With its surf-friendly Volvo Penta Forward Drive, which tucks the Duoprop propeller set under the boat where a fallen rider cannot hit it, and a nationally advertised price of just over $35,000, Regal’s new 19 Surf goes a long way toward bringing wakesurfing to the masses. But just how well can a 19-foot boat produce surf? As our day on the lake running and riding behind this new model proved, it can produce surprisingly nice surf waves, especially considering the boat also forgoes the expense and complication of an installed ballast system. The task of generating a surfable wave falls primarily to a pair of wave-shaping tabs attached to the transom, as well as to the trim of the Volvo Penta Forward Drive. With the appropriate tab deployed and a little fine-tuning of the trim, Emily Dale, of our sister publication Wakeboarding magazine, easily found the wave’s sweet spot and enjoyed a solid recreational ride suited to all ages and skill levels. Impressive.
When not playing the role of wave machine, the 19 is very much a classic bowrider. The forward cockpit features 3 feet 6 inches of seat space to both port and starboard, allowing a pair of passengers to comfortably recline on forward-facing seat backs. Primary storage is located behind those hinged seat backs, in the generous area below the port and starboard consoles. In the main cockpit, the wraparound-style helm seat is complemented by a 5-by-6-foot L-shaped bench, with a flip-over seat back accommodating a forward-facing passenger or rear-facing observer behind the port console. Stowage is mixed between an enclosed compartment to port and the open nook for a 25-quart cooler below the center seat. A 5-foot-by-2-foot-2-inch sun pad completes the picture for lounging or serves as a great spot to gear up for watersports facing the extended swim platform.
Forward Drive moves the pivot point farther forward, resulting in a highly agile 21-foot craft. It also provides the speed and economy of a regular sterndrive. With the 200 hp version of Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive, time to plane was brief, with the bow dropping in a scant 2.6 seconds en route to the boat’s 39.3 mph top speed.
High Points
* RegalVue display offers touchscreen control of all major functions, including surf tabs and GPS-based Zero Off speed control.
* Quick Launch feature, accessed through the touchscreen, drops tabs to allow the boat to quickly come on plane and automatically trims once the hull is on plane.
* Optional sport tower anchors the towrope high off the water, providing a solid pull and allowing wakeboarders to achieve maximum airtime.
Price: $35,505 (with test power)
How We Tested
Engine: Volvo Penta V6-200-C/FWD
Drive/Prop: Forward Drive/K2 propset
Gear Ratio: 2.32:1
Fuel Load: 26 gal.
Crew Weight: 355 lb.
More Information
Regal Marine – Orlando, Florida; 407-851-4360; regalboats.com
