Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chris-Craft Catalina 26 2012 vs Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Sun Tender 2013 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chris-Craft Catalina 26 2012 and the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Sun Tender 2013 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chris-Craft Catalina 26 2012 at 26,5 ft versus Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Sun Tender 2013 at 29,4 ft. At 685 lbs and 782 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Sun Tender 2013 at 29,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chris-Craft Catalina 26 2012 at 26,5 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeChris-Craft
MakeChris-Craft
ModelCatalina 26
ModelCatalina 29 Sun Tender
Model Year2012
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.64 m)
Beam10 ft. 2 in. (3.1 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.1
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches122
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m) With T-Top: 9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.9
Bridge clearance - Meters1.57
Bridge clearance - Inches114
Bridge clearance - Inches62
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail17 in. (45.7 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail21 in. (61 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.43
Draft [max] - Meters0.53
Draft [max] - Inches17
Draft [max] - Inches21
Weight - DetailWithout Engines: 5,900 lbs. (2,757 kg) With Twin 150's: 6,850 lbs. (3,107 kg) With Single 350: 6,704 lbs. (3,040.8 kg)
Weight - DetailWithout Engines: 6,612 lbs. (2,999 kg) With Engines: 7,820 lbs. (3,547 kg)
Weight - kg3107.11
Weight - kg3547.09
Weight - lbs.685
Weight - lbs.782
Height - Detail6 ft. 8 in. (2.03 m)
Height - Detail7 ft. 2 in. (2.2 m)
Height - Meters2.03
Height - Meters2.18
Height - Inches8
Height - Inches86
Length - Feet26.5
Length - Feet29.42
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 6 in. (8.08 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.9 m)
Length overall - Meters8.08
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Inches318
Length overall - Inches353
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail154 gal. (583 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail220 gal. (832.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters582.95
Fuel tank capacity - Liters832.79
Fuel tank capacity - Gal154
Fuel tank capacity - Gal22
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Water capacity31 gal. (117 l)