2020 Regal 33 SAV review

Florida-based Regal Marine has made its first foray into the cross-over fishing/family boat market with its recently launched Sports Activity Vessel range.

The new craft are innovative in design, with bowrider seating forward, a relatively compact helm station and a four-berth lower cabin.

Tested here is the smaller of two models, the Regal 33 SAV. It differs from the larger 38 SAV in that it has the helm offset to starboard similar to a side console; the larger flagship is more like a centre console.

Both have a wide walkway trench stretching the length of the port side, along with spacious accommodations below decks.

I guess you could think of these new Regals as "bowrider cruisers" even though the layouts differ slightly between the two.

In both cases, the designers have made excellent use of the available interior space to configure the boats for family cruising and social offshore sport fishing.

With big four-stroke outboard power provided exclusively by Yamaha, the new Regal SAVs also make for capable sports boats. Our 33 SAV test rig topped 41.7 knots with a pair of ultra-longshaft (30-inch) 300hp Yamaha V6 outboard engines bolted to the transom.

Gold Coast Regal dealer Game and Leisure Boats has packages for the Regal 33 SAV starting from $618,000 with the dual 300hp Yamaha outboard entgines. That's quite pricey, but Aussie specification models come with lots of gear that is optional overseas.

Catering for our warm climate, reverse cycle cabin air-conditioning is standard. You also get a pair of Garmin 1242 XSV 12-inch multifunction displays, Fusion stereo, 5kW petrol generator, power steering, shore power with battery charger, cockpit fridge, lighting package, cockpit side door, trim tabs, and more.

Our test boat, loaded with options for dealer and boat show display, has a landed retail price of more than $700,000. However, the actual boat we tested is now being offered for the substantially discounted price of $638K.

For the extra bucks, our test boat gained white-coloured Yamaha 300hp outboard engines, an Optimus 360 joystick control (with sea-station electronic power steering, virtual anchor and autopilot), Garmin VHF radio, cockpit television, Top Gun outriggers, hull side windows, bow cover and cockpit seat covers, bow table with filler cushions, bow and stern sun shade, cabin port light, anchor windlass and rode, cockpit electric grill, pump-out toilet, Seagrass cockpit floor matting, boarding platform cleats, tow sports pylon, and the Fish Package that includes a live well, fish box, deck wash and transom rod holders.

The Regal 33 SAV is a high-sided, safe, seaworthy boat with a steep 21-degree deadrise hull coupled to an even sharper wave-cutting entry shape at the bow.

The Regal is 10m long and draws less than a metre of water with the ultra-longshaft engines trimmed down. A 3.2-metre beam takes care of stability, although you can option the boat with a SeaKeeper gyro stabiliser for the absolute minimum in sideways rock and roll.

Interestingly, many of Regal's smaller, high-performance models have race boat-like cut-outs or steps along the hull to aerate the water surface for a smoother ride at speed. Regal, though, has opted to use its more conventional, time-proven OceanTrak hull design for the 33 SAV.

Regal hull designs may differ, but each is built to a high standard. Some timber is used in cosmetic areas, but no-rot foam and composite materials core the stringers and other structural components.

Dual-density foams (soft on top, firmer underneath) are used for the seat cushions, each of which is encased in double-stitched, hard-wearing vinyl upholstery.

High-quality fixtures, fittings and materials are used for each Regal model.

The 33 SAV's unusual but effective layout has the helm station offset to the starboard side to allow a 500mm wide walkway to port to provide forward access.

Anglers can also safely fish the full length of the port side, securely braced against padded topsides that rise to 880mm amidships.

The only negative for anglers here is that the side walkway has three different levels. From the cockpit, you take one step up to the helm station but step back down into the forward deck.

Day boaters will appreciate the bow's U-shaped moulded seating area with comfortable vinyl upholstered cushions and backrests. The two-seater chaise-style seat in front of the helm console is particularly comfortable.

An optional cocktail table slots into the floor between the seats to create a dinette.

Storage lockers are beneath the two forward seats, with the cushioned seat/hatch lids held open with gas struts.

Surrounding features include low-set grab rails, stereo speakers, and recessed/sheltered cup holders.

A concealed anchor well in the forepeak houses the optional electric anchor windlass and plow style anchor that is mounted through the stem.

The offset helm station is a comfortable, sheltered location for three adults with a wide seat/leaning post fitted with three deluxe bucket chairs fronting the helm.

The skipper's chair is to the extreme right, flanked by two co-pilot chairs. Each has folding armrests and flip-up front bolsters for maximum helm comfort, and to allow easy entry and egress.

A pull-out icebox is below the port side co-pilot chair, while a platform beneath the skipper's seat folds down to provide a heightened view from the helm.

The dash and fascia is uncomplicated but effective. There is space for the two included Garmin 12-inch multifunction displays, along with a tilt-adjust steering wheel, VHF radio, and switch panels.

The binnacle throttle box is secured to an elevated panel to starboard of the helm, alongside the Optimus joystick controller, trim tab switches, and a small cooler box great for stowing lunches.

Standing or sitting at the helm, the skipper has an unfettered view over the bow of the boat through the one-piece tempered glass windscreen (with wiper and mechanically operated air vent), while the side windows shield the crew from spray.

The included hardtop provides shade and has a mounting point for the optional Top Gun outriggers, radio antennas, lighting and stereo speakers.

Our test boat was also fitted with an optional aft-facing TV that drops down from the rear of the hardtop. It can also be rigged to mirror the dash-mounted Garmin displays so anglers can view the fishfinder or GPS screens from the cockpit.

The Regal 33 SAV can sleep four adults below decks in two separate double berths.

The 2.0-metre-plus forward berth tucks under the bow so there is limited headroom in the forepeak. Cleverly, however, this berth converts into an aft-facing bench seat at the flick of a switch.

I'd probably leave it configured as a chair for most of the time.

The rear berth is larger still, measuring 2.39 metres by 1.64 metres. It runs transversely across the boat beneath the helm deck.

At 625mm, headroom over the berth is at a premium but you can move in and out easily enough from the starboard side due to a well-positioned padded squab seat and overhead hanging locker.

The head compartment is to starboard alongside the forward berth, and is large for a boat of this size.

It includes an electric-flush toilet, vanity basin above a Corian bench-top, mirror, storage cabinets, porthole, and a separate glassed-off shower stall with a teak seat and non-slip flooring.

The Regal 33 SAV does not have a galley in the cabin, but there is a microwave built into the timber storage cabinetry on the port side, close to the ship's electrical switchboard.

The helm station leaning post incorporates the boat's aft-facing galley/refreshment centre and includes a Corian-surfaced benchtop, freshwater sink, optional electric grill, a drawer-type fridge, storage cupboards, garbage bin and cup holders.

The Regal 33 SAV is a sports cruiser first and foremost, but it has enough features – including a large cockpit with high freeboard, a sub-floor macerated fish box, port side dive/entry door, coaming rod holder/cup holders, and a 75L moulded live well over on the port side – to appease most anglers.

Our test boat was also fitted with five rod holders across the transom and a raw water deck wash as part of the Fishing Package.

Not so great for fishing is the position of a full-length moulded bench seat on the starboard side. This chaise-style recliner is great for relaxing, but it does make it a little difficult to fish from that side of the boat.

Other aft cockpit features include a lazarette compartment to access all of the mechanical controls, pumps, batteries, and more along with a fold-down bench seat, large rear boarding platforms and ladder and a starboard side transom entry door.

Large, wide, deep-bodied craft such as the Regal 33 SAV can sometimes be a bit ungainly on the water, but our test boat proved otherwise, handling with agility and prowess throughout our test in murky, flood run-off waters on the Gold Coast.

The boat's 21-degree OceanTrak hull leans heavily into turns with a fair degree of banking, but the boat feels solid, safe and secure from the helm.

The dual 300hp Yamaha V6 four-stroke outboard engines provided ample power, accelerating the big Regal to an impressive top speed of 41.7 knots.

A performance option is dual 350hp Yamaha V8 outboard engines, but I'm not sure the extra spend is worthwhile. The punchier engines will boost mid- and top-end speed (46 knots), but not by as much as you might expect due to their extra weight.

I personally would stick with the twin 300hp outboard engines as they provide the best combination of performance for tow sport activities with economy for long-range cruising and offshore fishing.

Offshore outside the Gold Coast Seaway I struggled to fault the Regal. It goes where you point it without fuss or drama, and the ride through chop and messy sea conditions is smooth and comfortable. This is a nicely sorted boat with good manners and easy handling.

Performance

*Both engines
Range on 95% of the 851L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 254.0nm

The Regal 33 SAV is an interesting newcomer to the local market. Its innovative design, layout and features should see it excel as a sport cruiser, bay runabout and family boat.

But it can also double as an offshore fishing boat with to its comfortable ride, excellent performance and large rear cockpit.

With a price approaching $700K for the optioned model, the Regal SAV is not a cheap proposition, but this four-berth multi-function cruiser is well built, nicely appointed, and surprisingly capable.

I rate it highly as an innovative alternative to some of the big US bowrider centre consoles on offer.

Specifications
Model: Regal 33 SAV
Length: 10.34m
Beam: 3.2m
Draft: 890mm (engines down)
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Displacement: 5330kg (dry)
Maximum power: 700hp (dual 350hp extra-longshaft)
Engines as tested: Dual 300hp Yamaha V6 four-strokes
Fuel: 851L
Water: 144L
Holding tank: 110L
Live bait tank: 75L
Passengers: 10

Priced from: $618,000 with dual Yamaha 300hp ultra-longshaft (30") V6 four-stroke outboards with power steering and digital controls, and a pair of Garmin 1242 XSV 12-inch multifunction displays.

Price as tested: $700,000-plus for new orders, but $638,000 for our test boat. Features as above but with white-coloured 300hp Yamaha outboard engines; Optimus 360 joystick control (with SeaStation electronic power steering, virtual anchor and autopilot); Garmin VHF radio; cockpit TV; Top Gun outriggers; hull side windows; bow cover and cockpit seat covers; bow table with filler cushions; bow and stern sunshade; cabin port light; anchor windlass and rode; cockpit electric grill; pump-out electric toilet; Seagrass cockpit floor matting; boarding platform cleats; tow sports pylon; Australian electrical certification; and the Fish Package including live well, fish box, deck wash, and transom rod holders.

Supplied by: Game and Leisure Boats, Gold Coast