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Review: Chris Craft 40' Roamer

Discussion in 'Chris Craft Roamer Yacht' started by YachtForums, May 30, 2009.

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  1. Chris Craft 40' Roamer
    History Repeats Itself... And It's Good Thing!

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

    Talk about a step into history, Chris Craft, as one of the greatest
    sagas in boating, rambled back with one of its all-time greats in this Roamer 40'.​

    Sure, there are names in boating that come about and fade more than once. This one, however – this legend – has retained the extraordinary flavor of its past while embracing the latest in express cruiser design. It’s the Prince Valiant, or Odin, of power boating. So that if you know the past, or even if you don’t, you’ll quickly realize why the Chris Craft Roamer 40 offers the best of both worlds.

    Before we go too far into the nether region that once was, let’s take a look at just where the Roamer fits in today’s cruising milieu. I’ve known Chris Crafts since they were the stars of the cruising world, and remember fondly marina-living next to a big, comfy 48-footer way back when. That boat was an almost perfect live aboard, but when we took it out to anchor on the reefs for a little diving, it didn’t seem to care what conditions the seas were tossing at us. The C/C took it calmly; I suspect with a big smile on its face, in its element. The 40 Roamer has that same kind of sea-kindly attitude. It’s designed to handle whatever is out there, in the ocean, and does it with style.
  2. Leaving the marina and sloshing into the bay, winds were stiff from the northeast with an occasional gust to 18. The silvery streaks had begun to lengthen across the board, which warned me – via Mr. Beaufort – that 15 mph was the least we were going to see today. Gonna be lumpy. But no matter, our twin Volvos were growling to be set loose. Occasional spray spattered the windshields, but shoving the throttles up to its best cruise of 30 mph was feisty child’s play to the Roamer. We had very few of those knee-jolting wrenches as it climbed the rollers –surely due to her nicely flared bow and fine entry, with a 12-ft. beam – a soft ride even at speed. Sure, some droplets sailed as high as the hard top. Running down wind was a piece of cake, and when we found a lee behind a small island, it seemed the perfect place to drop the hook, and hang out in the comfy built-in couch at the bow. Strip off the tight-fitting cover, and relaxation is what it’s all about. That bow seat, however, is just a hint of the comfort this little gem has to offer.
  3. Harking back to an aft teak deck, and a custom wood steering wheel, plus the oversize cockpit with its teak table, gives the feel of real gentry. Yet even all the modern amenities leave no impression of what we used to call a “Clorox Bottle” back in the days of wooden hulls. The big L-shaped seating back there accommodates six adults, plus a teak table for al fresco dining. With the broad overhang of the hardtop, there is both sun and shade at the same time. The walk-through transom door leads to the swim platform; designed as an integral part of the hull, not just an add-on.
  4. Everything on this small yacht is first class and stylish. The elegance of a better grander era describes it quite well. Even the wide hatch in the aft cockpit, which opens to the engine compartment, blends in nicely. In fact the whole aft deck can be hydraulically raised for total access to the engines. But even with that, the cockpit entertainment center includes a wet bar, refrigerator/freezer with icemaker and storage.
  5. Forward in the cockpit, the helm sports a full panel in front of its adjustable captain’s chair, with everything laid out at a glance. Ample room is provided for all the goodies you care to install. Aport, too, is a comfy curved couch for four, which allows the driver to be a part of the conversation, while taking care of business out front.
  6. Below, the salon seems quite spacious for a yacht this size. Nicely finished cherrywood cabinetry marks the overall aura of comfort, while a light colored overhead adds to the airiness. Lights are equipped with rheostats so they can be full or dimmed to fit the occasion. Another noted Chris Craft signature is the handling of space. The salon sports a deep-cushioned, crescent-shaped couch circling a cherry and maple table. Designed to accommodate a normal space, the table is also expandable to feed the whole crowd at dinner.
  7. Plenty of room is allotted to the galley and prep areas, all brightened by large windows, skylights and opening ports; long a trademark of the builder. Located starboard, the galley features a Granicoat countertop with Corian inserts, which covers a custom molded, brushed stainless steel sink and 2-burner flush cook top. A teak and holly sole, with maple bulkheads, accents the Ultra-leather upholstery on the adjacent couch. Large, separate refrigerator and freezer units are also featured, as well as ample under-counter storage space. The salon also provides a 20” Sharp LCD TV, DVD, and Bose 3-2-1 sound system.
  8. Forward, the master stateroom includes a full-size berth, plus several builder’s options for bedspreads and color-coordinated décor choices, all illuminated by side windows, skylights and overhead reading lamps; long a trademark of the builder. Entertainment is also provided with an LCD TV/DVD package.
  9. The forward suite also includes a private head/shower, with a circular shower door. Here again, teak flooring lends a warm aura to the spacious room. Centered in the yacht is a twin-bed stateroom – with an optional filler to join then into a double. There is an opening port, as well as a private head.
  10. With a heritage deeply seeded in maritime tradition, dating back to 1874, Chris Craft is a name
    that still conjures up all that is right and wonderful about boating.

    <end>

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​


    Specifications:

    LOA: 43’6”
    Beam: 14’0”
    Draft: 3’2”
    Disp: 27,000 lbs.
    Deadrise: 20 Deg.
    Clearance: 12’0”
    Headroom: 6’8”
    Fuel: 340 gals.
    Water: 90 gals.
    Base Power: 2x 420hp Volvo Penta 8.1 Gsi gas inboards
    Top Speed: 35 mph
    Cruise Speed: 30 mph
    Range: 355 miles

    For more information contact:

    Chris Craft
    8161 15th Street East
    Sarasota, FL 34243
    (941) 351-4900
    www.chriscraft.com

    ***​
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