Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Regal Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Regal Boat Models (Ranked)
Regal Boats is a family-owned Florida builder that has carved out a reputation for premium fit and finish, sharp deep-V hulls, and clever interior layouts that punch above their price class. This ranking covers the lineup most shoppers actually cross-shop, from compact bowriders to luxury sport coupes and the brand's express cruisers.
We judged each model on build quality, real-world ride, resale strength, ownership cost, and how well the floorplan serves its intended buyer. Whether you want a weekend day boat for the lake or an overnight cruiser for coastal runs, the picks below reflect what holds up on the water and on the used market in 2027.
Direct Answer
The best overall Regal is the 2023 Regal LS4 (around $130,000 new, low-$90Ks used), which blends a smooth deep-V ride, huge cockpit, and outboard or sterndrive power into the brand's most versatile day boat. The best value is the 2018 Regal 2300 (around $48,000 used), a 23-foot bowrider that delivers Regal finish for mid-pack money.
Always pay for a surveyor and a sea trial before buying, especially on sterndrive models with high engine hours.
How We Ranked
- Build quality — Regal's hand-laid hulls and fit-and-finish are core to the brand, so consistency mattered most.
- Ride and handling — deep-V deadrise, hull weight, and dry running define how each model behaves in chop.
- Layout versatility — seating, storage, swim platforms, and overnight capability for the target buyer.
- Powertrain options — Volvo Penta sterndrive versus modern outboard choices and their service reality.
- Resale and ownership cost — depreciation curves, parts availability, and known maintenance items.
1. 2023 Regal LS4 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The LS4 is Regal's modern flagship day boat and the model that best shows what the brand does well. At roughly 24 feet with a beam near 8.5 feet, it seats up to 12 people and offers either twin-stepped outboard power or a Volvo Penta sterndrive. The FasTrac stepped hull keeps the bow flat and the ride dry, and the wide-open cockpit with wraparound lounge seating makes it a genuine entertainer.
Power options typically run from a single 300-horsepower outboard up to twin outboards or a 350-horsepower Volvo Penta. Expect a comfortable cruise in the high-30-mph range and a top end near 50 mph depending on rigging. Fit and finish, from the powder-coated hardware to the upholstery, sits a clear step above mainstream rivals.
- Price: ~$130,000 new; low-$90,000s used
- Pros: Dry stepped-hull ride, premium finish, flexible power, huge cockpit
- Cons: Pricey new, options add up fast, outboard rigging adds cost
Verdict: The most complete Regal for buyers who want one boat to do everything.
2. 2018 Regal 2300 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2300 bowrider is the smart-money Regal. At 23 feet with an 8.5-foot beam, it carries the brand's interior quality into a size and price that everyday buyers can reach. Used examples in good condition trade around $48,000, well under a comparable new boat while still delivering Regal upholstery, storage, and a solid sterndrive ride.
Most 2300s came with a Volvo Penta 5.7-liter sterndrive making around 300 horsepower, good for an easy 45-mph top end. The deep-V hull handles lake chop nicely, and the swim platform plus filler-cushion layout makes it a strong family day boat. Watch for sterndrive bellows and outdrive service history on older units.
- Price: ~$48,000 used
- Pros: Regal finish at a mid-market price, family-friendly layout, strong hull
- Cons: Sterndrive maintenance, dated electronics on early units
Verdict: The best balance of Regal quality and real-world affordability.
3. 2022 Regal LS6
The LS6 stretches the LS-series formula to 27 feet with a beam near 9 feet, adding more freeboard, a bigger swim platform, and a roomier cockpit for larger crowds. It rides on the FasTrac stepped hull and accepts twin outboards or a single large sterndrive, making it a capable coastal day boat.
Twin 300-horsepower outboards are common, pushing the boat to a comfortable 40-mph-plus cruise. The optional refreshment center, JL Audio sound, and submersible swim platform on some builds make it a true entertainer. New pricing lands around $180,000, with clean used boats in the mid-$100Ks.
- Price: ~$180,000 new; mid-$100,000s used
- Pros: Big cockpit, dry ride, premium options, strong coastal manners
- Cons: Expensive, fuel burn with twins, larger storage footprint
Verdict: A near-flagship day boat for buyers who need extra room and range.
4. 2019 Regal 26 Express
The 26 Express is Regal's entry into overnighting, pairing a day-boat cockpit with a real cabin below. At 27 feet overall with a 9-foot beam, it sleeps two comfortably in a forward berth and includes a head and a small galley, making it a legitimate weekender for a couple.
Power is typically a Volvo Penta 5.7-liter sterndrive around 320 horsepower, giving a cruise in the low-30s. The express layout keeps the cockpit usable for entertaining while the cabin handles the night. Used boats run around $75,000, and the DuraTech lamination helps resale hold up.
- Price: ~$75,000 used
- Pros: Real overnight cabin, versatile cockpit, solid build
- Cons: Single sterndrive, modest cabin headroom, slower than open day boats
Verdict: A practical small cruiser for couples easing into overnighting.
5. 2021 Regal 33 SAV
The 33 Sport Activity Vessel is one of Regal's most distinctive boats, built around an oversized U-shaped cockpit and a beach-style swim platform for serious on-water entertaining. At 35 feet overall with a beam over 10 feet, it runs triple outboards and carries a small but functional cabin below.
Triple 300-horsepower outboards give a cruise in the high-30s and plenty of authority offshore. The wide cockpit, electric grill, and large fridge make it a floating lounge. New pricing approaches $400,000, with used examples in the high-$200Ks. It is a lot of boat, best for buyers focused on dayboating with occasional overnights.
- Price: ~$400,000 new; high-$200,000s used
- Pros: Massive entertaining cockpit, triple-outboard speed, offshore capability
- Cons: Premium price, big trailering footprint, high fuel burn
Verdict: Regal's go-to for big-group dayboating with real water presence.
6. 2020 Regal 28 Express
The 28 Express scales up the express-cruiser idea with more cabin volume and a roomier cockpit than the 26. At 30 feet with a 9.5-foot beam, it sleeps a couple comfortably and adds an enclosed head plus a usable galley for longer weekends aboard.
Twin Volvo Penta sterndrives are common, giving a relaxed 30-mph cruise and confident handling in a chop thanks to the deep-V hull. Expect used pricing around $110,000 for clean twin-engine boats. The mid-cabin layout and air-conditioning option make it livable in warm climates.
- Price: ~$110,000 used
- Pros: Twin-engine confidence, comfortable cabin, strong rough-water ride
- Cons: Twin sterndrive upkeep, dated helm electronics on early units
Verdict: A balanced mid-size cruiser for couples who want range and comfort.
7. 2017 Regal 2100
The 2100 is Regal's compact bowrider and the easiest model to tow and store. At 21 feet with a 8.3-foot beam, it brings Regal upholstery and finish into a single-axle-trailerable package ideal for lakes and smaller waterways.
A single Volvo Penta 4.3-liter sterndrive around 220 horsepower is typical, giving an easy 40-mph top end with light fuel burn. The deep-V hull handles wakes well for the size. Used boats trade around $32,000, making it one of the most affordable ways into the brand. Inspect the outdrive and trailer carefully on older units.
- Price: ~$32,000 used
- Pros: Easy to tow and store, low running cost, Regal finish
- Cons: Tighter cockpit, modest power, fewer storage options
Verdict: The most accessible Regal for small-water family boating.
8. 2022 Regal LS2
The LS2 modernizes the compact bowrider with the current LS-series styling and an outboard option that simplifies maintenance. At 22 feet with a 8.5-foot beam, it offers a clean helm, integrated swim platform, and the brand's signature wraparound seating.
A single 250-horsepower outboard is common, delivering a brisk 45-mph top end and easy service access compared with a sterndrive. New pricing lands around $95,000, with lightly used boats in the high-$70Ks. It is a strong pick for buyers who want a small, modern Regal without outdrive upkeep.
- Price: ~$95,000 new; high-$70,000s used
- Pros: Outboard simplicity, modern styling, easy handling
- Cons: Premium for the size, single-engine only, limited cabin
Verdict: A right-sized modern day boat for outboard-minded buyers.
9. 2019 Regal 35 Sport Coupe
The 35 Sport Coupe is Regal's luxury express-coupe, combining a hardtop, an enclosed helm, and a full cabin for genuine cruising. At 37 feet with a beam near 11 feet, it sleeps four across a forward berth and a mid-cabin, with a head and galley that support multi-day trips.
Twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drives are typical, giving joystick docking, a quiet 28-to-32-mph cruise, and excellent fuel efficiency for the size. Used boats trade around $200,000. The coupe styling, air conditioning, and quality joinery make it one of the most refined boats Regal builds.
- Price: ~$200,000 used
- Pros: IPS efficiency and joystick docking, true cabin, premium finish
- Cons: High purchase and dockage cost, complex systems, deep draft
Verdict: A refined pocket cruiser for couples who want comfort and range.
10. 2016 Regal 2500
The 2500 is a 25-foot bowrider that bridges day boat and small cruiser, offering more freeboard and storage than the 2300 while staying trailerable. With a 8.5-foot beam and seating for up to 12, it works as a serious family entertainer on bigger lakes and protected coastal water.
A single Volvo Penta 6.2-liter sterndrive around 350 horsepower is common, giving a strong 48-mph top end and confident handling. Used boats run around $55,000. The deep-V hull and quality build make it a durable used buy; check the outdrive, transom, and upholstery on older examples.
- Price: ~$55,000 used
- Pros: Roomy cockpit, strong power, good rough-water ride
- Cons: Sterndrive upkeep, heavier to tow, aging electronics
Verdict: A capable larger bowrider for families who have outgrown a 23-footer.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull and transom — tap-test the transom and stringers on older sterndrive boats; soft spots signal water intrusion and costly repairs.
- Engine hours and service — request maintenance records; outdrive bellows, gimbal bearings, and impellers are the usual sterndrive wear items.
- Trailer and bottom — verify the trailer matches the boat's weight and inspect the hull bottom for blistering or repaired strikes.
- Survey and sea trial — pay for an independent surveyor on any boat over 23 feet and insist on a full sea trial at cruise and wide-open throttle.
FAQ
Are Regal boats good quality? Yes. Regal is widely regarded for above-average fit and finish, hand-laid hulls, and durable lamination. The brand sits in the premium-mainstream tier, generally a step above mass-market builders in materials and finish.
Which Regal holds its value best? Mid-size day boats like the LS4 and well-kept bowriders such as the 2300 tend to hold value well thanks to strong demand and the brand's reputation. Larger express cruisers depreciate faster in dollar terms, as most boats do.
Do Regal boats use outboards or sterndrives? Both. Older and many mid-size models use Volvo Penta sterndrives or IPS pods, while newer LS-series boats increasingly offer outboard power, which simplifies maintenance and winterization.
What is the cheapest way into a Regal boat? A used compact bowrider like the 2100 (around $32,000) or the 2300 (around $48,000) is the most affordable entry, offering Regal finish without the cost of a larger cruiser.
Bottom Line
For most buyers the 2023 Regal LS4 is the best overall choice, combining a dry stepped-hull ride, premium finish, and flexible power in one versatile day boat. Value shoppers should target the 2018 Regal 2300, which brings genuine Regal quality at a mid-market used price. Whichever you choose, budget for a survey and a thorough sea trial before you sign.
Sources
- Boat Trader — Regal model listings and used pricing
- Discover Boating — boat type and ownership guides
- Boating Magazine — Regal LS-series and Sport Coupe reviews
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation data
- BoatUS — survey, sea trial, and ownership-cost guidance
- Regal Boats — official model specifications and lineup
*Keywords: Best Regal Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*