I have a 1978 45' SPort Fish that I've owned since 2002. I've done a complete rebuild on the 871 Ts (less than 1000 hours now), new electronics, recent topside awlgrip. It's been a great boat I'm debating whether to refinsih the interior or just sell. I need help figuring out the hull ID, especially if I'm going to sell. Since I've owned this, the hull number assigned is 451-9060F. This is on a brass plate that has always been with the boat. However, when I clicked on the models tab, the numbers dont match. Further it says this model was only made through 1977. At one point, it was documented #602352. How/where can I confirm the hull number? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
HI Hart!
I did a search using the documentation number https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
Here are the results.
We also have this brochure that is on the 45 Tournament Fisherman page under models - https://www.commanderclub.com/models-by-id/358613ec-97d7-46ac-ac45-7b1a0a26b319
Your boat could also have an HIN number as well as a Chris-Craft hull number. Sometimes it is on the transom of the boat. Yours could have been built in late 1977 and recorded as a 1978. The 450 model was build between 1972 and 1981. Difference between a 45 TF and 450 -- I don't know.
Further Reading on Hull numbers: https://www.commanderclub.com/files And select Hull Numbers. Read all 4 documents listed.
We don't have much information on three digit Commanders and depend on members who may have information. Interesting that your plate says 451 but Coast Guard says 450 and our information shows a 450 as the tournament and 451 as the flushdeck.
One other thing to consider. After 1974 and beginning with 1975 CC went to the USCG HIN on the Starboard rear corner. It was a white piece of engraved plastic. Those HIN's "should have" Started with CCH and ended with the year model Ie: B575. (Built in Feb of 75 and a 75 model) was a Coast Guard Standard and Most CC's had both numbers. Chris Craft also has some idle time during this period as well. An Example: I rebuilt a 36 Tourney that was originally built in 73 by the HullID but not finished going down the line before the 75 model year. She sat Idle for a bit. So I had 2 Hull Numbers. an FDA36 in the engine room on the plate, and the plastic HIN on the stern quarter with the CCH number. She also had a sticker at the helm of "Meeting all CG requirements for the year model 1975.
Hope this helps shed some light. Lee
I wondered why I had a hull number on the engine hatch, and a number on the transom. The boat was at the dealership until 2020, never titled, so I chose the more important looking hull number on the brass plaque for the title. Maybe the Coast Guard would prefer a title with the plastic plate on the transom? I thought the CG required having the HIN in two places, I haven't found a second copy of the number on the transom, another reason I didn't think it was a HIN.
Another in the anchor locker
Chris always did it in MANY places. Look under a drawer or a step (usually in pencil) The CG / States would prefer the CCH number on the transom.
Scott, I also have two different ID numbers on my boat. The transom has CCHMG0190972 and the brass plate has FDA-36-0019-H.
Thanks to all for your responses. Very much appreciated. I'll start searching for any other HIN markings on the boat.
I remember someone telling me the reason the HIN is stamped in so many places... was that if the boat sank it would be on all the pieces (hatches, drawers, etc) that would float to the top? lol not lol 😳 I remember it being stamped inside the fold of the wooden companionway cover on my 38 as well as other places. It was also written in chalk on the bottom of every drawer - but I feel that was probably assembly line organization 🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for the comment. The mystery continues. I started searching the boat for additional markings. I found a place on the top starboard transom where an ID strip may have been fastened but it's long gone. Interestingly enough. I found another brass plaque in the engine room that has the same number as the brass plaque in my records - 451-9060F. My purchase records indicate the same 451 designation but I also have papers showing designation 450. Is it possible tat CC assigned the wrong plaque during production? Clearly Harts Desire is a Sportfish, not a Flush Deck Commander. My biggest concern right now is that my insurance shows the 451 designation and that this might provide an out for the Insurance company?
@Hart McIntyre curious about your boat, does it have the optional lower station? Which floor plan is it, and it appears there were two galley up/down layouts!? So many options! Can you tell us more?
Hi Whitney. Mine is the standard galley salon level. We're located now on th Fl gulf coast so not many ch need for a lower station. I did a complete in place rebuild on the 871 Ts a few years back and averaged about hours annually. She's just under 1000 hrs now. No smoke and doesn't sling oil. Runs beautifully and cruises 18 - 20 knots sea dependent burning between 42 and 45 gallons per hour. Has three a/c units; 1 original, one about 1 1/2 yrs old and the third one somewhere in between. Blows real cold which is important down here but heat works great to. Had custom made instrument panel with new guages and all electronics about years ago. Awl gripped topside about three years back. Phasor generator put in 2015. All engines professionally maintained annually. Upgraded power inlet to single 240/50 Hubble split at interior panel. No split pigtail! Haven't used much for the last two years and I'm at the Y in the road: sell or refinish boat....Great cruise and fishing boat, especially in the Bahamas.