Regal LX9 luxury dayboat revealed

The radical design means the 8.8-metre (29 feet in the old measure) Regal LX9 can be used in a wider range of weather, protecting occupants from rain when dropped down or the sun when up high.

The variable-height hardtop, fitted standard to the Regal LX9, is also handy for anyone living along a canal with low bridge clearances.

Of note, the Regal LX9 takes on-water technology a step further, placing a touchscreen on the console in front of the jump seat meaning the co-pilot has access to the boat’s electronics. 

That is in addition to twin 12-inch Garmin screens mounted at the helm that are integrated with the entire boat – you’ll notice that there are no physical switches for systems such as lights, anchor winches and so on.

This is a boat made for family and friends, with plenty of seating with storage built in and the option of adding a Seakeeper 1 gyroscopic stabiliser to keep everything calm and composed both underway and once pulled up to the beach.

Aft, the Regal LX9 features something it calls a Power Platform, a large walkaround swim platform that folds around the outboard engine pod and gives easy access to both sides of the boat. Access to the aft cockpit is via a central companionway through the transom, with the aft seats featuring folding backrests that lay down flat to create a large sun bed.

The aft seats also slide forward to add even more space to the rear of the boat. Another innovative feature is a rubbish chute built in below the console seat, featuring a swinging flap that makes it easy to use.

Other highlights include a transom shower, a large aft lazarette with plenty of storage room for both the Seakeeper and any water toys, a pop-up ski tow hook, a Fusion audio system as standard, and subwoofers built into the aft coamings that enhance the optional JL Audio system for anyone swimming off the back of the boat.

Underfloor storage is built into the companionway, including a large insulated ice box.

Also standard is Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick control system, which makes low-speed maneuvering much easier for skippers of all skill levels, and a bow thruster. It is attached to either twin Yamaha F200 V6 outboard engines or twin F250 V8s.

The Regal LX9 is built on Regal’s FasTrac hull featuring a 19-degree deadrise and hull step that mixes air in with the water passing under the hull, reducing drag and improving fuel economy.

Below the console is a large head – a chemical one is standard with electric flush as an option – and an opening porthole.

Access to the bow is via an opening pane in the windscreen held open by a magnetic clasp. A windbreaker folding panel is fitted, and the companionway includes a handy storage box built into it.

The bow lounge is huge, featuring bolstered sides, forward-facing chairs with armrests and a top rail. Handy USB charging points are spread around here, as well as the cockpit. Storage voids built into the seats all have lips around them to prevent water from spilling in if the bow gets stuffed in a wave.

Regal boats are sold in Australia via dealers including Premier Marine in Sydney and Short Marine in Queensland.

The first of the new Regal LX9 bowriders is expected to land in Australia as early as February next year.