CRANCHI E26 CLASSIC

LOA 25ft 9in (7.85m) BEAM 8ft 2in (2.49m) ENGINES Single 250-300hp Volvo petrol or diesel TOP SPEED 40 knots PRICE FROM €102,900 inc VAT

Yes, yes and yes again! It’s so good to see Cranchi back in the sportsboat market and this time it’s really gone for it with one of the prettiest 26-footers we’ve seen in years. The Classic, pictured here, is the inboardpowered cuddy cabin model but there’s also an outboard-powered bowrider version called the Rider. It’s a pity you can’t mix and match the different styles and power options because both have plenty to offer.

The Classic is undoubtedly the prettier of the two with its teak foredeck and elongated sidecreens tapering down to an aft sunpad hiding the engine, but the Rider is arguably a more practical day boat with its larger, more sociable cockpit and surprisingly deep, spacious bow seating. Both feature the same sharp vertical bow, contrast-stitched upholstery and stylish helm with a single spoke wheel and armrest extension for the throttle.

The flat foredeck means the cuddy has restricted headroom, but nobody’s going to buy this boat for its accommodation. The E26 is all about looking good and Cranchi’s designers have smashed it out of the park, mixing classic detailing with cutting-edge styling to create a modern classic at a fraction of the price of a Riva. CONTACT Tingdene Boat Sales Tel +44 (0)1933 551606, www.cranchi.com