Catalina 26
The Chris-Craft Launch 22 is a 22-foot luxury runabout yacht that was produced by the award-winning Michigan-based boat-building firm Chris-Craft between 2001 and 2011. Boasting a sleek form that takes direct inspiration from the heritage Chris-Craft vessels of the 1930s, this is as stylish and as sophisticated as dayboats get. A signature flared bow and a tumblehome transom form play host to a lavish bow lounge and a spacious al-fresco deck lined in only the very finest materials. Think teak brightwork, fixtures with the reassuring feel of stainless steel, accents in authentic mahogany and furnishings in hand-stitched cushioned upholstery with a leather-effect sheen. A robust hull optimized for coastal and lake settings, meanwhile, has been paired with powerful engine options to deliver a thoroughly up-to-date riding experience with plenty of raw power.
An opening pane in the tempered-glass windscreen leads to a compact and cozy bow lounge with a C-shaped wrap-around sofa in plush leather-effect upholstery. Cushioned backrests and hidden storage add a sense of comfort and convenience out here, while a floor-plate for a removable table allows guests to keep their afternoon refreshments within easy reach. Lower the table into place and cover with a filler-cushion, meanwhile, and you will transform this space into one decadent, casbah-style daybed ideal for soaking up the rays and enjoying picnics. There’s much more space in the open cockpit, where an L-shaped transom sofa can host up to four guests at a time, with sports lockers and room for a chill-box hidden underneath the cushions. This sofa connects to a transom sunpad with unbroken views out to stern, while a single step-down leads to a full-beam, teak-lined bathing platform with a swim ladder, a tow bar, a bespoke flag-pole and engine access.
A traditional-looking starboard-side helm station boasts a curved dashboard with a metallic mesh frame, chrome-lined gauges, a mahogany-lined steering wheel and a bespoke swivel chair with pop-up bolsters for an elegant feel while commanding your vessel. Modern extras include power-assist on the wheel, a high-speed mounted compass, electric throttles, a depth-sounder and the controls for the boat’s integrated stereo speaker system. To port there’s another swivel chair, this time facing a glove-box. Though presented as an al-fresco model, this vessel can also be covered with a Bimini top for additional shade and protection from the elements.
Powered by a single 300HP Volvo Penta 5.7L Gi stern-drive engine as standard, you can expect top speeds to edge over 46 knots at full throttle, though upgrades to a 375HP Mercruiser motor are also available. Try riding this beautiful bowrider boat at a silky-smooth economy cruise of 20 knots to enjoy an all-day long range of up to 179 nautical miles thanks to an efficient fiberglass hull and a capacious fuel tank holding 58 gallons.
