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Huh? A 30' cabin cruiser that doesn't look like a stern drive-propelled bleach bottle? No multi-stepped, magic-lift hull? No rarer-than-plutonium construction materials? No double-turbo-electronically-controlled Mag engines? None of that stuff and it still cruises, runs and feels just fine using only single-prop drives?
The 300 Express Cruiser from Chris-Craft proves you don't need to be on the cutting edge to build a great boat. You just need a firm handle on what works. And Chris-Craft does. The 300's sensible layout, proven construction method and salty good looks inspire confidence and pride. With its competitive base price, the 300's attributes are sure to generate smiles as well. And smiling, after all, is what boating is supposed to be all about.
OLD FAITHFUL. The 300's conventional deep-V hull performed faithfully. With the test boat's 220-hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GL/SX stern drives trimmed under and humming, it rose to plane in 3.55 seconds with only a momentary loss of visibility over the bow. That performance is typical of most boats sharing the 300's steep, 21-degree transom deadrise when tabs aren't used during planing. Use them and you shave a half a second off time to plane and never lose sight of the horizon. In either case your tow toy days aren't over if you move up to the 300.
HIGHS: What a foredeck! And how about those salty good looks! A sensible layout that works well. Systems installed with style and aplomb. Nice hull - bring on the chop.
LOWS: Ouch! My head hurts. The windshield curve overhangs the port lounge. Ouch, again! Either limbo through the windshield or remove the Bimini.
On top at 24 mph the 300 ate the 2' and 3' wakes of a passing yacht squadron with ease. Its minimum plane of 14 mph, at 2600 RPM and full tabs, will get you through the rough stuff dryly and without pounding. The reason? Besides the deep-V, its 10'6" beam doesn't exceed the 3:1 length-to-beam ratio designers favor for sea-kindly hulls. On the hook for the night? Sleep tight. The 9,000 pounds of displacement and reverse chines will dampen the roll.
While cruising, you'll want to run it at 3500 rpm, enjoying the predictable and precise handling that deep-Vs are famous for and netting better than 2 mpg in the bargain. In all, the 300 delivers predictable performance that you can count on in a variety of conditions.
