Commander Hall of Fame

In every club there are persons who have meant more to the club than others. This is our humble tribute to them and we gladly honor them a place in our Commander Hall of Fame.

The Designer Mastermind

Dick Avery

There is one man to whom all Commander owners owe a great deal of gratitude. It is, of course, Dick Avery, stylist at Chris Craft.

Dick joined Chris Craft in 1962 after working as a designer of concept and show cars at Ford’ Styling in Dearborn. After only a couple of years he was appointed Chief Stylist and thus came to play an instrumental role in the development of the Commanders.

In an article in the Club’s newsletter Styled in Fiberglass (Issue 2/2201) Dick acknowledges the importance for him personally by saying “The Commanders were special to me because I envisioned them as floating sculptures, depicting strong, functional, speedy elegance.”

Today, Dick Avery lives in Florida with his lovely wife Maureen. They frequently attend Commander Club Rendezvous and other Club events and thus give us all the unique possibility to speak directly to the person who designed our very boats some 40 years ago.

Governors & Founders

The gentlemen shown below represent the first 6 years of leadership for the Chris Craft Commander Club. In the era preceding the approval of the bylaws (2005), the Club was led by this group of this very dedicated and capable men, often referred to as the Governors.

The club owes each an incredible debt of gratitude, for without their time, energy and dedication, the group would not be the driving force within the classic boating circle it has become. The Club thanks each of you, and wishes you well, and looks forward to your continued contributions.

Curt Radford

Commander Model: 1967 38'

Serving the Club: 1999 - 2005

Founding Member

Lawrence Neisler

Commander Model: 1965 38'

Serving the Club: 2003 - 2005

Still serving the club as the Membership Chair on the new Executive Committee

Paul Pletcher

Commander Model: 1966 38'

Serving the Club: 1999 - 2005

Founding Member

Tim Miller

Commander Model: 1968 35'

Serving the Club: 2002 - 2005

Dick Morland

Commander Model: 1969 38'

Serving the Club: 1999 - 2005

Archivist, Founding Member

Lee Dahlen

Commander Model: 1967 38' and a 1966 27'

Serving the Club: 2004 - 2005

Archivist

Robert Cutchins

Commander Model: 1968 42'

Serving the Club: 1999 - 2005

Webmaster, Editor,

Founding Member

Still serving the club as the PR-Chair on the new Executive Committee

Todd Heinrich

Commander Model: 1967 38'

Serving the Club: 1999 - 2005

Treasurer/President,

Founding Member

Recievers of the CCCC Hall of Fame Award

The Hall of Fame Award is an award granted to members who have done exceptional services and contributions to the Chris Craft Commander Club.

The inaugural presentation of the award was done at the Rendezvous in Algonac August 2007 and the beneficiaries were Jim Wick and Bob Bothum for their outstanding service to the Club.

The gentlemen used to work for Chris Craft during the Commander years in the 1960-ties through 1980-ties and thus possess an immense amount of knowledge and insight into our beloved boats. They joined the CCCC from the beginning back in 2000 and have since been very generous in sharing their knowledge with needing and curious members.

Today, the are proprietors of LPX-Sales, a company specialized in supplying spare parts for Chris Crafts of all kinds, and thus an important parts source for many members.

Jim Wick (left) and Bob Bothum (right) also co-hosted the 2004 Rendezvous in their home town Bradenton, Florida.