Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Sun Tender is 29-foot luxury runabout boat that was produced by the iconic Michigan-based yacht-building company Chris-Craft between the years of 2009 and 2015. Based on the same genteel form as the Catalina 29 fishing boat, this deluxe vessel exchanges fishing prowess for sumptuous comfort and blissful at-sea relaxation. A flared bow, a tumblehome ambiance to aft and a center-console nestled under a floating hard-top give this vessel a handsome and classic feel, but step a little closer and you will understand why this watercraft stands out from the crowd. Plush leather seating, authentic teak brightwork, stainless steel fixtures, a pristine gel-coating to the hull and a masterful use of space make this a great option for day-boaters who like to travel in style.
Up front there is a sedate bow-lounge lined in demure cream-toned leather with a forward-facing single-seat and a wrap-around, C-shaped sofa that traces the edges of the bulwark. A pop-up table in here can be used for meals and drinks, or lowered into place to cover with a cushion to turn this space into a giant sunpad. Head back into the cockpit to discover a repurposed fishing space that is now used for convivial conversation and ultra-stylish relaxation. A C-shaped transom sofa with padded backrests can accommodate up to four guests, while a teak-lined breakfast table flips up during drinks service. Extra touches that elevate this space includes steel-lined cup-holders, a self-bailing sole, hidden storage compartments and a slide-out ice-cooler perfect for keeping your beers crisp and cool. A port-side transom gate, meanwhile, leads out to a swim platform safely separated from the outboards with an extending ladder and a stern-side shower.
Nestled under the hard-top there are a pair of adjustable helm seats with arm-rests facing a sporty non-glare dashboard. At the helm you can expect Lenco trim-tab switches, a Raymarine E80 touch-screen, digital gauges, a mounted compass, VHF radio and hydraulic steering all set behind a Solex glazed windshield to keep pilots dry. There’s also a Kenwood stereo system up here, linked to a set of audio speakers dotted throughout the deck, where you can try your hand at DJing. Hidden below the helm is a private head with a Porta Potti toilet and an open shower fixture ideal for freshening up.
You can choose from a number of different outboard options to power this vessel, with choices including a twin-set of 250HP Mercury Verado engines or a pair of 300HP Yamaha motors. Thrilling top speeds of over 48 knots will be recorded at full-throttle, while at a 28 knot cruising pace you will be out on the water from dawn until dusk thanks to a 220 gallon fuel tank. An admirable performer across coastal waters, you can ride this vessel for up to 344 nautical miles at cruising speeds, while a spiky 21-degree transom deadrise, a wide bow entry and reversed chines offer a dry and stable ride.
