1953 Chris-Craft Catalina 50

Key Features

• Classic 1953 Chris-Craft Catalina 50 with strong pedigree
• Beautifully executed modern rustic interior refit
• Full-beam 3-stateroom layout with exceptional liveaboard comfort
• Large command bridge with dedicated entertaining space
• Rare Inner Harbour moorage in downtown Victoria
• Twin Crusader 350 engines, reliable and well maintained
• Major upgrades completed between 2022 – 2026
• Turn-key condition with clear pride of ownership
• A true lifestyle vessel with presence, warmth, and authenticity

Who This Yacht Is For

This is more than a boat. It is a lifestyle property on the water.

For the right buyer, it can replace a downtown condo, a weekend retreat, or both, while offering a far more connected experience of the harbour.

Best suited to:

• Someone who values craftsmanship, character, and presence
• A knowledgeable owner or an engaged newcomer willing to care for a wooden yacht
• A buyer seeking a distinctive liveaboard in Victoria
• A purchaser who understands the rarity and value of this moorage

The Experience

Step aboard into the fully enclosed cockpit and the feeling is immediate. This is not a typical boat, and it does not feel like one.

The interior balances the richness of original woodwork with a lighter, more relaxed feel. Soft tones, clean lines, and natural textures create a space that is both comfortable and easy to live in, while large windows keep you connected to the water.

The galley, salon, command bridge, and cockpit are distinct spaces, yet remain visually and functionally connected. Movement between them feels natural, supporting both everyday living and entertaining with ease.

Whether hosting on the bridge, relaxing in the salon, or moving between indoor and outdoor areas, the transitions feel seamless.

The boat feels calm, settled, and well cared for. It retains the character of a classic Chris-Craft while offering the comfort and usability expected today.

The current owners have paid close attention to the overall health of the vessel, including air quality and cleanliness. The result is a space that feels fresh, welcoming, and ready for its next chapter.

Interior & Accommodation

A true full-beam layout provides a level of space and separation rarely found in a 50-foot vessel. Living areas are distinct yet connected, allowing the boat to feel both open and private.

Cockpit / Aft Entry:

• Fully enclosed with canvas and glass – bright and usable year-round
• Easily converts between indoor and outdoor feel
• Seamless transition between exterior and interior spaces
• Full-width bench seating
• Lazarette, propane locker, and storage
• Direct access to master stateroom and command bridge

A practical, highly usable space that acts as a natural hub onboard.

Master Stateroom (Full Beam Aft):

• King berth with generous space
• Desk and workspace
• Hanging locker, drawers, and under-bed storage
• Private cockpit access

Master Head:

• Full standing shower
• Vanity and sink
• VacuFlush toilet
• Tiled finishes with stainless accents

Guest Stateroom: 

• Double berth with upper bunk – sleeps up to 4
• Hanging locker and drawer storage

Salon:

• Side deck access doors
• Comfortable seating for 6
• Hidden 40” TV, sound bar, and media centre
• Large windows provide excellent natural light

A relaxed, uncluttered space suited to both daily living and entertaining.

Galley: 

Positioned just off the salon, open yet slightly separated.

• Full beam layout that makes efficient use of space
• Stainless countertops
• Nova Kool fridge/freezer
• 4-burner Wedgewood propane stove with oven
• Deep stainless sink
• Ample storage

Allows for easy meal prep while staying connected to the salon.

Forward Stateroom & Head:

• Sleeps 3 with raised bunk and full lower berth
• Compact head with VacuFlush toilet
• Tiled shower

Ideal for guests, with separation from main living areas.

Outdoor Living & Entertaining Spaces

A major strength of this vessel is how naturally it transitions between interior comfort and outdoor living. Each space offers a distinct experience, yet all are connected for easy movement and use.

Command Bridge:

A standout feature offering flexibility and exceptional usability. It is equally suited to quiet mornings, open-air cruising, or hosting a full group in comfort, all within a beautifully finished, cohesive space.

• Fully enclosed with custom canvas – open for airflow or closed for protection
• Functions as both indoor lounge and open-air deck
• 360-degree visibility
• Bench seating and settee
• Table seating for up to 8
• Wet bar aft
• Built-in cooler

A natural gathering space with excellent views.

Helm Station: 

• Original analogue gauges, operational
• 12” Garmin GPSmap XSV display
• Icom VHF and compass
• Digital tachometer synchronizer

Foredeck:

• Teak decking
• Anchor and fender storage
• Spotlight with helm control
• Lounge seating
• Spacious and open

Swim Platform:

• Oak platform with SeaWise davit system
• Includes Stryker Zodiac dinghy with 15 HP Yamaha outboard (2023)

Engines & Systems

• Twin Crusader 350 gas engines (1992 repower)
• 270 hp each
• Approx. 2000 hours
• Fresh water cooled via heat exchangers
• 300 US gallon fuel capacity (2 aluminum tanks)
• 4-blade bronze propellers

Electrical & Power

• 50 amp upgraded system
• New 30/50 amp shore power conversions
• Xantrex Freedom 2000W inverter/charger
• New batteries (2024)

Systems:

• 10-gallon hot water tank
• VacuFlush toilets
• Dual holding tanks with macerator

Electronics: 

• Garmin GPSmap XSV 12” display
• Icom ICM45 VHF
• Uniden Atlantis 275 handheld VHF
• Compass and digital tachometer

Ground Tackle:

• Primary: 70lb Danforth, 25′ chain, 300 ft rode
• Spare: 30lb Danforth, 100′ chain, 200′ rode

Recent Maintenance & Upgrades

• New furnishings and salon floor coverings (2026)
• Electrical upgrade to 50 amps (2026)
• New shore power cords (2026)
• Custom canvas enclosures (2026)
• New Sea Wise davit system (2026)
• Custom marine carpeting (2026)
• Hull side sanding and paint (2025)
• Bottom paint and zincs (2025)
• New batteries (2024)
• Dinghy and outboard (2023)
• Xantrex inverter/charger (2023)
• Engine exhaust elbows (2023)
• Garmin electronics (2022)
• Interior refit (2022)

Construction & Condition

• Mahogany plank-on-frame construction
• Well-maintained hull in strong condition
• Ongoing care consistent with knowledgeable ownership

This is a vessel that has been maintained, not deferred.

Moorage

Set in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with the British Columbia Legislature Building and the Fairmont Empress as your daily backdrop.

A dynamic yet relaxed setting, supported by a strong and welcoming marina community.

Assumable moorage subject to marina approval.

Summary

Built at the height of Chris-Craft’s postwar craftsmanship, this Catalina 50 offers a combination of scale, warmth, and character that stands apart from modern production boats.

Her solid mahogany construction and classic lines deliver a timeless presence, while thoughtful updates and consistent care bring confidence in everyday use.

What sets this offering apart is its balance. It delivers the feel of a waterfront home, the flexibility of a cruising vessel, and the rarity of Inner Harbour moorage in one compelling package.

For the right buyer, this is more than a boat. It is a place to live, host, and experience the harbour from a perspective few ever will.

Additional photos are available upon request.

Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.