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The 300's accomodations point to this M.O. For instance, the helm is not so artfully sculpted from glass and resin that gauges and switches are visible from just one position. Instead there's a simple gauge panel that can be easily read sitting or standing. Prefer to keep your cell phone at hand, rather than in it? Between the panel and the tilt wheel is a 7"-by-3'2" flat that is fenced-in with a 1" stainless-steel rail. The 3'8"-long helm bench's split bolster design allows both skipper and companion to stand in comfort. Six others can sit on similiarly-sized aft-facing lounges and the 3'4" portside lounge. Watch your head, though. The windshield's inboard curve overhangs this seat.
The companionway features a sliding screen door so you can keep cool and bug-free without a/c ($2,995). Descend three pedestal-mounted steps into the cabin. Its decor features colonial overtones: varnished cherry trim accents, flag-blue Ultra Leather upholstery and a tight, white woven-vinyl headliner. To port, the head features 5'11" of headroom, a shower curtain (boatbuilders take note: when are we going to see a gasketed door take the place of these hokey curtains?) and 1'7" between my knees and the bulkhead when on the head.
Beyond is the galley, where a Corian countertop features a cherry fiddle. But the fiddle lacks a cutout to ease cleaning. There's plenty of stowage in six drawers, two cabinets and a 4'-by-1'5" shelf, even with the TV/VCR combo ($995) installed. How did they do it? The fridge is mounted on the V-berth's aft bulkhead instead of under the counter, a good use of space. Despite the fridge (and water tank) location, Chris-Craft still incorporates carpeted stowage compartments port and starboard here.
The V-berth is 6'5" on centerline and 7'5" at its widest and has 3' of sitting-up-and-reading headroom. If this were my boat this would be my berth. The dinette is only 5'-by-3' when converted. Like the 5'-by-5'9" mid-cabin (with 4'2" of headroom) it's best reserved for kids or an unexpected guest.
On balance the dinette comfortably seats four for dinner or cards and the open companionway steps allow the mid-cabin to function as an airy alcove. The 6'1" of overall headroom belowdecks, three overhead hatches, six opening ports and cheery decor make the 300 a pleasant boat for entertaining.
