Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 boat specs
Chris-Craft
Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009
2009
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VS
Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 boat specs
Chris-Craft
Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017
2017
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Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 vs Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 vs Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 at 29,0 ft versus Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 at 26,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 tips the scales at 8 387 lbs — 2 807 lbs more than the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 at 5 580 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 tops out at 380 hp. Engine specs for the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 carries 205 gallons versus 77 gallons in the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 Express 2009 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 at 26,8 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
Makenot available
ModelCatalina 29 Express
Modelnot available
Model Year2009
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 2 in. (3.1 m)
Beam7.50 ft
Beam - Meters3.1
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches122
Beam - Inches90
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. (3 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters3.05
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches12
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise21℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [max] - Detail21 in. (61 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Meters0.53
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches21
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail7,179 lbs. (3,256 kg) With engine: 8,387 lbs. (3,804 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg3804.28
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.8387
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - Detail11 ft. 8 in. (3.5 m )
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters3.56
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches14
Height - Inchesnot available
Length - Meters8.9
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet26.8
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.9 m)
Length overall - Detail26.80 ft
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Meters8.17
Length overall - Inches353
Length overall - Inches322
Displacementnot available
Displacement5580.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail205 gal. (776 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters776.01
Fuel tank capacity - Liters291.48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal205
Fuel tank capacity - Gal77
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Drive typeinboard
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelV8 8.2L
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower380 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity30 gal. (113 l)
Water capacity9
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower
Performance
Cruising speednot available
Cruising speed32
Cruising speed measurenot available
Cruising speed measureknots
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed45
Maximum speed measurenot available
Maximum speed measureknots

Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 vs Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 or the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017?
The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 comes in at 26,8 feet, making it roughly 2,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 or the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017?
For trailering, the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 has the edge at 5 580 lbs dry weight versus 8 387 lbs for the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 has a documented max rating of 380 hp. Engine specifications for the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 measures 122" wide, compared to 90" for the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 or the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017?
The Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 has the bigger tank at 205 gallons, versus 77 gallons on the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017. That 128-gallon difference translates to roughly 384–640 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 and Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chris-Craft Catalina 29 Express 2009 and the Chris-Craft Launch 27 2017 are built by Chris-Craft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.