Chris-Craft Catalina 26 Review

Center console boats have long been the top choice for anglers who fish in open waters. With their full walk-around decks and ability to handle big waves, they’re versatile performers that can do a lot of things really well. For that reason, center consoles have also caught on with day boaters, who appreciate their carefree, low-maintenance attributes.

One of the most popular center consoles for boaters in both salt water and large inland lakes, Chris-Craft’s Catalina 26 neatly balances classic center console ease-of-use with luxurious refinements.

The fully-equipped helm is neatly designed so that all gauges and controls are easily accessible whether operating the boat from a standing or seated position.

Built for the Gulf of Mexico, the Catalina 26 remains true to its deep-sea fishing roots as evidenced by a standard equipment list that includes multiple rod holders, self-bailing cockpit, both port and starboard fish boxes, and oversized bait well located in the helm seat module. But then you also notice features which point to Chris-Craft’s upscale refinements – like genuine teak accents on the swim platform and fuel tank hatch, pop-up stainless steel cleats, and LED cockpit lighting – confirming there’s more to this boat than first meets the eye.

An oversized bait well in the helm seat module can double as a cooler for soft drinks.

For starters, the boat’s fiberglass helm console features a comfortable two-person bench integrated into its forward face. This seat flips open to reveal an enormous head compartment, complete with a Porta-potti and overhead light. This is an unexpected treat on a 26-foot center console, and is only the first of many hidden gems throughout.

The console’s helm side is equally well equipped. The dash features a compass, Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo system, twin cup holders, standard Lenco electric trim tabs with indicator lights, and MP3 auxiliary jack in the glove box. The free-standing glass windshield does a great job of deflecting the breeze while underway, while a stainless steel tilt wheel with hydraulic steering provides a comfortable and secure grip whether you drive from a standing or seated position.

Overhead, Chris-Craft’s available T-top features a useful extension that pulls aft to shield the entire cockpit. Under the helm seat, there’s storage for a 36-quart removable cooler, plus a handy and secure storage module to keep knives, pliers and other fishing accessories safely secured. No less than eight stainless steel beverage holders throughout the cockpit ensure a cool drink is never out of reach.

Across the stern, a custom folding transom seat provides seating for two when needed. The large rear swim platform, accessed by a convenient transom walk-through, thoughtfully includes a three-step retractable ladder.

A removable table can be fitted to the bow to create a comfortable dining space.

Up front, the large, open bow provides the anglers in the family with a huge flat surface for casting, with plenty of dry storage concealed beneath the seats. An optional removable table lets you transform this space into a comfortable dining area, while an available cushion package converts it into a massive sun pad for the non-fishers in the group.

With its beamy offshore hull, the Catalina 26 offers outstanding performance with either single or twin outboards. With a pair of 150s or a single 300 horsepower outboard, it will cruise economically at 30 mph and attain top speeds of more than 50 mph. That is truly exhilarating performance, and just one more reason why the Catalina 26 is such a popular choice for big water boaters.

Visit ChrisCraft.com for more information.

Chris-Craft Catalina 26 Specs
Length: 26’ 6”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Dry weight: 6,704 lbs.
Passenger capacity: 7
Fuel capacity: 154 gals.
Maximum power: 350 hp