Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Catalina 30 is a 30-foot powerboat that was launched by the legendary Michigan-based yacht-building company Chris-Craft in 2017. Equal parts luxury bowrider, center-console runabout and crack sportfishing machine, this vessel bundles together a multi-purpose approach to life at sea in a stylish package that takes direct inspiration from the classic Chris-Craft yachts of the mid-century era. Expect lavish materials like teak brightwork, mahogany accents and plush leather-effect upholstery to go with heavy-duty amenities and sports gear that give guests a convenient and comfortable 21st century experience. You will also find that signature Chris-Craft plumb bow and tumblehome transom paired with a bespoke offshore hull and high-octane engines for pulsating performance.
A breezy walk-around lay-out makes moving across this self-draining deck easy and intuitive, and as you wander into the spacious bow-lounge you will discover exquisite relaxation space for the whole family. Not only is there a cushioned C-shaped sofa in plush upholstery up by the bow but there is a deluxe, double-width day-bed for a couple built up against the helm console. This elegant lounger comes with sloping backrests, cushioned headrests, diamond-stitched upholstery, flip-down arm-rests, a set of integrated cup-holders and sublime forward-facing views. This area benefits from an array of cupholders in the gunwale, steel grab-rails, a pop-up table and hidden storage beneath the seats, while fisher-folk will doubtless make use of the timber-lined casting platform up by the pulpit.
There’s a dual identity to the capacious cockpit, where a trio of flip-up sofas to transom, starboard and port have been paired with a detachable table and padded coamings for a family-friendly appeal. What’s also on offer back here is a plethora of fishing goodies, including rod-holders, rocket launchers to transom, a starboard-side lift-gate, an aquarium-style livewell, a slide-out ice-chiller, in-sole lockers and an in-deck fish-box. A transom gate leads out to a bathing platform with a swim ladder and a wash-down hose to stern, while additional extras in the cockpit include an optional bait-prep station and an outdoor grill.
A hard-top and full-height glazing on three-sides surrounds the center-console helm for all-weather navigation. The modern helm station boasts leather and teak highlights, a mahogany steering wheel and a non-glare dashboard for a masterful experience as you pilot. Modern tech includes digital throttles, an Axius joystick, power-assist on the wheel, an Active Trim system or Lenco trim-tab switches, a pair of 12-inch Garmin touch-screens, bow thruster controls, VHF radio, a mounted compass and an optional Seakeeper Ride System.
A discreet interior cabin built under the helm console impresses with climate-control, walnut and silver oak surrounds, mood lighting and space to unwind. Down here there’s a hidden Tecma head, a ceramic bowl sink, storage units, a vanity mirror and a lavish double bed perfect for overnighters.
A class-C deep-V hull crafted from fiberglass has been designed to tackle offshore conditions with ease, while a pair of chunky outboards promote blistering speeds. Opt for twin 300HP Yamaha motors or two 350HP Mercury Verado engines for top speeds of almost 50 knots at full-throttle and acceleration from zero to 30 knots in as little as 10 seconds. You will be able to ride this watercraft all weekend long thanks to a fuel tank holding 198 gallons, with an economy cruise of 21 knots translating into a range of 253 nautical miles.
