Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Corsair 28 is a 28-foot luxury runabout yacht that was produced by the celebrated Michigan-based boat builder Chris-Craft between 2003 and 2016. A sedate and demure appearance harkens back to the golden age of Chris-Craft yachting, with plenty of teak brightwork, steel accents and plush leather-effect upholstery on display, while a flared bow, a tumblehome feel to aft and a classic navy livery accentuate the classic feel. Yet don’t be deceived, this is a superbly modern performer thanks to high-tech navigational equipment, a fiberglass deep-V hull with a 20-degree transom deadrise and a set of powerful motors. The ideal option for families who enjoy stylish cruising, this vessel also comes with a cuddy cabin for overnight trips.
The foredeck is lined with timber for an elegant feel, though you can cover it with a pair of sunpads and enjoy access out here via flip-open pane in the tempered glass windscreen. Head to stern to discover a full-beam, teak-lined bathing platform with a swim ladder, a flagpole, a wash-down hose and a pop-up ski pylon for high-octane watersports. Dropping into the lavish cockpit you will encounter a comfortable u-shaped transom sofa in hand-stitched marine-grade upholstery with hidden storage under the cushions and a retractable breakfast table on hand for light lunches and late-night refreshments. A slide-out fridge, an ice-box in-sole and a wet-bar station with an outdoor grill will keep guests hydrated and well-fed at all times, while up front there’s a pair of bespoke piloting seats with pop-up bolsters facing the starboard helm.
There’s a traditional feel to the helm station, with a mahogany steering wheel, a timber fascia and chrome-lined gauges fitted into a sinuous dashboard with a pleasing metallic mesh frame. Yet a modern riding experience is ensured thanks to digital throttles, power-assist on the wheel, Lenco trim-tab switches, a depth-finder and a next-generation Garmin touch-screen device. There’s also a Kenwood stereo system up here linked to the yacht’s set of integrated speakers, perfect for piping out your favorite tunes and getting the at-sea party started.
A timber-framed door leads down to a compact lower-cabin with a skylight, LED lighting and a V-shaped sofa that can easily transform into a double bed for the evening, while an optional Tecma toilet is on hand should nature call.
Powered by twin 270HP Volvo 5L GXi gasoline stern-drives as standard, you can count on top speeds edging over 45 knots and a swift cruising pace of 36 knots. Upgrade to a pair of 300HP Volvo Penta V8s or even two 420HP Volvo Penta 8.1L V8s for higher speeds at full-throttle, while at an economy cruise of around 17 knots you will enjoy a range of 213 nautical miles thanks to a fuel tank holding 150 gallons.
