Regal Boats Turns 50

As part of their 50th celebrations, Regal Marine Industries unveils exciting new models

Regal Marine Industries is one of the world’s largest privately-owned boat manufacturers. A recent International Dealer Conference saw more than 200 dealers from 40 countries converge in Key Largo, Florida, to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Aussie dealers Game & Leisure Boats (QLD) and Premier Marine (NSW) were there to witness the unveiling of 19 models, five of which had never been seen.

According to Regal CEO Duane Kuck, the company’s semicentennial is an opportunity to recognise those who have contributed to Regal’s growth and continued success over the years. “We recognise and greatly value all those people who have been part of the Regal Family and story,” said Kuck. “We give credit to all of our present and past team members, our outstanding dealers and the more than 75,000 Regal boat owners from around the globe who have made the investment in our product and the Regal brand.”

Florida, along with a second Valdosta, Georgia location with 150,000 square feet. A staff of 780 will have produced, marketed and sold more than 2,200 boats in 2019, achieving the best retail year performance in the company’s storied history.

“I was thoroughly impressed by every part of Regal I had the opportunity to interact with, and it was very clear as to why the brand has lasted so long and continues to grow and thrive,” said Peter Pembroke, manager of Regal marketing for Game & Leisure Boats on the Gold Coast, after attending the event.

“We started our trip with a tour of the Regal factory in Orlando and it was impressive to see world-class production techniques teamed with many very passionate production personnel. Each step of the production process is meticulously monitored and signed off, ensuring the utmost finish and attention to detail, hallmarks of the quality the successful brand represents. On arrival at Ocean Reef in Key Largo I was immediately impressed with the planning and preparation that was evident in the stunning venue chosen and the reception by Regal staff on arrival. We then spent several days testing each boat in the range, alongside the key design and production personnel responsible for every boat. Gaining that level of insight into the boats and brand was invaluable.”

Although there were many highlights from the trip, the opportunity to speak with Chief Operating Officer Tim Kuck and to learn about what has contributed to the past success of the business and a look into the future was a great opportunity. I asked Tim what values remain with the company today that have contributed to 50 years of success and he put it all down to the people. “Regal is a people company that just happens to make great boats," he said, and that is just so true. After speaking with production personnel, marketing, sales and customer service, they all attest to Regal being a great place to work and they are all so very proud of the boats they build. And in many instances those people have been with Regal for 10, 20 and 30-plus years. On the future of the business, Tim said, "It’s all about making boating easier. Whether that’s the application of different more manageable and durable materials in the boats or working with engine manufacturers to look at new propulsion options, it’s all about designing and building the boats to making boating easier and easier.”

To close out the conference, Regal rolled out 5 new models across the range with the awesome new 38SAV, three new models in the LX Outboard Series and a new LS2 Surf Model, all of which we had the opportunity to inspect and test, and this commitment to, and investment in, new product development suggests to me the next 50 years will be just as successful.

THE LX SERIES

Regal Boats has announced the debut of its LX Series, featuring three outboard-powered models from 22 to 26 feet. “We have worked hard to engineer and design a new series of luxury outboard powered day boats that we believe offer a higher level of innovation, performance and comfort than is currently available anywhere in the marketplace,” said Regal Director of Product Development and Engineering Paul Kuck. “The LX Series is equally suited for coastal or flat-water boating activities, offering a mix of exclusive features that clearly stand out from other available offerings.”

One of the standout features of the LX2, LX4 and LX6 Series is the remarkable new running surface that has been engineered and optimised for outboard power options, complemented by the patented and award-winning FasTrac Hull design, which delivers up to 26 per cent faster speeds and 30 per cent improved fuel efficiency. In addition, the FasTrac’s full-beam step and aerated bottom dramatically reduce friction to deliver the ultimate ride conditions.

Additional key features include spacious cockpit accommodations and huge lazarette offering generous storage; slide away seating; wrap-around swim platform; the sleek and sporty new aluminium folding Power Tower S2 with optional arched PowerHardtop design (available on the LX4 and LX6); and spacious edge-to-edge social seating.

The helm is equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin technology with single 742 or dual Garmin 742s options. Regal offers versatile 3-zone colour options, allowing customers to select hull side, boot stripe and bottom colour.

THE 38 SPORTS ACTIVITY VESSEL

Another key highlight of Regal Boats’ 50th Anniversary Celebration was the launch of its innovative new 38 Sports Activity Vessel (SAV), which debuted to the public at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

According to CEO Duane Kuck, the 38 SAV represents the company’s evolution and best experiences of the past 50 years, delivering a true “game-changer” in a class of its own. “Our new 38 SAV is a seamless and elegant combination that delivers the ultimate in day boating, overnighting and maximum versatility,” said Kuck. “Besides focused performance, comfort and luxury features, this boat has the ultimate versatility for fishing and diving, but what I love even more is the entertain-ability.

The 38 is the second in Regal’s SAV line-up, an extended and greatly expanded version of the original 33 SAV. Stylised lines run from bow to transom, where the low-to-the-water swim platform wraps around standard 300hp Yamahas. The aft cockpit is a boater’s dream, featuring an abundance of storage, space and convenience. The cockpit floor rises with the touch of a button, revealing massive lazarette storage and easy access to the generator, Seakeeper and batteries.

Boarding access is a breeze with dual side-entry doors port and raised at starboard for extra security, featuring hardtop mounted handrails and a flat, non-skid surface that leads to teak steps. Forward and wide aft-facing benches maximise seating, while the teak table and drop-down TV add entertainment value. Another big feature is the expansive hardtop with fully retractable sunroof, plus extended Bahama bow and aft cockpit shades.

Fishing is sure to be a popular selling feature on this unique sports activity vessel. Rod holders are generously mounted throughout, while telescoping outriggers reach from the hardtop to enhance the action. Additional angling features include the dual 33-gallon fish lockers with macerator plumbed to drain directly overboard, along with clear live well and nifty under-gunnel storage.

The desire for social entertainment and convenience led to a series of cockpit design amenities including the large refreshment island with generous walk-around space, storage, electric grill, sink, dual refrigerators, storage unit, stainless cup holders, plus a solid surface countertop and dedicated Yeti 65 cooler.

The innovative helm competes for attention, with quad seats that represent the most ingenious in Regal’s storied history. The units comfortably accommodate a party of four with flip-up bolsters and armrests. The outside unit has capacity to spin aft, while all the backrests fold down to maximise versatility. The captain is sure to appreciate the thoughtful helm station flanking industry-best GPS, system controls, navigation and radar, while the luxury dash sports dual 15-inch glass cockpit displays, joystick, bow thruster and additional components as desired.

The bow area is accessed via the wide single-level portside walk-thru, revealing deep bow seating with armrests, stainless cup holders, premium audio system, plus spacious under-seat storage for gear and accessories. When the crew is ready to retreat belowdecks, discover a convertible forward mid-cabin berth, portside convenience centre with microwave and storage, starboard head with separate walk-in shower, plus convertible queen aft cabin. Offering full standing room, the cabin provides comfortable accommodations for overnighting.

“From bow to stern, our new 38 SAV has been designed for the discerning, active boating family,” said Kuck. “This is the ultimate SUV-style product for the boating space, offering all the luxury, comfort and performance with the versatility to fish or simply relax and enjoy the boating lifestyle.”

Regal Boats are distributed in Australia by Game & Leisure Boats and Premier Marine in NSW. For more information visit www.regalboats.com.