Wakesurfing continues to grow in popularity, but not every buyer is best served by a boat with V-drive power. Regal’s LS6 Surf, powered by Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive, offers an alternative for those seeking the sterndrive attributes of higher speeds and more efficiency. With its contra-rotating, forward-facing propset tucked well forward of the swim platform, Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive offers the safe surf zone of a V-drive but maintains a sterndrive’s ability to trim, both to build wakes and to compensate for load or water conditions.
Regal’s Surf System 2.0 adds 2,000 pounds of ballast to that Forward Drive, plumbed to easily fill faster and quieter thanks to a new ballast pump system. The pumps can dramatically increase the size of the wake. Newly redesigned surf tabs create an improved wave, deeper and longer than that of years past. Easy control of all functions is accomplished via Regal’s watersports control, integrated into twin 9-inch Volvo Penta touchscreens at the helm.
The LS6 Surf’s accommodations are highlighted by Regal’s Ultra Lounges, seats that span both the port and starboard sides of this new boat. Behind the consoles, they form extra-wide helm and passenger seats. Flip the backrests over and either seat can join with the lounges behind to make aft-facing recliners. Flip the aft-most backrests forward and fashion rear-facing recliners. Seat-bottom cushions can also be raised to create transom-focused rumble seats. By pushing seating to the cockpit’s edge, Regal adds additional space not found in some competitive wake-specific models.
Our test boat was powered by a 350 hp Volvo V-8, which, when not producing a sizable surf wave, pushes the boat onto plane in just over 5 seconds and to a peak speed of 47.4 mph. Regal’s deep-V FasTrac hull produced an agile ride, one that also proved more than competent in rougher water, an area that a pure watersports boat without the ability to trim has a hard time matching. The hull’s midbeam step is also famous for increasing fuel efficiency as well as providing faster speeds with less horsepower.
High Points
- Standard Bimini top with Surf Sleeves stows boards overhead.
- A port console head compartment is rarely seen in the watersports segment.
- Fusion Bluetooth marine sound system includes six 200-watt speakers.
How We Tested
- Engine: Volvo Penta 350 EVC
- Drive/Prop: Forward Drive/Volvo Penta K4 propset
- Gear Ratio: 2.14:1 Fuel Load: 63 gal. Crew Weight: 485 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $148,390 (MSRP) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 27’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’6″ (max) |
| Dry Weight: | 5,380 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 73 gal. |
Regal Boats – Orlando, Florida; 800-US-Regal; regalboats.com
