This model is commonly referred to as a tri-cabin due to a floorplan that has sleeping cabins fore and aft with a mid-ship salon and galley. The aft or master cabin has two double berths and an ensuite complete with shower. The forward or guest cabin has a V-berth with an attached head. The boat is operated from the cockpit on the main deck above the aft cabin. Let's have a look around because as with any Chris Craft, there is a lot to see.

Open the door of the boathouse and as you can see from the photo, even in the boathouse she literally shines! She is boarded on the starboard side via the aft deck, though she can be boarded either side. Boarding starboard saves having to duck under the bowsprit every time you go round to the port side of the boat. You only have to bang your head once to figure this out!

Before we step inside there are a few things worth noting while we are on the aft deck. You'll notice the stainless steel Jackson Grill on the stern rail. It is an excellent propane barbeque and it comes complete with a cover. Assuming the boathouse curtain is open, you can't help notice the fabulous view you have across Maple Bay. There are days when it is so pretty in Maple Bay, all you will want to do is open up the back of the boat, pull up a chair and soak in the view. One last thing to note before we step inside is the Livingston dinghy securely mounted on the stern, complete with a new outboard on a swivel mount.

Because this Connie is the convertible model, the cockpit is fully enclosed by a blue canvas cover on a stainless steel tube frame. The cover consists of four separate pieces: bimini top, sides and back. Both the sides and the back have clear panels in them for maximum visibility. Entry is though a zippered door in the back panel. So on a really nice summer day, you can remove the whole cover and let the wind blow through your hair. If you are at anchor and the sun is just a little too hot, you can leave the bimini top up. Or on a cool autumn day you can be nice and snug inside the full enclosure.

When you step inside the cockpit, there are so many things to delight the eye, it's hard to know where to start. Perhaps with the captain's chair which stands out against the deep blue carpet and the richness of the varnished mahogany. Or maybe with the bright chrome instrumentation at the helm station. Or with the custom seating designed and built by the previous owner. Although all of the cockpit seating has storage underneath, the solo seat on the starboard side is of particular note. It does double-duty as a very organized tool chest.

Two additional things to note in the cockpit. As with any classic convertible style yacht, both port and starboard windshields open up for ventilation. And tucked into the cabinet below the chart table on the port side is an almost new Webasto hydronic heating system. Being able to keep the boat warm and dry inside means you can enjoy your boat all year round.

So let's step down through the salon entry into the vessel interior and have a look around. Standing at the rear of the salon and looking forward you can see the galley arranged to starboard and a lounging area to port with lots of beautiful mahogany and warm floor coverings. The galley has a 3 burner electric stove with oven and a nice big refrigerator. There is a microwave built into the cabinet above the stove which also includes storage for dishes. A nice big centrally placed stainless sink is surrounded by ample counter space for food preparation. And a very well thought out addition just aft of the galley is a small breakfast bar with seating for two.

Over on the port side of the salon are two wicker chairs separated by a small table. Just behind the table is a large liquor cabinet and wine cellar. The seating has been strategically placed in front of the liquor cabinet to make sure there is always someone between the cook and the liquor cabinet while dinner is being prepared. And in the aft area of the salon, just next to the cockpit stairway, is a very comfortable wicker love seat.

While we are still in the salon we might as well have a quick look at the mechanical spaces that are accessed through a series of hatches running along the centerline of the salon floor. The very forward hatch provides access to the generator panel with the second hatch opening directly above the generator. The third and forth hatches provide access to both port and starboard engines and the batteries. The salon floor is carpeted and there is an additional area rug over the machine spaces that helps lower the sound level while the generator is running or while underway.

It is very important to note that over the last year the current owner decided to have the port engine rebuilt and to have new risers installed on the starboard engine. This represents almost $12,000 worth of mechanical work, all professionally done and complete with receipts. So we fell pretty confident in suggesting Island Pointer is one of the most mechanically sound Chris Craft 38s on the market today. All of which translates into years of worry-free cruising for the new owner.

Now for the accommodation spaces. If you make a 180 degree turn to your right at the bottom of the stairway from the cockpit to the salon, you will be facing the entry to the aft or master cabin. Step down and walk to the center of the cabin facing aft and you are looking at a mahogany vanity with a sliding table and mirror. To both port and starboard you will find double berths with storage underneath. Turn around and in the forward port corner of the cabin is the ensuite complete with shower and vanity. You will notice the demand hot water heater is located above the head so you get hot water to the shower in a flash. Between the ensuite and the stairway is a small built-in mahogany dresser and a very large hanging locker.

Back up the master cabin stairs and over to the front of the salon is the entry to the forward section of the boat. One step down and you will find a guest head with vanity to port and the guest cabin with V-berth right up forward. On the starboard side of the guest cabin is a large hanging locker and on the port side is yet another nice touch from Chris Craft. When the owners and their guests retire to their respective cabins, the guest head can be converted to an ensuite by closing and locking the main door to the head and unlocking 'back door' door which opens directly to the guest cabin. This little touch really makes the guest cabin feel so much more luxurious.

Out on the forward deck you will find the traditional Chris Craft bench seat built into the front of the trunk cabin. Both bow and stern have strong stainless safety rails with the stern rail having a mahogany cap. The stern rail also has mesh privacy panels fitted in the railing to provide privacy in the master cabin when you are tied up at the dock. There is a unique heavy-duty teak bowsprit for launching and retrieving the anchor without gouging the hull with a swinging anchor. And to make anchoring a breeze, there are two electric anchor winches, one with a rope capstan and the other with a chain gypsy.

So there you go -- a classic Chris Craft Constellation in top shape with a 40' boathouse in Maple Bay. A complete boating package for a 38'classic priced at well under $100,000. And since the moorage contract expires at the beginning of May, there is some leverage to be gained by making a reasonable offer prior to May 1st. And to top it off, Island Pointer was just hauled in late March for her annual bottom paint and zinc change. If you like your Chris Crafts and you enjoy cruising the Gulf Islands, this is truly a turn key opportunity to get you and your family out cruising tomorrow!