1989 Chris-Craft 427 Catalina

The Chris-Craft 427 Catalina is a proven cruiser in terms of seaworthiness, comfort, and performance. Big Daddys Joy is an ideal aft-cabin motor yacht for the Chesapeake and is exceptionally well-suited as a liveaboard. The generous 14.75 foot beam makes for a spacious layout that features a fully enclosed aft deck, a well-lit and open salon, a large galley, and two staterooms complete with walkaround queen beds and ensuite heads. With a modified-V hull and a dry weight of 31,000 pounds, the 427 Catalina can manage a heavier sea state with ease while also providing stability at anchor or in the marina.

Climbing aboard from the aft swim platform (ideal for launching your kayak or paddle board), we enter the fully enclosed aft deck with isinglass that can be raised to provide great ventilation. This large aft deck, which features a wet bar, provides an ideal outdoor living space and provides quick access to the side decks, salon, and flybridge. The foredeck is well equipped with a windlass, two large dock boxes, and fender racks. The flybridge offers phenomenal visibility and is equipped with bench seating forward of the helm station.

The main salon is fully carpeted and features a large, comfortable settee and lounge chair with matching ottoman. The carpet was replaced just four years ago and is in like-new condition. The salon has windows on all sides, providing excellent light and ventilation. There are two reverse cycle AC / heat units onboard as well - one for the master stateroom and salon and another unit for the forward stateroom. Moving forward from the salon, we step down into the galley, which (to starboard) has a full size fridge, stove, oven, microwave, double sink, and ample cabinet storage. To port is the convertible dinette. The forward stateroom off the galley features a walkaround queen bed, a combined washer / dryer unit, an ensuite head to port, and a stateroom vanity to starboard.

Engine room access is through a large hatch in the center of the salon floor. Big Daddys Joy is powered by twin Crusader 454 gas engines (750 HP total), which keep her cruising at approximately 17 knots, and she easily tops out around 23 knots. The full-beam master stateroom also features a walkaround queen bed and an ensuite head complete with an enclosed shower. This aft stateroom offers a luxurious amount of space that is truly ideal for extended cruising and living aboard.