Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator 25

Regulator Marine celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and also celebrates the construction and sale of 1,525 Regulator 26s. An iconic boat, the Regulator can claim to have been the forerunner of the modern composite-constructed, deep-V center-console with a refined fit and finish. We welcomed a test of its progeny, the Lou Codega-designed Regulator 25.

Codega has designed all of Regulator’s hulls since that very first 26-footer. But this 25 signifies a departure from business-as-usual for the company. For example, the most significant change can be found in all the compound and radius curves, in both the hull and the all-new center-console. Regulator involved many of its dealers in the design process, who in turn relayed owner input, and the net result is as beautiful as it is functional, rugged and fishable.

What are some highlights? The console is so big that you don’t need an overhead electronics box. Everything you want can fit at the helm. Our test boat sported twin 12-inch Raymarine e Series HybridTouch displays plus autopilot, VHF and Yamaha Command Link screen, as well as an optional Fusion entertainment module.

I noted several other appreciated features, such as the standard screened porthole in the head that provides additional ambient light as well as ventilation, optional tracks for Regulator’s console-side curtains and an optional complementary color on the underside of the new, considerably larger T-top. The helm seat doubles as a bolster leaning post without needing to fold anything down, and it hides catchall stowage beneath the seat. Also in the catchall department, a molded ledge with a fiddled edge to keep stuff from sliding off is located just behind the steering wheel, and it even has a rubber bottom to protect fragile gear. Additionally, a deep glove box, also with a rubber bottom, provides a pair of 12-volt receptacles for cellphones, searchlights, etc.

Forward, Regulator provides an optional fiberglass table between the forward seats that lowers to become a casting deck. The seats themselves all drain overboard so they can double as fish boxes. I particularly like the ability to open the seats without needing to remove the cushions! Additionally, a mammoth fish box under the foredeck sole could fit a giant bluefin tuna. On the bow, a big anchor locker can easily handle 600 feet of Yale Cordage half-inch, nylon, Brait anchor line. (It takes up a quarter of the space of regular anchor line with the same strength.) And finally, pull-up bow cleats and a low-profile LED bow light keep the foredeck super clean for fishing or tossing a cast net. In fact, all lights aboard the 25 are LEDs including the cockpit floodlights.

Moving aft, a sensibly placed saltwater washdown hose amidships reaches both the bow and the stern while at the same time augmenting the standard freshwater shower hose in the transom. Around the cockpit you’ll find four rod holders in gunwales and none under gunwales, but nine across the back of the helm module.

Fairleads in the aft gunwales offer line access to the stern cleats beneath, keeping the transom clear of line-snagging hardware. The cockpit cleans up nicely for fishing by closing the substantial fold-out transom seat. Also in the transom are a fish box and livewell to augment the forward storage and a big lazarette offering access to pumps and the centerline transducer.

We ran the Regulator 25 on Albemarle Sound on a picture-perfect summer day with northwestly winds at 5 knots and flat water. Waves for head-sea and roll tests had to be generated by running at half throttle. The Regulator 25 comes with only one power package, Yamaha’s brand-new 200 hp four-stroke outboards.

I found a very comfortable cruising speed at 5,200 rpm running at 42.7 mph, burning 27.2 gph for a relatively efficient 1.6 mpg. In the largest wake-produced beam sea I could muster, the 25 exhibited an incredibly stable roll moment with little roll noise. Head seas (such as they were) didn’t faze it either. Hard turns at cruise resulted in the stern sliding and speed bleeding just enough to carve a three-boat-length course reversal without moving anyone toward a gunwale. In fact, I would say that the Regulator 25 has absolutely no handling idiosyncrasies.

Regulator does not count the bracket in naming models, so the actual length overall of the 25 is 30 feet with the bracket and engines. For this reason comparison shoppers should check out boats such as Scout’s 275 LXF ($152,272 powered like my test boat).

Most places on board that used to be squared off (transom, console, windshield, etc.) are now gracefully rounded. And it runs and handles every bit as well as the 26. It looks like Regulator has another icon in the making.

Comparable model: Scout 275 LXF