Overview
“Go anywhere, do everything” is the mantra for Regulator’s new 24XO crossover boat. The 24XO offers a graceful Carolina sheerline and a shallow-running, Lou Codega-designed 17-degree bottom that sharpens into a wave-cleaving, flared bow. It’s handy inside, plus able to accept coastal assignments. Though rock-solid in build, the 24XO is light enough to easily tow. It’s made to order for all sorts of adventure and exploring.
Interior and Accessories
Fishing comes first. With an optional Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra trolling motor and its iPilot system, the 24XO can masquerade as a bass boat in fresh water one morning, work an eelgrass bed for speckled trout the next, drift for flounder the third, and jig an oyster reef or an offshore wreck for sea bass the fourth. Lockable racks port and starboard hold fly rods up to 9 feet, 6 inches long, while horizontal racks under the padded gunwales each hold two rods up to 7 feet, 3 inches long. There’s tackle stowage in the leaning post, along with a four-rod rocket launcher. The stern holds a livewell to starboard and plenty of casting room (a second livewell is $1,695).
For a change of pace, mount the 24XO’s watersports tow bar ($1,195), or snap in the cushions, put the bow on the beach of your choice, and roll out the (also optional) bow and stern sunshades that had been hiding under the hardtop. A human-size restroom resides within the console. Two lounges with tilt-up backs live in the bow, along with seating for two more on the cushioned front of the console cooler. In the stern, a flip-up backrest makes comfortable seating for two more.
Rugged? Stringers are bonded to the hull; the liner is bonded to the stringers; the console is bonded to the liner. Movement in rough seas is nil.
Engine
With a Yamaha F300 on the hydraulic jack plate ($2,995), the 24XO topped out near 50, but proved happy at speeds from the low 20s to the mid-30s, a wide range for adapting to ever-changing conditions. We were particularly impressed with the super-sweet spot at 3,700 rpm (29.8 mph, 9.2 gph fuel burn).
How We Tested
- Engine: 300 hp Yamaha
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/15.25″ x 18″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
High Points
- Sophisticated modified-V hull can run shallow, handle chop, and deals admirably with swells.
- Loaded with fishing features, it boasts a large head, plenty of comfortable seating, and both optional shade and watersports capabilities.
- Good access to neatly arranged wiring, plumbing, and the pumps below.
Low Points
- With the bow lounge seatbacks up, legroom is a little short for tall people.
- Only head option is a portable toilet without pump-out. Why no option for a real commode?
Toughest Competitor
Pathfinder’s 2500 Hybrid ($89,600 with a Yamaha F300) is another fishing and family bay boat. It’s 5 inches longer but about 1,200 pounds lighter, with 16 degrees of transom deadrise, a lower fuel capacity (67 gallons), and a long list of options.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $126,995 (with test power) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 24’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’5″ |
| Draft: | 1’4″ |
| Dry Weight: | 5,250 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 17 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 8’4″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 86 gal. |
| Water Capacity: | 18 gal. |
| Max Cabin Headroom: | 5’3″ |
| Max Horsepower: | 300 |
| Available Power: | Single 250 or 300 hp Yamaha outboard engine |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Regulator Marine – Edenton, North Carolina; 252-482-3837; regulatormarine.com
