2024 Regal 38 Grand Coupe

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

Family owned Regal Boats of Orlando Florida has been creating beautiful on-water memories since 1969. Their commitment to exceptional quality, market leading craftsmanship and innovative engineering have earned dozens of industry accolades. Today, the Regal lineup offers both sterndrive and outboard powered bowriders, a wide range of surf models, express cruisers, sports activity vessels, and yachts. The wide production range spans model lengths from 20’ all the way up to 50’ with our 38 Grand Coupe test model sitting comfortably in the Yacht selection.

Our Lake Simcoe test day promised calm waters with nominal winds, modest late spring temperatures in the 22 C range (76 F), and we were tracking some forecasted late afternoon showers.

My immediate impression as we walked toward the docks – massive swim and entertainment platform and impressive windows in the cockpit and hull sides. As I eagerly strolled closer, the appeal of the cockpit windows grew stronger and I immediately envisioned afternoons and evenings entertaining family and friends. Little did I know what was coming.

I crossed the wide and stable swim platform and boarded port side to find beautiful L-shaped seating leading to the patio doors and entry to the cockpit. Morning light was streaming into this stunning space and with ease I casually strolled through while glancing with excitement at the helm station featuring Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit installation. Moving through the wide downward steps I was taken aback by the forward stateroom with centerline mounted queen size bed and plenty of room on both sides. Just before the stateroom to starboard rests a beautifully appointed head compartment and directly across to port – a full headroom independent space for showering. I eased below to find an aft stateroom with king bed and its own settee. The cameraman wasn’t even on board and I was giggling with anticipation.

The aft stateroom readily converts from a king bed to twin bed configuration to easily accommodate the needs of your guests. Natural lighting abounds thanks to enormous hull side windows, plus multiple additional lighting options ensure all guest needs are met. Storage cabinets are extensive and the two-person settee is a cozy perch for watching a movie on the wall mounted flat screen TV.

The shower enclosure boasts a teak floor, teak backed shower head/handle, well positioned cubby holes for your shower needs, and a beautiful teak bench. Did I mention the headroom? All 6’1” of me fit and I could easily wash my hair in there. Very spacious.

Over to the starboard side is the head compartment. I immediately appreciated the full-size sink, clean, and functional storage compartments tucked behind hand crafted cabinetry, solid surface countertop, and multiple lighting options.

The forward stateroom is nestled behind a three-panel privacy doorway which easily opens to unveil the California queen size bed. Extensive lighting options allow you to set the mood to match your moments and access is well thought out and plentiful on both sides. A massive wall mounted TV and cedar lined hanging closet round out the stateroom. And then there’s the storage – oh my is there ever storage! Two massive drawers run full-width under the bed and the easy-to-lift bed and base (factory installed ram makes this a breeze) opens a cavernous storage locker.

As we move back up the stairs to our left resides the electrical panel. The amount of onboard electronics had me curious and I opened the panel to find one of the tidiest, most simple, and understated electrical panels I have seen in a very long time. Kudos the Regal electrical engineers on this one.

Up we go to the massive cockpit where it is impossible to miss the panoramic views filled with natural lighting. Single piece windows including the massive single piece windshield yield exceptional viewing from all vantage points. Open the retractable hardtop to stream in even more natural light. Raised L-shaped seating sits left of the helm station and a second ‘love seat’ tucks in behind the helm. Ceiling mounted TV provides solutions for watching an evening game or afternoon movie and the easy to use shades on all windows make for simple sunshine or moonlight management. The galley is positioned on the port side and features hot and cold water sink, dual burner electric stove, and a smooth counter surface for food prep. I noted the covers for the sink and stovetop both have fixed position storage in the lower storage cabinet and a large waste receptacle is also incorporated here. The fridge/freezer combo will keep your family and crew hydrated and an overhead microwave and pantry solution are both tucked behind more hand-crafted cabinetry.

The helm station features a vinyl wrapped dash housing the glass cockpit technology – this is where Volvo Penta’s EVC/Electronic Vessel Control integrates engine and vessel systems into a very user-friendly set up. The joystick control sits waiting to simplify docking and low speed movement by offering precise maneuvering in tight quarters. The powered helm seat with flip-up bolster assures perfect seating position and a fold down floor step and raised footrest provide even more driving comfort solutions.

We easily move through the patio doors thanks in part to the seamless single level cockpit sole (there’s no steps, folks) to the aft cockpit to find another dinette table, L-shaped seating for six, another fridge, and a large outdoor grill. Did I mention there’s another ceiling mounted TV that drops down with the touch of a button.

The ’piece de resistance’ for me was fully opening the patio door and lowering the powered window between the interior galley and the exterior grill surface. This completely transforms the interior and exterior space as guests in the aft cockpit can now find themselves in the same ‘room’ as those in the interior. Standing on the aft looking inward, it is awe inspiring to realize how this boat transforms the family entertainment experience.

I should note that the open and spacious swim platform and transom area include two generously sized storage trunks and this entire hatchway opens to reveal the engine compartment. All of me readily fit down below as I explored the virtues of the twin Volvo Penta 380’s and my eyes drank in the serviceability space around the generator, batteries, and on-board systems. Regal took into considerations the needs of technicians as this layout will enhance the goal of keeping this vessel on the water for years to come.

With the onshore reviews complete and the rains threatening, we fired up the Volvo Penta’s. Immediate thought with doors and windows closed was: “are they running?” They certainly purred quietly and we found this continued as we worked our way up and through multiple operating speeds.

Open waters and still calm seas allowed us to experience 0 – 30 MPH takeoffs within the reported under 12 second range, and optimal cruising speeds from 4,000 – 4,500 engine RPM in the 20 – 29 MPH range. My personal preference was 24.2 MPH at 4,180 RPM. We took a moment to experience top speed capabilities and smiled when we saw 43 MPH at 6,070 RPM. It’s not often you’re going to rip a yacht like this at full speed, but it sure is nice to know she can deliver!

In my opinion, the boat runs exactly as she should and the Bennet trim tabs allow precise hull control to afford optimal cruising and fuel management. The marriage of Regal’s passion for superior hull technology and Volvo Penta’s commitment to easy boating give this package top marks.

The 38 Grand Coupe is an exceptional mid-sized yacht featuring high quality amenities from skilled craftsmen and women who clearly put their heart and soul into every build. This boat will enrich the lives of passionate boaters for many years to come.

2024 Regal 38 Grand Coupe Photo Gallery

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