1961 Chris-Craft Constellation 55ft
Pre-Owned In Stock | Category: Aft Cabin | Brand: Chris-Craft
$59,950.00
Royal Marine Yacht Sales | Portland, OR
Experience the classic charm of a 1961 Chris‑Craft Constellation 55 FT, an iconic aft cabin cruiser that blends heritage with modern upgrades.
Key Features & Specifications
- Makes and Model: Chris‑Craft Constellation, 55 ft long line (LOA)
- Length & Beam: 55 ft length; beam of 14 ft 5 in.
- Engines: Twin Detroit GM 8V71 diesel engines ...
Experience the classic charm of a 1961 Chris‑Craft Constellation 55 FT, an iconic aft cabin cruiser that blends heritage with modern upgrades.
Key Features & Specifications
- Makes and Model: Chris‑Craft Constellation, 55 ft long line (LOA)
- Length & Beam: 55 ft length; beam of 14 ft 5 in.
- Engines: Twin Detroit GM 8V71 diesel engines delivering a total of 300 hp (each engine rated at 160–170 hp).
- Power Systems: New 6.5‑kW generator, full battery replacement with Trojan GC8 and AGM starting batteries.
- Fuel & Water Capacity: Fuel tanks hold up to 506 gallons; fresh water capacity of 300 gal; black water holds 80 gal.
Amenities & Comforts
- Three spacious staterooms with queen, double, and stacked berths.
- No‑fuss heads: three modern Techma electric toilets, each equipped with a stall shower.
- Well-appointed galley featuring hot & cold pressure water, microwave, two–burner cooktop, coffee maker, and stainless steel appliances.
Deck & Hull Highlights
- Crown teak decking for an elegant look and durable surface.
- Re‑chromed hardware throughout the vessel – including davits, winches, and trim tabs.
- Anchor windlass with modern control; 10 inch remote spotlight enhances nighttime visibility.
Electronics & Navigation Suite
- Radar: Furuno radar system for reliable detection.
- Aviation & Marine Electronics: Garmin GPSMAP® 8612xsv chartplotter, digital depth finder, and VHF radio.
- Autopilot: Integrated Garmin Reactor™ autopilot with Raymarine drive unit and custom wood bezel helm display.
Recent Upgrades & Maintenance
- High‑water alarm system installed, plus a 32 V red bell for enhanced safety.
- Engine synchronization via Glendinning 12 VDC synchronizer with custom tach drive pins and new mechanical tachometers.
- Propellers replaced by 28 × 28 two–inch sleeved four‑blade units, boosting propulsion efficiency.
- Fuel system upgraded to a Double Racor 1000VMA Dual Marine Turbine Filter with clear bowls and T‑handle gauges.
Sailors’ Comfort & Convenience
- Electrical: 50 amp shore power, smart charger, inverter, and ten‑meter battery bank for extended cruising.
- Air horns and trim tabs provide smooth handling in various sea conditions.
- Davit system: Nick Jackson transom davit with a dedicated 11′ rib tender featuring an outboard motor and Roskelley davits for easy water access.
This Chris‑Craft Constellation offers the perfect blend of classic styling, robust performance, and contemporary amenities. Ideal for seasoned cruisers who value both tradition and technology on open waters.
| Condition | USED | |
| Year | 1961 | |
| Make | Chris-Craft | |
| Model | Constellation | 55ft | |
| Vehicle Type | Boat | |
| Category | Aft Cabin | |
| Engine | Detroits GM 8V71 | |
| Propulsion | Twin Inboard | |
| LOA (Length) | 55 ft | |
| Beam (Width) | 14 ft 5 in | |
| Propulsion Type | Powered | |
| Number of Engines | 2 | |
| Engine Power | 300 HP | |
| Dry Weight | 56000 lbs | |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 300 gal | |
| Black Water Capacity | 80 gal | |
| Fuel Capacity | 506 gal | |
| Features May Include | Sonar Radar GPS Depthsounder VHF Autopilot Swim Ladder Davit Swim Platforms |
| Length | 55ft 0in |
| Beam | 14ft 5in |
| Dry Weight | 56000 lbs approx. |
| Engine Power | 300 HP |
Offers encouraged. Trades considered.
Three staterooms, three heads, full complement galley, newer generator, new teak decks, all hardware re-chromed. Electronics include Furuno radar, autopilot, various meters, windlass, dinghy davit, trim tabs. Nick Jackson davits. 11' rib tender with console and 25-Yamaha. Nice wood floors, custom spun aluminum dash, 2237-original hours on the twin 8v-71 320hp Detroit diesels. Very spacious with three staterooms, 3-heads with new Techma electric toilets. Fuel tanks have been replaced, and exhaust lines. Rib tender plus outboard and Roskelley davits.
Additional Information
Accommodations
Master Stateroom
Queen Berth
Ensuite Head With Stall Shower
Forward Stateroom
Stacked Berths
Ensuite Head
Midship Stateroom With Double Berth
Deck and Hull
Teak Decks
Anchor Windlass
Nick Jackson Transom Davit
Hardware Re-chromed
Hull Recently Refinished
Trim Tabs
Air Horns
10" Remote Spotlight
Electrical
50 AMP Shore Power
Batteries
Smart Charger
Inverter
6.5 KW Generator
10m Batteries
Galley
Hot & Cold Pressure Water
Microwave
Two Burner Cook Top
Coffee Maker
Electronics and Navigation
Compass
Furuno Radar
Digital Depth Finder
VHF
Knot Meter
Sea Witch
Auto Pilot
TV Antenna
Noteworthy info
Past serviceMajor Systems Upgrades & Maintenance 1. Navigation & Electronics
Garmin Suite: Installed a new GPSMAP® 8612xsv chartplotter, transducer, and NMEA 2000 backbone.
Autopilot System: Complete installation and calibration of a Garmin Reactor™ 40 autopilot system, including a Raymarine drive unit, rudder feedback sensor, and custom wood bezel for the helm display.
Safety: Installed a new high-water alarm system and red 32V bell.
2. Mechanical & Propulsion
Engine Synchronization: Installed a Glendinning 12 VDC Synchronizer. This involved extensive custom fabrication, including custom tach drive pins and new mechanical tachometers for the Detroit Diesel engines.
Running Gear: Replaced propellers with a new set of 28 x 28 4-blade, 2" sleeved props.
Fuel System: Installed a high-capacity Double Racor 1000VMA Dual Marine Turbine Filter system with clear bowls, T-handle gauges, and a custom aluminum mounting plate.
3. Electrical & Battery Systems
Battery Banks: Full replacement of the vessel's battery systems, including:
(12) Trojan Group GC8 batteries.
(5) Group 24 AGM starting batteries.
Distribution: Installed a new 12VDC distribution panel and cleaned up helm wiring.
Zinc Anodes: Replaced all shaft, rudder, and teardrop zinc anodes.
Three staterooms, three heads, full complement galley, newer generator, new teak decks, all hardware re-chromed. Electronics include Furuno radar, autopilot, various meters, windlass, dinghy davit, trim tabs. Nick Jackson davits. 11' rib tender with console and 25-Yamaha. Nice wood floors, custom spun aluminum dash, 2237-original hours on the twin 8v-71 320hp Detroit diesels. Very spacious with three staterooms, 3-heads with new Techma electric toilets. Fuel tanks have been replaced, and exhaust lines. Rib tender plus outboard and Roskelley davits.
Additional Information
Accommodations
Master Stateroom
Queen Berth
Ensuite Head With Stall Shower
Forward Stateroom
Stacked Berths
Ensuite Head
Midship Stateroom With Double Berth
Deck and Hull
Teak Decks
Anchor Windlass
Nick Jackson Transom Davit
Hardware Re-chromed
Hull Recently Refinished
Trim Tabs
Air Horns
10" Remote Spotlight
Electrical
50 AMP Shore Power
Batteries
Smart Charger
Inverter
6.5 KW Generator
10m Batteries
Galley
Hot & Cold Pressure Water
Microwave
Two Burner Cook Top
Coffee Maker
Electronics and Navigation
Compass
Furuno Radar
Digital Depth Finder
VHF
Knot Meter
Sea Witch
Auto Pilot
TV Antenna
Noteworthy info
Past serviceMajor Systems Upgrades & Maintenance 1. Navigation & Electronics
Garmin Suite: Installed a new GPSMAP® 8612xsv chartplotter, transducer, and NMEA 2000 backbone.
Autopilot System: Complete installation and calibration of a Garmin Reactor™ 40 autopilot system, including a Raymarine drive unit, rudder feedback sensor, and custom wood bezel for the helm display.
Safety: Installed a new high-water alarm system and red 32V bell.
2. Mechanical & Propulsion
Engine Synchronization: Installed a Glendinning 12 VDC Synchronizer. This involved extensive custom fabrication, including custom tach drive pins and new mechanical tachometers for the Detroit Diesel engines.
Running Gear: Replaced propellers with a new set of 28 x 28 4-blade, 2" sleeved props.
Fuel System: Installed a high-capacity Double Racor 1000VMA Dual Marine Turbine Filter system with clear bowls, T-handle gauges, and a custom aluminum mounting plate.
3. Electrical & Battery Systems
Battery Banks: Full replacement of the vessel's battery systems, including:
(12) Trojan Group GC8 batteries.
(5) Group 24 AGM starting batteries.
Distribution: Installed a new 12VDC distribution panel and cleaned up helm wiring.
Zinc Anodes: Replaced all shaft, rudder, and teardrop zinc anodes.
Estimate Payments
Payment calculations are just estimates. Rates and terms vary day to day. Not an agreement, informational purposes only. Contact dealer for current rates, terms, and payment plans, etc.
Advertised pricing excludes applicable taxes title and licensing and are subject to change without notice. Pricing may exclude any added parts, accessories or installation unless otherwise noted. Sale prices include all applicable offers. Not all options listed available on pre-owned models. Contact dealer for details.