Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Corsair 30 is a 29-foot cuddy cabin runabout boat produced by the iconic Michigan-based yacht-building firm Chris-Craft between the years of 2009 and 2021. Chris-Craft pioneered the manufacture of classic day-boats in the 1930s, and its clear to see some of that inspirational heritage on display in this luxurious classic-contemporary model. A sleek and sheer profile with steel fixtures, teak brightwork, a nautical bootstripe and a navy blue or metallic grey livery give this vessel a timeless look, while striped teak decking and sedate leather furnishings throughout add a touch of traditional and understated opulence. Cutting-edge navigational technology combines with a shallow draft, a 20-degree deadrise and a tried-and-true fiberglass hull to add a dash of modernity to this stylish package, making this the ideal day-boat for Great Lakes or coastal exploration with family or friends.
There are two options for the layout on this model, with either a bow-lounge up front accessed via a walk-through pane built into the tempered glass windscreen, or a compact hidden cabin up front entered via a companionway door. Sun lovers will opt for the open-air choice to enjoy wrap-around seating for up to four, lined in marine-grade leather, that can also be used as a pair of chaise-longues. Choose the enclosed option and you will be surprised by a cozy lower lounge sofa that can be turned into an overnight bed, a chunky skylight and a galley with refrigeration and a sink. Head to stern, meanwhile, to discover a triple-width sunpad and a step down to an integrated, timber-lined bathing platform with a swim ladder, a sports lazarette, a ski pylon for high-speed watersports and a transom shower.
The teak-lined cockpit, meanwhile, offers room for a C-shaped edge-to-edge sofa for up to five guests with cushioned backrests, six steel-framed cupholders and an optional flip-up cocktail table. At the front of the cockpit there are a pair of bespoke piloting seats facing a unique helm station with superb visibility. This dashboard boasts a mid-century vibe with chrome-lined analogue gauges, a steel horn and a power-assisted, mahogany-lined steering wheel. Added to the mix are a Garmin 5208 touch-screen with autopilot and a depth-sounder, Mercruiser or Penta digital throttles, Lenco trim-tab switches, a mounted compass and VHF radio, not to mention a Kenwood stereo system linked to a set of JL audio speakers peppered throughout the deck. Need to freshen up? There’s a hidden cabin to port that features a Porta-Potti toilet, a sink and a mirror.
There are a range of engine options available to propel this vessel to top speeds of well over 44 knots. Opt for a pair of 380HP Volvo Penta V8 Duoprops and enjoy an added joystick at the helm, or stick with a twin-set of 300HP Mercruiser V8 Bravo 3 Axius or Seacore engines for swift cruising in the mid 20 knot range. You will enjoy piloting this beautiful watercraft all day long or even overnight thanks to a relatively large 150-gallon fuel tank.
