Boat Test: 2026 Regal LX2 Ultimate

Overview

Bowriders are popular for good reason, but their often-similar style, layouts and amenities make them hard to stand out from the pack. Regal’s LX2 Ultimate finds a way. Its list of standards and tech-minded goodies such as multiple 9-inch touchscreens and touchless ignition to a standard overhead power tower and premium Fusion audio, prove impressive. Regal lets you further customize all of the above, and wrap the finished product in a dizzying choice of interior and exterior colors, vinyl and other amenities. All told, there’s just shy of a million ways to personalize your ride.

Interior and Accessories

Regal smartly thinned the LX2’s gunwales—a choice that pushes edge-to-edge interior room to the max. The builder then filled that space in the main cockpit with Regal’s familiar Social Seating, lengthy benches down port and starboard sides that morph from upright seating to lazy recliners to, with a flip of any of four corner seat backrests, social-oriented settees. When towing the cool kids, flip the passenger backrest forward to take in the action and spot. When coving or on the hook, flip aft backrests forward and the focus shifts to the swim platform. Its extended, wraparound design allows crew to easily pass behind the motor and have plenty of room for water activities. The platform and transom walk-through are on the same level, inviting fore and aft movement without a cumbersome step while remaining high enough to not take on water while in reverse under normal operation.

Captains will note the aforementioned pair of side-by-side, 9-inch Garmin 943 touchscreens, keeping information and controls in one convenient, central location. LED backlighting provides a unique, floating effect. The double-wide helm seat moves fore and aft at the touch of a button, a luxury not too common in this size range. Its flip-up bolster is handy when docking, offering an elevated view over the crew in the bow. Speaking of that bow, its wraparound seating likewise plays well whether reclining or socializing. A teak pedestal table is at the ready.

Engine

Below the waterline, Regal’s FasTrac hull proves its performance capabilities. The design introduces air below the hull via a full-beam step—reducing drag, boosting top speed and increasing fuel efficiency. Outfitted with a Yamaha 250 outboard, our test boat peaked near 52 mph. Zero-to-30 time was 6.6 seconds. FasTrac’s reverse chines and large lifting strakes are a boon to handling, locking in the hull through tight high-speed turns. 

Read Text: Regal 43 SAV

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F250 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 1/2″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 39 gal. Crew Weight: 355 lb.

High Points

• Standard PowerTower S2 integrates tow point for ski and wake, lowers at the touch of a button for low clearance and travel. 
• Standard stainless-steel details, including steering wheel, gas rams and hardware.
• Additional highlights include electric steering, underwater lights, and fender clips.
• It’s cockpit is wider than other boats. 

Low Points

• Cradle or clips would better secure the anchor in its locker.
• DIY-ers: Watch your knuckles. There are exposed bolts near the fuse panel.

Toughest Competitor

Sea Ray’s 23-foot-6-inch SDX 230 Outboard (starting at $111,400 with a Mercury 250) offers seven unique hull colors, similar crew capacity, a wide and roomy bow, L-shaped cockpit lounge with a convertible aft sun pad and movable backrests. A small compartment below the helm can be used for storage, kids’ nap time, or to house a portable head. Optional bundles are available to create the ultimate treatment.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation