What do you guys think of this boat?

ric · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 10:07 am

I'm going to do a walk around today and just kick some tires for now and the owner is okay with that. 1997 Regal Ventura 6.8. 5.7GLi DP engine. 280hp

Asking 12,900 with the trailer.

With new bottom paint and interior this boat looks sharp, must see. 1997 Regal 6.8 Ventura 23 Cuddy 8' beam 5.7L Volvo, three year old Aluminum Shore-Lander trailer. I have all inspection paper work and receipts, runs great and has a FULL camper package, stainless steel grill, CD player, 6/9 speakers and amp outside and two 6" speakers inside. 3 batteries with battery charger, shortwave radio for communications, Garmin color screen GPS with depth finder, chemical head. $12,900 make offer, comes with all the life jackets, fenders and ropes you need"

It's virtually identical to a 2003+ Four Winns 205 Sundowner but half the price with it's wet bar and wrap around walk thru seating.

Does anyone have experience with these boats? Does anything stand out bad in the pictures? If I do decide that purchasing it is in my future I would get an inspection first of course.

gregs · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 11:36 am

Well, you've always wanted a "shaggin waggin"

I think there is a Regal forum somewhere :lol:

Just kidding, there would be no excitement without you here.

Greg

Sea Gar · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 5:38 pm

Years ago I owned a 1999 Regal 6.8 Ventura, and for its size the cockpit layout is tough to beat. I also had the 5.7L and it topped out at 50 mph.
In the years that I owned it I only replaced the starter. In looking at the pictures I noticed that the seat upholstery may have been replaced as the original seats had striping that matched the sides. I had no issues with mine and would say that overall it was a good boat.

ric · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 6:36 pm

Just saw it in person..

New vinyl on the seats, marine AC in the cabin, LCD tv/dvd in cabin, two house batteries and a starting battery, onboard charger, two bilge pumps, new bottom paint, newer radio with polk db651 speakers, VHF, garmin 440s, new gauges, shorepower hookup, 225hrs on the hull, new camper enclosure, the big magma grill, just buffed and polished, etc. The wiring looks decent, everything is fused correctly, nothing really "rigged". Has all receipts for engine work and wouldn't mind a mechanic checking it out one bit.

I would say it's a 7 out of 10 due to the fact that it is a 1997 and some of the original plastic parts show their age. I'm 6'1 and I could comfortably sit inside the cabin. That wins me over right there. The cockpit layout is amazing.

The dude is straight up cool. He's 32 and that was his "stabbin cabin" for a few years but got his GF knocked up and now has a 7 month old. Owes the bank 12,9 so that's all he wants. honestly, it's really not much bigger then my H180 which is shocking how much better it uses the space.

I'm going to throw mine up on the craigslist and see what happens.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Boat looks good....how does it sit that trailer though. Looks like the ass end is hanging off the back in pic.....???

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 8:15 am

So I thought about it overnight. I can spend 12,9 on a boat that needs some work OR there's a BEAUTIFUL mint condition 2004 205 sundowner 100mi away for 17. The Regal doesn't have a swing tongue trailer and it's kinda junky (can't park it at my townhouse) and needs around $1000 in stuff to be on a show worthy level. The 205 is well.. showroom condition, needs nothing, with a swing tongue trailer (will fit in boat parking at townhouse).

Either way, my H180 is now forsale. I finally got to sit in a 22ft range cuddy and it's exactly what I was hoping for.

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 8:32 am

What about the A/C? No A/C on the cuddy, although I've wondered if there is room under my floor to install a small unit, of course would only work with shore power which I have at my dock.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 8:48 am

Most cuddy owners of that size boat that want A/C, use a portable. Pricey at West Marine. I have seen
many used ones for $500-$600 on CL before. They do a great job and are easy to install and remove
when you take the boat out.

I like the Regal, good cuddy to start with. Good luck on the sale of the H180, hope you find someone with deep
pockets that wants it.

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 8:48 am

97_245_sd wrote:

What about the A/C? No A/C on the cuddy, although I've wondered if there is room under my floor to install a small unit, of course would only work with shore power which I have at my dock.

The FW 205 doesn't have A/C but that's easy to do. The MarinAire Micra http://www.marinaire.com/Marine_air_conditioner_p/msba6k2.htm is 10x10x17in and will turn a cuddy into a meat locker (or heat) and can run off a 1000w inverter. Ship Shape TV actually featured it, the host installed it on his cuddy with two big house batteries and an inverter.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 8:55 am

If you can swing $15K to $18K, consider this, newer, bigger, faster......

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/3018659562.html

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 9:03 am

Cap'n Morgan wrote:

If you can swing $15K to $18K, consider this, newer, bigger, faster......

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/3018659562.html

I'm limited by size. The trailer HAS to fit in a standard parking spot. I'm am looking to swing 15-18k. The wrap around seating like the 6.8/205 is a must.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Thats a nice looking boat right there capn. Fresh looking motor with oil remote filter and room to access for maintenance....that would be something I would consider when I outgrow the SS...but for now the bowrider is still a blast for me....after 12 years of the bowrider fun I may never change.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Post up the sundowner link

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 9:25 am

TX H210SS wrote:

Thats a nice looking boat right there capn. Fresh looking motor with oil remote filter and room to access for maintenance....that would be something I would consider when I outgrow the SS...but for now the bowrider is still a blast for me....after 12 years of the bowrider fun I may never change.

I'm just getting the "bowrider fever" myself. We started boating with a 20' cuddy many years ago. We had the most fun on that boat of any we have owned...... until now. We are having a blast with our 20' bowrider, and getting more use out of it this early in the season than we have when we had a boat in a slip !

Here is a nice 205 in Fla.

http://www.atlanticmarinefl.com/new_veh ... ov=2658742

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2012 9:27 am

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/boa/3016470179.html

Trading for the ability to camp overnight or just get out of the weather to chill out is well worth it loosing 2 seats up front. All they're really good for is giving me the cool feature of looking at the back of someone's head anyways. The bow area does nothing for me as a boat owner/operator.

www.iFourWinns.com

What do you guys think of this boat?

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