Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Corsair 27 is a 26-foot runabout boat that was produced by the iconic Michigan-based yacht-building company Chris-Craft between the years of 2013 and 2021. This classically-styled cuddy cabin cruiser takes inspiration from the very best of Chris-Craft’s heritage with a retro styling not unlike vintage models from the 1930s. Demure lines, a flared bow and a tumblehome feel to aft are joined by authentic teak, sparkling stainless steel, hand-carved brightwork and sedate leather for an elegant and restrained vibe. But in other ways this is very much a modern vessel. Powerful engines, high-tech helm controls and a sporty hull deliver a thoroughly up-to-date riding experience, while modern amenities peppered across the deck offer 21st century standards of comfort and convenience.
To stern there is a full-beam, teak-lined bathing platform with an extending steel swim ladder, a flagpole, a pop-up ski pylon and timber grab-rails that lead to a pair of plush leather sunpads a step up. Descend into the stylish cockpit to find wrap-around diamond-stitched seating for up to four guests, with a pop-up cocktail table and integrated cup-holders on hand for drinks service. There’s a series of lockers underneath the seating, as well as an ice-box for chilled drinks and an in-sole locker for sporting gear.
Hidden behind a curved and tinted windscreen that will keep guests dry there are a pair of ultra-swish piloting seats facing the helm so that the pilot can steer this vessel and make conversation at the same time. There’s an old-school feel to the helm with a mahogany steering wheel, a sinuous dashboard, a trumpet horn and a wealth of analogue gauges lined in shimmering metal. But there’s also contemporary tech like power-assist, an Active Trim system, an optional Penta joystick, bow thruster controls, a high-speed compass and a space for a Garmin MFD display screen with bundled instrumentation. There are also light switches up here alongside the controls for a Fusion Marine stereo system linked to the boat’s integrated speakers.
A set of timber doors lead down to a comfortable and compact cabin beneath the foredeck that features a skylight and a mirrored headboard to emphasize natural light and spaciousness. A V-berth down here can operate as two twins or a sprawling double bed with the filler cushion in place, while a single head facility down here adds at-sea convenience when nature calls.
Powered by a 380HP Mercruiser 6.2L stern-drive engine or a 380-HP Volvo Penta V8 DuoProp motor, you can expect top speeds to hit 46 knots in favorable conditions and a comfortable cruising speed of 20 knots. An 82-gallon fuel tank and an efficient deep-V hull with a 20-degree transom deadrise allow for a full day of cruising across your favorite coastlines or lake settings with plenty left in reserve.
