Boat Test: 2026 Regal 34 SAV

Overview

We boat testers at this magazine have adhered to a long-held maxim that every boat is a compromise: Some boats do certain things exceptionally well but can’t do it all. Over a couple of decades of testing, however, I’ve found that some boats do a lot of things really well, and provide a lot of versatility in terms of on-water capabilities. Perhaps no boat I’ve run checks as many boxes as the new Regal 34 SAV, a model designed to satisfy as many boating needs as possible.

The name alone should provide a hint—SAV stands for “Sports Activity Vessel,” and Regal designed and equipped this center-console to keep the crew happy whether fishing, cruising, overnighting or just hitting the sandbar. 

Regal built the 34 SAV using its OceanTrac2 hull, a deep-V design it uses on its larger builds (as opposed to the stepped Fastrac hull Regal’s smaller boats ride). The deadrise tapers to a bluewater-worthy 21 degrees at the transom, so it can handle a run out to the canyons or a crossing from Florida to Bimini. The 34 SAV also comes with Humphree Lightning Interceptors, an automatic trim system that adjusts in real time to improve the boat’s ride, running attitude and efficiency.

Engines

Regal offers two twin-engine options for power: Yamaha 350s or the Mercury Verado 425s we had mounted on our test boat. With the twin 425 Verados, we climbed onto plane in around 5 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 11.4 seconds en route to a top speed exceeding 50 mph. The boat hit its sweet spot around 4,500 rpm, cruising at around 27 mph and the midrange acceleration proved crisp when we worked the throttles to gain speed. For a 35-foot boat, handling proved very sporty while executing hard-over turns at 30 mph. 

Interior and Accessories

When it comes to socializing, there’s no better place to start than the cockpit, specifically the dual electrically activated terrace doors. Built into the hullsides, both can be raised and lowered from the touchscreen display to create an open-air cockpit while at anchor or at the sandbar. Both the aft fold-down bench and the rotating helm seats focus the attention to the cockpit refreshment island, a built-in entertainment hub, a freshwater sink, electric stovetop, pull-out refrigerator drawer, storage drawers and a dedicated trash receptacle. Just under the hardtop above, you’ll find twin wireless phone chargers and a touchscreen MFD that can control the terraces, lighting, power sunshade and more. Additional mezzanine seating behind the island provides more comfort for the crew. The starboard terrace also features a dive door that’s great for side boarding and comes with a removable boarding ladder. The portside terrace features built-in flip-down boarding steps. One of my favorite features is the transom locker for the sandbar anchor. Extended swim steps wrap around the outboards, with the option to add a PowerPlatform that lowers directly into the water for effortless boarding and swimming.

Want to fish? The 34 SAV has that covered, too, with fishy features that incoude the 30-gallon livewell, a macerated insole fish box, built-in rod holders along the transom and gunwales, hardtop rocket launchers, and outrigger mounts in the hardtop.

The helm station features three independent captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters, the captain and other crew members can sit or stand however they like. What’s more, the two outer chairs rotate 180-degrees aft to create a conservation pit with the cockpit while at anchor. All three seatbacks actually fold down to create prep space while working at the refreshment island in the cockpit. The helm itself is elevated so that the captain’s sightlines are never compromised. The full windshield keeps the helm protected, and wind deflectors can be deployed to either side of the console for additional protection. The dash has room for two flush-mounted 16-inch Garmin 1643 displays. Regal’s touchscreen “Ultimate” ships’ system display is one of the most intuitive controls I’ve seen, letting you handle everything at your fingertips.

Regal did a great job creating livable space belowdecks. The spacious cabin offers full standing room, with a convertible forward berth that transforms into a queen-size bed. A mid-cabin retreat provides a separate sleeping area complete with a TV. The head design showcases a full standing-room compartment with a rainfall shower, and separate vanity area. This split layout makes a difference during cruises.

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With all this, it’s easy to forget that the bow lounge provides even more space for socialization, with cool-touch vinyl seating that never gets too hot for the sunbathing crew, who will appreciate the sun pad filler cushions.

Not many competitors have as many features, but the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage, which starts at $523,981 with twin Mercury 425 Verados, has a lot of versatility. You could also check out the Saxdor 320 GTO (around $450,000 with twin Mercury 350s). Also consider the new Tiara 35 LS, due to hit the market this August, which will have space to overnight as well as a cockpit set up to entertain.

Overall, the Regal 34 SAV provides a lot on the water. It’s a serious fishing platform, a luxurious entertainer, a capable overnighter and a sandbar star.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 425 Verados
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Twin Mercury Rev 20 14 ½” x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 830 lb.

High Points

• Cool-touch vinyl on all seating means you can catch rays and still not get too hot. 
• Plenty of available options from colors to features let you rig the 34 SAV like it’s a custom boat. 
• Twin fold-out terrace doors maximize walkaround space in the cockpit while at anchor.

Low Point

• While there is a molded-in footrest in the console, I’d love if Regal added additional drop-down foot rests underneath the helm seats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation