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I remember when a run to the offshore fishing grounds went something like this: Get to the boat the night before to load up gear, bait and tackle. Once we cleared the breakwater, we’d settle in for a long, slow chug through the inky darkness. If there was any weather, the inability to see approaching waves meant slowing down even more. After eight or 10 hours of creeping along and taking turns at the helm, a faint horizon would materialize along the hem of the purple-gray sky, and our fishing day would officially begin.

Today a new breed of high-speed fishing boats has created a new paradigm for serious offshore anglers coast to coast. Owners of these powerful fishing machines are likely to hop on board in the morning, fire up the four or five high-­performance outboards sitting shoulder-­to-shoulder across the ample transom, and motor out of the harbor to the oohs and aahs of onlookers and envious anglers. 

When the captain reaches open water and opens the throttles on up to 3,000 hp of outboard power, the true appeal of these speed machines becomes apparent. With a jaw-dropping amount of available horsepower, high-tech mono- or multihulls rocket to the offshore destinations in a fraction of the time required in yesteryears. The concept of comfortably running 100 miles or more, catching a load of fish, and returning home on the same day is not just possible but also common. 

Fishing-boat brands such as Contender, Freeman, Invincible, Regulator, Scout, SeaVee, Yellowfin and others have broken the mold on what a ­center-console outboard-­powered fishing boat can achieve, blasting through size and performance barriers. This new crop of boats offers the dimensions and seaworthiness of old-fashioned sport-fishing yachts, but can also reach 60 mph and cruise all day at 40 to 50 mph without breaking a sweat. And they do this with surprisingly good fuel economy, providing the range to go long and fish hard all day.

However, there’s a lot more to this new class of boats than just size and speed. Boatbuilders are competing to introduce more comfortable and capable offshore machines, adding new features, ­interior comfort and amenities without compromising on the open layout and unfettered fishing access that define the breed. Owners are attracted by these vessels’ versatility as well. These boats can be supersize (with corresponding price tags well over $1 million), but a center-console is still a center-console. If the mood strikes, owners want the ability to pull up on a sandbar with everybody else, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the party with their smaller cousins.

When you first see one of these sleek and stylish boats, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the gleaming engine ­cowlings seemingly filling every inch of transom space. It’s clear that the entire class of vessels couldn’t exist without quantum leaps in outboard motor power and ­technology from builders like Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha. There are different theories about which came first, this growing number of high-powered outboards from 350 to 600 hp, or the ever-­larger hulls designed for outboard power. Conventional wisdom is that the evolution of more-powerful outboards led to the development of wider, longer and more-advanced hulls. However, there are also those who believe that evolving consumer demand for simplicity and ease of use was simultaneously pushing builders to redefine the center-console and walkaround fishing-boat classes. 

Perhaps we should call it a tie. “The evolution of outboard motors has resulted in even more-powerful, reliable and feature-­rich powerplants, enabling boat sizes in this popular segment to grow to overall lengths of 40 feet and beyond,” says John Caballero, sales and marketing director for SeaVee Boats. At the same time, he acknowledges an existing preference for simpler boats. “The market discovered long ago how practical a center-console boat is in terms of its utility and ­generally lower maintenance requirements.” He highlights the company’s 42-foot 420Z and 45-foot 450Z as ideal models for meeting this need, providing the amenities to enhance the fishing experience and the safety and comfort for all on board. Additionally, both models can be highly customized to suit the owner’s needs and preferences. 

“While supersize center-consoles are by no means simple machines, they are undoubtedly less complex than multi­stateroom sport-fishing yachts,” says Rob Sabin, southeast sales manager for Contender Boats. “This typically translates to lower maintenance bills and less time in the yard. It also gives owners the ability to run and maintain their own vessel.” 

Contender considers its 44-foot 44FA (Fisharound) the perfect fishing platform for extended adventures. Built on the center-­console 44ST hull, the 44FA features a large berth, enclosed head and kitchenette. It carries 575 gallons of fuel along with 70 gallons of fresh water and can be equipped with a generator, air conditioning, ice makers, water heaters and gyrostabilization.

“Boats are getting bigger and more powerful, but that’s not all,” says Matt Arnholt, marketing manager for Yellowfin Yachts. They have been able to maximize efficiency and fishability while incorporating various features, electronics in particular, Arnholt points out. 

While the 36 Offshore continues as Yellowfin’s most popular model, anglers are also turning to the 39 Offshore, 42 Offshore and 54 Offshore, Arnholt ­observes. The 54 delivers the brand’s styling, stepped hull, fuel efficiency and construction with features like a fully equipped galley, queen berth and a ­diesel generator. Its long list of available options includes a bow thruster, a Quick dynamic stabilizer, and a range of hardtop and tower possibilities.

“Many of our customers used to own large sport-fishermen,” says Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing for Scout Boats. “They are ready to move to a center-­console for the ease of operation and the ability to drive it themselves and take care of it themselves. Outboard power not only makes our boats fast and ­agile, it also makes maintenance much ­easier.” Multiple high-horsepower engines also provide owners with peace of mind. According to Lang, Scout’s current flagship—the 530 LXF—will easily get on plane and get you home at 50 mph, even with one engine down. 

Scout raised eyebrows across the industry when it first previewed its 670 LXF, a 67-foot LOA cross between a center-­console and a superyacht due for launch in 2024. Scout’s 530 LXF (Luxury Fish) is a 53-footer built almost entirely of lightweight yet strong carbon fiber and epoxy resin, and it’s packed with amenities like dual hydraulic beach platforms that lower for family water play, heated helm seats, a standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer and luxurious interior options.

“The biggest things driving these supersize center-consoles are high horsepower, along with the great weight-to-horsepower ratio,” says Dan Freer, senior director of engineering for Invincible, which offers both monohull and catamaran models. 

Invincible’s 46-foot cat is offered in both a center-console and pilothouse configuration. Even with the added comforts of two sleeping berths, interior seating, air conditioning and a generator, the 46 Pilothouse stays true to the brand with 360-degree fishability. The new flagship of Invincible’s monohull fleet is the 43 Open Fisherman. While the cockpit layout emphasizes all-around fishing room, the design includes a cabin with a full sleeping berth, a vanity sink and a head for ­extended angling journeys.   

Builders pretty much agree that the trend will continue, even if the overall size of the boats eventually tops out. Consumer demand and outboard engine development will continue to drive future innovation. What this future will look like is anyone’s guess, but it will certainly be a hell of a ride. 

Outboard Muscle

Powerful and efficient outboards are helping drive the trend for larger boats. Here are the top dogs in horsepower from three manufacturers.

Mercury: The Mercury V-12 600 hp and Mercury Racing 450R and new 500R are popular choices for twin, triple, quad and even quintuple installations.

Suzuki: Suzuki’s V-6 DF350 pioneered twin contra-rotating propellers for the added torque to push heavy loads, making this 350 a solid and efficient choice for catamarans in quad applications.

Yamaha: Yamaha’s new V-8 450 XTO Offshore outboard is a popular power option for the new breed of XL-size open fishing boats.

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I’ve followed Regulator boats since the very first model hit the water in 1988. The enthusiastic folks that started the company have created not only a recognizable brand, but also a line of products focused on ­quality, fishing and family fun.

The new 30XO is no exception. It is a hybrid of sorts but all Regulator, with superb fit-and-finish and an abundance of seating and fishing conveniences. I tested it on a beautiful February day in Florida’s Biscayne Bay. Our test boat had just about every option imaginable to fit the needs of fishermen from Maine to Louisiana and Key West to California. 

With a length of 30 feet, 7 inches and a beam of 10 feet, 2 inches, the 30XO offers platforms forward and aft. The forward area of the boat is functional, with a molded anchor locker and lid on the gunwale deck. The test boat had an optional 96-inch trolling motor with dedicated batteries and a 15-amp ­charger. The integral U-shaped bow seating/casting platform has 187 quarts of storage on the centerline under the seat. Each side has flip-up backrest seating. In-deck is a 294-quart insulated and ­macerated fish box. 

The center console features a forward lounge with plush seating and folding ­armrests and handholds, with a 218-quart storage bin below. Our test boat had the optional half-tower, sliding sunroof access, and a second station with full controls, a Garmin display, a helm seat and cup holders. The fully molded hardtop features composite windshield supports for the three-sided tempered glass and ventilated windshield.

The entrance to the console is on the starboard side. Its interior has a full stand-up head with a holding tank and pump-out. Access to the back of the electronics panel is made easy with large upper and lower opening door panels. 

The 30XO has an ergonomically appointed helm. The optional jack-plate control is slightly offset to port, with the binnacle to starboard. Outside of that is a glove-box compartment with a light. To port is an optional inductive cellphone charger as well as the trim-tab control switches. 

The dash also featured two 16-inch Garmin 8616xsv multifunction displays. There’s ­also a Garmin VHF and a remote mic. Regulator ­also has a proprietary user interface called MyHelm with easy-to-use functions on the touchscreen. The system even has its own key fob for controlling the Power-Poles, jack plate, spreader lights, light bar and deck lights. There are ­also lighted buttons to manually operate the horn, bilge pumps, lights and wipers when the screens are being used for navigating and fish-finding. Our test boat had the Yamaha engine display on the dash and the optional Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick control. 

The leaning post has a pair of plush helm seats with fold-up bolsters and armrests. The aft legs of the hardtop tie into the leaning post and offer 10 rod holders. On the starboard side of the leaning post is an upper pullout storage drawer with a pullout waste basket underneath. On the port side are three good-size drawers for more gear and tackle. The aft side of the leaning post has a Corian top and three rows of drawers. The top row features two open storage drawers and a center drop-down with a freshwater coil hose. The second row includes two drawers that each hold six Plano 3700-size tackle ­organizer
boxes. The bottom ­drawer is full-width and features a ­removable cutting board. 

The aft deck has a host of features, including three flush-mounted flip-up seats with a pair of stainless-steel drink holders between them. There is a 29-gallon livewell in the starboard transom corner, and another 116 quarts of storage that can be used as a livewell in the port transom corner. Bilge access is via the lift-up hatch under the center seat. The bilge is neatly finished and easy to reach, with all components laid out for simple maintenance. 

Our test boat had a pair of Yamaha F300 four-stroke outboard engines. The 30XO ­performed well and was incredibly stable, even while walking around the gunwales. We tested with a half-load of fuel. The boat easily came up on plane, tracked well, and turned smoothly with no ­sliding. It handled the wakes we encountered with ease. 

We conducted the test with two people aboard, no jack-plate trim, and no tabs at first. We found this load’s sweet spot at 3,500 rpm, ­making 31.6 mph while ­burning 17.4 gph, giving us 1.82 mpg. At wide-open throttle and trimmed for speed, we reached a top speed of 56.4 mph, burning 53.2 gph and making 1.06 mpg. 

The Regulator 30XO checks a lot of boxes on the potential use categories without sacrificing functionality while keeping the user-friendly aspects of the platform pertinent for so many applications. The inshore, nearshore and offshore capabilities of this boat are many, and the folks at Regulator have done a bang-up job of executing the build. I’m a big fan of these hybrid boats because they have such wide-use appeal. 

The 30XO is an excellent platform with ample room for a few fishing buddies to hit the bay or the rip. Next, load up the floats and beach gear, and bring the family to the sandbar. There is no doubt this rig can do all of it well and in fine style. 

Regulator Marine – regulatormarine.com

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In 1988, Regulator Marine set out to reinvent the deep-V center-console experience, and engineered what today it proudly calls the Legendary Ride.

Tested against the challenging conditions of their native North Carolina Outer Banks, the tough sport-fishers—23 to 41 feet long and each built by hand—are known for superb fit-and-finish and a dry, comfortable ride. 

The company is consistently awarded with industry  leading customer-satisfaction scores, and customer warranty claims on less than 1 percent of sales.

Regulator 34

The Regulator 34 boasts a space-maximizing design rivaling in roominess its 39-foot competitors. The boat offers a massive center forward storage box, two forward insulated fish/dry storage boxes, a bulk cockpit storage box or optional fish box, a transom fish box and, adjoining it, a 42-gallon transom livewell.  

But it’s fishing space that really counts, and in true CC fashion, the 34’s layout makes it easy to reach the huge forward deck and the 3X Deluxe Tackle Center with rigging station.

Options include outrigger bases and poles, transom rod holders, electric-reel hookups, and an upgraded 3X Deluxe Mezzanine Tackle Center for additional seating, storage, and rod launchers. 

An integrated wraparound windshield is mounted within the standard fiberglass T-top. All is monitored by a factory-installed Garmin Offshore electronics package. Options include helm air conditioning, stereo upgrade, and forward and rear sunshades. Below deck, a berth sleeps two, with rod storage and other amenities nearby. 

Choose between triple Yamaha 300s and twin Yamaha 425s, tended by Yamaha’s Helm Master EX. Add the Seakeeper 2, and you’re ready for anything. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

Our engineers have optimized every square inch of the 34 to give anglers the deck space and fishing features they crave.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha F300s
• Test Props: Yamaha Saltwater Series II, 15” x 21”
• Test Load: Two people, 100 gal. fuel, six batteries, Seakeeper 2, and safety and test gear
• Test Speed: 61 mph at 5,900 rpm, 84.8 gph, 0.72 mpg
• Max Range: 365 miles (315 gal. at 1.16 mpg, 35.3 mph, 3,500 rpm)

Specs

Editor Says

The new 34 fishes like a much larger boat, thanks to the optional Seakeeper 2 system that minimizes disturbances no matter how sloppy it gets. Regulator’s signature transom bracket and a smart layout maximizes performance and fishing cockpit real estate. 

More Info

regulatormarine.com

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In our survey, Regulator was among the handful of respected brands current boat owners were most likely to consider for their next purchase.

It’s no wonder, with hand-built Lou Codega-designed hulls, their four components crafted and then polybonded, fiberglassed and foam-filled to create a single no-wood unit free of noise, creaking, soft spots, leaking, cracks and caulk. A boat ready for the brand’s signature, “Offshore Life.”

Standard are fiberglass hardtops, which 23 percent of offshore CC owners list as the most important convenience feature in a boat like theirs. Those hardtops welcome options such as Taco Grand Slam outriggers. Other options include Yamaha Helm Master EX controls that include autopilot, waypoint deceleration, and Multimode Set Point to hold the boat in desired position.

Regulator Marine 31

One can arm this massive center-console with a pair of twin Yamaha 300s, but an exciting new option is dual Yamaha 425s, producing a top speed of 64 mph, making this the fastest boat in the swift Regulator fleet.

The helm is served by a factory-installed Garmin Offshore Package electronics suite to complement the Yamaha CL5 display. Seakeeper 2 gyroscopic stabilization is an option, controllable via the Garmin or CL5 displays. Seakeeper is sought by 32 percent of those surveyed.

Helm-seating and tackle-center options include a new 3X Deluxe Mezzanine Tackle Center, with rear-facing seating in addition to twin forward-facing console seating.

Angling is enabled by the 31′s massive cockpit, with four gunwale-mounted rod holders that meet the demands of 33 percent of survey respondents; tackle center, in-deck fishbox and T-Top hold more.

Forward are three 200-plus-quart fish or gear compartments within seats, plus a 500-quart in-deck compartment that can also provide the lockable rod storage that 28 percent of CC survey respondents request. Within the transom are a 228-quart fish box and a 36-gallon livewell, which meets the needs of 69 percent of survey respondents.

Survey Says: On Target

• Cockpit and forward SunShade options
• Stand-up head with rod storage on the 31

Owners Say

• The ride in rough seas is fantastic
• Well-laid-out boat; comfortable in the water

Brand Says

• Tested against in the conditions of the Outer Banks
• Maximum versatility
• When nothing is moving beneath your feet, you know you are on a boat built to handle the high seas

Reader Response

• “Good riding, dry, with tons of storage”

Specs

LOA: 31′4″

Beam: 10′4″

Fuel Capacity: 300 gal.

Dry Weight: 10,800 lb. with power

Max HP: 850

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

regulatormarine.com

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Since the first Regulator—a 26-foot center-console—was launched in 1990 from its North Carolina factory and tested in harsh conditions in the Outer Banks, Regulator Marine has become famous for its “Legendary Ride.” 

Across more than 30 years of innovation and evolution, each Regulator is still hand-built with consistency that the company says had led to customer-satisfaction scores consistently over 95 percent, as well as customer warranty claims on far less than 1 percent of boats sold.

Regulator 34

The Regulator 34 pledges ultimate performance in a true center-console design that produces space maximized to rival its 39-foot competitors.

Anglers endorse the boat’s massive forward deck, 42-gallon transom livewell and 220-quart transom fish box. (Another 400-quart cockpit in-deck fish box stands ready.) The 3X Deluxe tackle center bears a rocket-launcher rod holder. Fishing-minded options include transom rod holders, Taco Grand Slam 390 outrigger bases with 20-foot carbon-fiber telescoping poles, and additional fish boxes, livewells and rod holders. 

An optional 3X Deluxe Mezzanine tackle center/rigging station combines additional seating, storage and optional dual-flanking rocket launchers. 

Belowdecks, the berth sleeps two and features rod rack storage, a stand-up head with a solid-surface countertop, and other comfort amenities.

Up top, the captain and crew ride in comfort behind an integrated wraparound windshield beneath a standard fiberglass T-top with navigation, dock, spreader and interior lighting. Other comfort and fun features include Fusion entertainment, starboard boarding door with a dive ladder.

The Regulator 34 comes standard with triple Yamaha F300s (twin F425s optional) directed through Yamaha’s next-generation digital boat control that comprises electric steering, digital electronic control, an autopilot and a touchscreen display. Also standard is a factory-installed Garmin Offshore electronics package. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

The ultimate combination of deck space, power, comfort and range deliver outsized performance at every turn.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha F300s
• Test Props: Yamaha Saltwater Series 15” x 21” stainless steel
• Test Load: 15,590 lb.   
• Test Speed: 61 mph @ 5,900 rpm 
• Max Range: 406 mi. @ 35.3 mph, 3,500 rpm 

Specs

Editor Says

Regulator lists its boat model based on the usable space, which does not include the transom bracket and outboard power. The hull proper of the 34 is 33 feet, 10 inches, but the boat stretches to 39 feet, 4 inches with bracket and motors. Keep this in mind when comparing the 34 with other models. – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

regulatormarine.com

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Overview

With sleek lines, seaworthy sheer, and square transom, the new Regulator 37 looks like a lethal fishing machine from every angle. Powered by three Yamaha 425 XTOs and equipped with Yamaha’s Helm Master control system, the latest Regulator ranges hundreds of miles to engage the quarry and return quickly to port, handling like a cutting horse and swiftly responding to the skipper’s commands.

Fishability

Tournament enthusiasts will love the way the boat handles bumpy seas, whether abeam, ahead or astern. Dual 33-gallon live wells on the transom flank a 322-quart fish box. A pair of plumbed in-deck fish boxes add another 311 quarts of storage each.

Six flush-mount rod holders on the gunwales come standard, and Regulator will gladly add more. Cabinets on each side of the aft-facing bench seat provide storage and space for tackle and rigging.

Spaciousness and easy access are traits of Regulator boats, and the 37 has plenty of both. At the bow, a dedicated anchor locker houses the windlass with controls, a through-stem bow roller, and a washdown beneath.

Amenities

Comfort and luxury touches making the 37 a pleasurable day cruiser when fishing moves to the back burner.

Wraparound bow seating features pop-up backrests for reclining. A table rises from the sole, or at half height turns the bow seating into a sun pad. Dual lounges on the console front let two passengers enjoy the ride, with three more riding in comfort by folding out the transom lounge in the cockpit, where an optional electric grill lets the skipper and crew enjoy a hot lunch on the water.

Handling/Running

With an east wind kicking up serious seas, we opted to conduct our sea trial inshore, where a heavy chop still posed a significant test, yet the crew remained comfortable and secure at 60 mph behind the extra-wide helm station.

The optional Seakeeper 5, powered by an upgraded 13.5 kW genset, replacing the standard Onan 9 kW model, assures comfort in any conditions.

In addition to the Garmin Offshore 37 electronics package, which includes dual 22-inch multifunction displays with radar and CHIRP sonar, our test boat had the Offshore Command Center with digital switching for all onboard components, including the optional Seakeeper 5.

Performance

The 37 owes its smooth ride to the fact that every bit of its length is running surface.

Regulator’s classic bracket sets the motors back nearly three feet behind the transom, placing the props in clean water, which minimizes slip and maximizes efficiency and handling. That extra bite on the props holds in sharp turns without dumping off plane. With triple 425 XTOs, the Regulator burns 46 gph at 4,000 rpm, doing over 37 mph.

Test Conditions

• Location: Stuart, Florida
• Weather: Cloudy, 65 degrees
• Sea State: Choppy
• Test Load: Three adults 500 gallons of fuel, 100 pounds of gear

Pricing and Specifications

Contact: Regulator Marine – regulatormarine.com

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Regulator’s new 37 builds on their classic hull style employing a performance-enhancing transom bracket that also expands cockpit space. The 37 can be equipped for Seakeeper or come Seakeeper ready for later modifications. New leaning post and a tackle storage designs add fishability and convenience while increasing pleasure cruising seating.

For more information go to regulatormarine.com/offshore/boat-models/37.

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What hull characteristics create the signature Regulator ride? How does Regulator feed consumer demand for cutting-edge technology? Join fishing and boating editors Chris Woodward and Randy Vance as they question Regulator’s David Clubbs, director of engineering, and Keith Ammons, vice president of sales and marketing, about the intricacies of this iconic center console boat brand. We’ll also explore the all-new Regulator 37 and some of the unique features that propel this boat into class-leading status.

For more information go to regulatormarine.com.

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In our survey, Regulator was among the handful of respected brands current boat owners were most likely to consider for their next purchase.

It’s no wonder, with hand-built Lou Codega-designed hulls, their four components crafted and then polybonded, fiberglassed and foam-filled to create a single no-wood unit free of noise, creaking, soft spots, leaking, cracks and caulk. A boat ready for the brand’s signature, “Offshore Life.”

Standard are fiberglass hardtops, which 23 percent of offshore CC owners list as the most important convenience feature in a boat like theirs. Those hardtops welcome options such as Taco Grand Slam outriggers. Other options include Yamaha Helm Master EX controls that include autopilot, waypoint deceleration, and Multimode Set Point to hold the boat in desired position.

Regulator Marine 31

One can arm this massive center-console with a pair of twin Yamaha 300s, but an exciting new option is dual Yamaha 425s, producing a top speed of 64 mph, making this the fastest boat in the swift Regulator fleet.

The helm is served by a factory-installed Garmin Offshore Package electronics suite to complement the Yamaha CL5 display. Seakeeper 2 gyroscopic stabilization is an option, controllable via the Garmin or CL5 displays. Seakeeper is sought by 32 percent of those surveyed.

Helm-seating and tackle-center options include a new 3X Deluxe Mezzanine Tackle Center, with rear-facing seating in addition to twin forward-facing console seating.

Angling is enabled by the 31′s massive cockpit, with four gunwale-mounted rod holders that meet the demands of 33 percent of survey respondents; tackle center, in-deck fishbox and T-Top hold more.

Forward are three 200-plus-quart fish or gear compartments within seats, plus a 500-quart in-deck compartment that can also provide the lockable rod storage that 28 percent of CC survey respondents request. Within the transom are a 228-quart fish box and a 36-gallon livewell, which meets the needs of 69 percent of survey respondents.

Survey Says: On Target

• Cockpit and forward SunShade options
• Stand-up head with rod storage on the 31

Owners Say

• The ride in rough seas is fantastic
• Well-laid-out boat; comfortable in the water

Brand Says

• Tested against in the conditions of the Outer Banks
• Maximum versatility
• When nothing is moving beneath your feet, you know you are on a boat built to handle the high seas

Reader Response

• “Good riding, dry, with tons of storage”

Specs

LOA: 31′4″

Beam: 10′4″

Fuel Capacity: 300 gal.

Dry Weight: 10,800 lb. with power

Max HP: 850

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

regulatormarine.com

The post Regulator Marine 31: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

In our survey, Regulator was among the handful of respected brands current boat owners were most likely to consider for their next purchase.

It’s no wonder, with hand-built Lou Codega-designed hulls, their four components crafted and then polybonded, fiberglassed and foam-filled to create a single no-wood unit free of noise, creaking, soft spots, leaking, cracks and caulk. A boat ready for the brand’s signature, “Offshore Life.”

Standard are fiberglass hardtops, which 23 percent of offshore CC owners list as the most important convenience feature in a boat like theirs. Those hardtops welcome options such as Taco Grand Slam outriggers. Other options include Yamaha Helm Master EX controls that include autopilot, waypoint deceleration, and Multimode Set Point to hold the boat in desired position.

Regulator 28

First, in 1988, there came the original Regulator 26. Regulator stretched it a decade or so ago to create the Regulator 28 and, more recently, that new classic received a “refresh” treatment including, among other touches, a fiberglass T-top with LED lights and integrated wraparound windshield, and Garmin 28 Offshore Premium electronics package.

Fishing is prominent in this boat’s DNA, and that’s clear at its 28 Tackle Center, with rigging area, rocket launchers, tackle storage and more. The standard T-top is ready for optional, additional rod holders, while the four gunwale-mounted holders meet the needs of 33 percent of survey respondents.

At the helm are bolstered seating and individual footrests. Underneath, a lined console is equipped with an electric head wiring access and rod racks.

The transom houses a 124-quart fish box and 25-gallon livewell. A flush-folding transom seat will please the 44 percent of CC survey respondents who consider aft seating important.

Up front is an illuminated 456-quart fish/storage box, flanked by a pair of 169-quart insulated fish-box/dry-storage bins, also illuminated. A center in-deck dry-storage compartment offers 256 quarts more space, which could be the locked rod storage that 26 percent say they need.

A tuna door admits fishers and big fish, and is handy for diving.

Forward seating with flip-up backrests, plus -forward console seating for two, will please the 40 percent of our center-console survey respondents who called bow seating important.

Survey Says: On Target

• Cockpit and forward SunShade options
• Stand-up head with rod storage on the 31

Owners Say

• The ride in rough seas is fantastic
• Well-laid-out boat; comfortable in the water

Brand Says

• Tested against in the conditions of the Outer Banks
• Maximum versatility
• When nothing is moving beneath your feet, you know you are on a boat built to handle the high seas

Reader Response

• “Good riding, dry, with tons of storage”

Specs

LOA: 27′8″

Beam: 9′5″

Fuel Capacity: 219 gal.

Dry Weight: 9,480 lb. with power

Max HP: 600

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

regulatormarine.com

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