1961 55' Chris Craft Constellation

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M.V. Independence
1961 55' Chris-Craft Constellation

Chris-Craft is well known for their beautiful and seaworthy motoryachts such as the Constellation. The Constellation, affectionately called "Connies" by their loyal owners, was perhaps the most sought-after yacht of the time. Well built, fast, rugged and seaworthy, they were the flagships of the Chris-Craft corporation. The magnificent Constellation was designed for the most discriminating yachtsman. It was superbly fashioned in every detail, built to give unexcelled performance and styled for lasting beauty.

Commissioned in November of 1960, for model year 1961, at the Chris-Craft facility in Pompano Beach Florida, this plank on frame mahogany and teak yacht has all the comforts of home on the water. Independence is the last of eight of her model built that year by Chris-Craft at Pompano.

In 1961 a Chevy Impala sold for $995, tailored women's slacks averaged $9.90 and a 2 cycle, RCA Washing machine, cost $148. The list price for Independence, before any of the many extras were added was $90,000. At that time according to the US Social Security Administration the average yearly wage was $4,000.

Her inherent design, grace and beauty make her a breed apart from most vessels of her size. Everything about Independence is classic and traditional in style. The strong, carvel planked hull is painted in the traditional Chris-Craft colors of Midnight Blue and White. The classic gold scroll Chris-Craft triple C logo adorns both sides of the bow. Rich Chris-Craft mahogany stain and high gloss finish cover the railings, molding and trim. While the superstructure is finished with, a high gloss Snow White. Her mahogany interior is is beautifully finished throughout and is tastefully quiet and simple yet offers the ultimate in comfortable living afloat. With a length of fifty-five feet, a beam of fourteen feet, six inches and with over 6’ of headroom she has plenty of space to relax and roam around. Chris-Craft reduced the rolling of their large cruisers by building the Constellation models with a hard chine. In addition, with a six-foot freeboard she offers excellent protection and safety in the rough waters. Her twin diesels produce 672-hp and can drive her at speeds to 24 mph.

Independence speaks to a time when cruising had a sense of elegance and timelessness. She is equipped for entertaining and long range coastal cruising in comfort and style. With three large double staterooms, she accommodates six people very comfortably. Marine professionals continually provide all the servicing and maintenance to insure worry free continues service.

Please send your views, thoughts and comments to:
Tom Kenny

I must go down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
and all I ask is a tall ship, (or a Chris-Craft Connie)
and a star to steer her by.

- John Masefield -