied Pompano Beach, Florida facility, especially after Chris-Craft’s historic Michigan yard closed in 1972. The Pompano plant became the heart of fiberglass yacht production, with both standard and custom Commanders—like the hull bearing identification number CCNCA267E090—crafted with precision and care. In this particular hull number, “CCN” designates Chris-Craft as the manufacturer, “CA” confirms Florida construction at Pompano Beach, with the subsequent digits revealing individual hull sequence and build date (in this case, May 1990). Today, these Pompano-built Commanders are highly coveted among collectors not only for their advanced engineering and handsome lines, but also for their tangible connection to a pivotal era in boating history. Their unique hull numbers, typically found on the starboard transom or within the engine compartment, serve as enduring badges of authenticity, linking each vessel to an era of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to inspire admiration on the water.

Here are solid, factual highlights:

⚓ Origins & Design Context

• The Commander line was introduced in 1964 as Chris-Craft’s first major fiberglass yacht series, marking a huge shift from wood construction.
• The original benchmark was the 38’ Commander Express, which became the foundation for later variants (including the 39’ class boats).
• These boats were among the earliest large fiberglass cruisers in the U.S., at a time when very few builders were working in fiberglass over 30 feet.

Pompano Beach Production

• After Chris-Craft shut down its historic Michigan yard in 1972, major production shifted to plants including Pompano Beach, Florida.
• Many late-60s through 70s Commanders—including 38’/39’ variants—were built or finished at the Pompano facility, which became a key hub for fiberglass yacht production.
• Documented examples confirm custom and production Commanders being built in Pompano Beach in the early 1970s.

The 39’ Commander Itself

• The “39’ Commander” designation is often:
  • A marketing or later-owner reference to stretched or updated 38’ hulls
  • Or tied to specific configurations (Sport Fish, Sedan, Yacht Fish) that varied slightly in LOA
• These boats were part of the “Mainstream Commander” range (31’–38’/39’) designed for:
  • Offshore cruising
  • Sportfishing
  • Family liveaboard use

Construction & Build Quality

• Early fiberglass Commanders (including 39’ class boats) were:
  • Heavily overbuilt due to conservative early fiberglass engineering
  • Often solid-glass hulls (no coring below waterline)

This overengineering is why many are still running today—these boats have a reputation as “tanks” in offshore conditions.

Why Pompano Beach Matters

• The Pompano plant represented Chris-Craft’s transition into modern production
• Boats from this facility:
  • Reflect peak fiberglass-era craftsmanship
  • Often show customization and regional influence (South Florida fishing culture)
• It also placed production right in the heart of the U.S. sportfishing scene

Legacy

• The 38/39 Commanders are considered:
  • One of the most important transitional yachts in Chris-Craft history
  • A bridge between classic wood boats and modern fiberglass cruisers
• They helped establish Chris-Craft as a serious player in the offshore cruising and sportfish market

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) CCNCA267E090 offers valuable information about both the construction and the origin of the vessel. In this HIN, “CCN” is the manufacturer’s prefix for Chris-Craft, while “CA” often indicates the specific plant or production location. The string “267” is the unique serial number for the hull, and “E090” details the production date—typically, “E” stands for May and “090” represents the model year of 1990.

With “CA” appearing in the HIN, this Commander was constructed at the Pompano Beach, Florida facility. This plant was a key site for Chris-Craft’s transition to fiberglass production and became renowned for the quality and craftsmanship of its yachts. Commanders built at Pompano Beach are highly sought after by collectors for their exceptional build and historical significance, often distinguished by their unique hull numbers and factory plate locations, which can be found on the starboard transom or inside the engine compartment.