www.iFourWinns.com

Does anyone have any knowledge about Regal boats? From other forums and posts they seem to get pretty good reviews,
I've been looking at the 2000-2005 2860s and I really like the interior layout. They seem to come mostly w Volvos like FW,
although I do see some Mercs. This size compares to the FW v288 and the Chaparral 280 sig, and Monterey 282s.

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

When you compare their fit and finish you'll find them a bit inferior to other brands. Cheaper grades of materials and hardware. If the boat was meticulously cared for and barely used then it might not matter. But if it's seen a lot of use then lower grade materials just don't hold up.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Regal is a good boat...like any used boat, the maintenance of the vessel is key. Not starting anything, but boats are essentially made the same. The upgrades are usually fluff....you want stainless hardware, if older then make sure decking is not rotted since many older models of all brands used marine plywood.

Don't buy into brand bashing - just check it out and make sure all is solid. As far as the drive system - a Merc and VP drive in one boat is the same as another boat. I had a Bayliner for 10 years and bought it used. It was a 96 model and was a great boat....many will say the "fit and finish" is inferior in that brand, which is total BS.

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

They normally sit at the top of the JD Power rankings. Then again, last year the only boats they rated were Rinker, Regal, Sea Ray, and Bayliner. So take the rating for what it's worth.

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'01 Vista 298

And there you have it....they're ranking two brands made by the same company...now what would be the hull difference there??? Bayliner and Sea Ray are both products of Brunswick, made at same plant with the same drive system.

For what it's worth - Regal is a good boat and so is Four Winns, Rinker, Bayliner, Sea Ray,Chaparal, Monterey, Crownline, Boston Whaler, Chris Craft and on and on and on. Owners are the ones who turn them into junk:)

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Wow!!! +1 to that statement. Pride in ownership goes a long way!

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

I am looking at 28-30 foot boats, won't be buying for at least 2 years, but it sure is fun window shopping. Any
Chaparral owners care to chime in on the 280sig say early to mid 2000's?

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

Ridicules...I've owned three new FW Vista's since 2004...In seven seasons I have been all over those boat and consider my care to be well above average if not meticulous...these are well made boats, but I have had my share of cabinets dropping, screws popping, hatches leaking, hoses not connected correctly, gauges out of synce, etc., etc. As I would suggest to Sachem99, go spend three+ hours at the Regal factory, as I did...see the materials and vacuum bagging first hand, hear about the ISO and continuous improvement efforts, take a look at the cabinetry being made and how they match the grains, take a look at the wiring and batteries in the eng compartments...My opinon is that Regal is a very well made boat that matches the others in its class easily for materials and "fit and finish"...So much so that I put my money where my mouth is on a Regal...Not even touching on the issues of cash flow, solvency, or the fact the FW went dark on customer service for about eight months.

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Joe B.
Ruff'N It 4
2011 Regal 42 SC

Previous
2008 FW V358
2006 FW V318
2004 FW V288

Regal makes a VERY nice boat. I'm not 100% on some of their styling, especially around the '04 years with the windows they used, sure they let a lot of light in, but the exterior styling was something else. After crawling around the 42SC at the boat show, I am in love. Now just to get on a comparable Four Winns for a true comparison.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Regal makes a very nice boat. The question is, will it full your needs??? In other words, is the layout good for you in seating, helm, engine............................and so on.

Bayliner is solid, but NO extras!!!! I had a bigger boat land on my first boat, a Bayliner. It held up!!!! Ans I do mean UP!!! Another story for later!!

I would go down to the local club or marina and ask questions to the Regal boat owners too.

I know two people that own Regal boats. Granted, they are bow riders....but both of them really like them and they seem to be as well made as just about anything out there in the same class.

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

I am sure!!