Historical Summary:
A rare surviving example of early American yacht craftsmanship, Dat So La Lee—originally christened Peter Pan III—is Hull No. 5018 in Chris-Craft’s first limited-production 38' Commuter series. Launched during the golden age of mahogany runabouts and Gatsby-era opulence, she stands today as a proud testament to the innovation, elegance, and prestige that defined pre-Depression American boating.
Built in 1929, this Commuter model was designed to serve a very specific and stylish purpose: to ferry captains of industry and East Coast elites from New York’s harbors to their Hudson River estates and Long Island retreats. Known for their sleek profile, speed, and sophistication, these vessels were luxury water limousines—at once utilitarian and utterly refined.
Dat So La Lee carries with her nearly a century of storied character. Her careful preservation honors the original craftsmanship that makes these early Chris-Crafts so prized. Her hull and deck lines remain true to the original design, showcasing the graceful sweep of her sheer and the low, elegant cabin profile that set the Commuter line apart.
A forward cuddy cabin and open salon provide both charm and function, featuring rich woodwork, vintage hardware, and a cockpit layout that invites conversation and admiration. This vessel’s warm patina and period-correct details reflect a thoughtful stewardship over time—preserving authenticity while allowing collectors and connoisseurs to experience the legacy of early 20th-century boatbuilding.
Renamed Dat So La Lee in tribute to the legendary Washoe basket weaver whose artistry balanced precision and spirit, she now symbolizes not only heritage and beauty, but also the quiet endurance of craftsmanship that transcends generations.
Rare, elegant, and evocative of a bygone era, Dat So La Lee is more than a boat—she is a floating piece of American maritime history.

This yacht is currently being reviewed for Yacht Registration with the Classic Yacht Association.