Regal 36/38 XO (2025-)

Format Note (Stated by the Captain)

The captain explicitly framed this test as different from a standard review: "As you can tell, this isn't a traditional boat test. It's a test of how a boat like this can be enjoyed on a given weekend." He later reiterated: "I've come to realize that it's fantastic to get to spend time on a boat just like we're doing right now, because with the traditional boat test, we don't really get to truly use the boat. But here I am — so I know a lot about the boat and how it feels, how all this space works, and how comfortable it really is."

Itinerary

Departing Key Largo, the trip covered approximately 70 miles down Hawk Channel to Marathon for an overnight stay, followed by a return leg to Key Largo the next day, with stops for snorkeling, free-dive lobster hunting, and a visit to Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Regal 38 XO — Underway (Outbound Leg)

Power: Triple 350s. The captain's assessment: "The triple 350s provided plenty of power for our pace, with more speed at the ready if we were so inclined."

Autopilot / navigation: Run on autopilot through Hawk Channel, with active monitoring for shoaling, coral heads, and crab pots. The captain made course adjustments as needed (e.g., approximately a 10-degree correction to avoid hazards), noting: "We're still in 20 feet here" when confirming safe depth during one maneuver.

Climate control underway: Windows closed with air conditioning running initially; later opened as temperatures cooled.

Helm controls noted: Joystick (used briefly while leaving the dock — "make it easy to leave the dock"), trim tab controls, Garmin screen and autopilot adjustment, all described as easily accessible from the seated position: "If you have a long passage, this is a fantastic way to just sit here, casually chat with all of your guests as you're making your way to your destination."

Evening ventilation: As conditions cooled, the sunroof and back door were opened, along with a window, to increase cabin ventilation. The captain noted the cabin remained notably quiet even with the sunroof open at speed: "When we first opened the sunroof, it was a little shocking as we got back on plane... you couldn't tell sound-wise that it was open, that everything was just so peaceful in the cabin still."

Night docking: Arrival at Safe Harbor Marina in Marathon occurred after dark. The captain noted handling the slip approach using the joystick: "We were able to handle it just fine with the joystick, and we're not gonna have any issues."

Regal 38 XO — Forward Cabin / Overnight Accommodations

The captain slept in the forward island berth.

Storage noted: A top drawer used for personal items, additional space for luggage and snacks, and a hanging locker for a backpack — the captain noted a personal preference: "It's really nice when you can get all of your things outta the way, 'cause I like everything clean and unseen." A TV is also present in this cabin.

Standout accommodation feature: The captain specifically highlighted the separate head and shower as a comfort/privacy benefit for overnighting: "Making this boat more comfortable for overnighting, adding a level of convenience and privacy for everyone on board."

Regal 38 XO — Overnight Comfort Assessment

The following morning, the captain reported: "I think we slept fantastic here on the 38. I know I had plenty of room down there." A second crew of two aboard the 36 XO also reportedly slept well.

Regal 36 XO — General Assessment

The captain characterized this model as more day-boat oriented but still equipped with overnight accommodations below: "This boat will be fantastic for a family of four, and you could also have six aboard — sometimes maybe a few other kids, and you convert some more berths. But I know it's only 38 feet [likely meant 36 feet], but that's a lot that Regal has packed into this space."

Regal 36 XO — Bow

Fitted with a deployable sunshade and a convertible lounger — the center section of the sun pad tilts up to convert from a lounging to a more upright seated position while remaining under the sunshade. Features noted: multiple cup holders, a grab rail, USB charging, a small cubby, Fusion audio system, and a full-perimeter bow rail.

Regal 36 XO — Swim Platform / Transom Access

Large, open swim platforms on both boats were noted as easy to access from the water. On the port side of the 36, there was no ladder (better suited for entry without fins); a ladder was present on the starboard side. The captain noted being able to walk all the way around the engines to access large storage underneath (used for dive gear), a shore power hookup, and a freshwater rinse.

Regal 36 XO — Mooring/Docking Walkway

The captain specifically praised this layout feature for use with mooring balls: "It's just so handy when you're coming off a mooring or something like this — walk right up here, have a seat."

Onboard Cooking (Summer Kitchen, 36 XO)

Included a sink, trash storage, induction stovetop, fridge below, and additional storage drawers. Onboard grilling was used to prepare burgers during the Alligator Reef stop, and later to cook the caught lobster tails.

Seakeeper stabilization: The captain noted the presence of a Seakeeper 3 aboard (specific boat not fully specified in this segment, referenced during the cooking scene): "Even though it's not really rolly out here, I think it's keeping things stable. It just makes it simple to do something like this."

Regal 36 XO — Salon / Convertible Seating

Described as open, with an opening sunroof used throughout the day's run. Seating converts up/down to create a large sun pad or lounging berth area. A table can be added, and the section can be closed off and conditioned (air-conditioned) as needed.

Regal 38 XO — Return Leg (Cruise Performance Notes)

Running northeast through Hawk Channel, the captain reported specific operating parameters: "We got a boat at about 4,500 RPM, 25% trim... we're cruising at about 36 miles an hour."

Closed-cabin operation: With the boat closed up and conditioned, the captain contrasted this with the open-air operation used earlier in the trip: "Not only is this a good day, but where you can run it with everything open like we did while we were running and catching the lobsters and moseying around... but you can just close the boat off and just make this one conditioned, comfortable, and quiet cabin where everyone can have a casual conversation."

Crab pot avoidance / helm technique: The captain ran primarily in heading-hold autopilot mode while monitoring for crab pots, disengaging briefly to maneuver around obstacles before re-engaging heading hold. Additional helm equipment noted during this leg: joystick (for potential dockside use), accessible trim tabs, VHF (used for communication with the buddy boat), two Garmin displays, digital switching, and engine controls.

Route note: Due to chop on the Hawk Channel side, the boats cut through Angelfish Creek (a mangrove area) toward the calmer Biscayne Bay side.

Anchoring / Evening Gathering

The two boats anchored together on the bay side, described as calm. The group gathered aboard the 36 XO to grill the day's lobster catch, with the cabin and aft deck opened up to create what the captain called "an exquisite spot to wind down."

Regal 36 XO — Below-Deck Accommodations (Detailed)

The captain reiterated the below-deck space comfortably sleeps a family of four, describing the area as open, with the sunroof having been run open throughout the day. Convertible seating raises/lowers to form a large sun pad or lounging berth.