2020 Regulator 26XO

Overview

Crossover boats are all the rage. Regulator Marine’s answer is in its new 26XO. Are there trade-offs with such a boat?

Understand that the 26XO’s territory consists of estuaries and near-coastal waters. It’s not the boat for 70-mile canyon runs, but its Lou Codega-designed modified-V hull (17-degree transom deadrise) is more than capable of running gnarly inlets and venturing a few miles offshore. The design’s combination of sharp bow entry, flare, subtle curves, reverse chines, lifting strakes, carefully shaped running surface, and weight results in predictable performance and inspires confidence. We shook out the test rig in sharp, choppy bay waters, and it ran dry without pounding at speeds from the mid-20s to low 30s with six people aboard.

The strength that Codega engineered into the design and Regulator’s rock-solid construction make it safe and stable at rest and underway. Design details such as rounded corners on the transom for maneuverability at low speeds, a subtle crown on the sole leading any water to a gutter system that drains overboard, and secure glove boxes at the helm make the boat easy to live with. Hatches fit. Holes for all bolts that mount fittings are drilled with jigs, for precision. From hull and liner lamination to assembly and quality control, we got to see the process firsthand.

Engine

This is a long-legged boat for both fishing and exploring. Loping along easily at 27 to 32 mph (4,000 to 4,500 rpm), it boasts a range of over 200 miles. The standard Yamaha F300 outboard offers appropriate power for realistic cruising speeds and efficient operation in big waters, with plenty of pull for casual tow sports when equipped with an optional, removable tow bar. Top speed is in the mid-40s. Meanwhile, the hull’s 14-inch draft, moderate deadrise, transom hull pocket, and standard SeaStar Solutions hydraulic jack plate with a 6-inch setback make shallow-water operation easy, whether fishing or beaching at a sandbar.

Interior and Accessories

Other features appreciated by families and anglers alike include a hardtop that shades the helm and the seat forward of the console, well-placed grab handles, cup holders, and USB charging ports. The console houses a vented, lighted compartment with 60 inches of headroom and a standard portable toilet, but it can be fitted with a permanent model, holding tank and electric pump-out. Snap in the cushions for the bow’s port-and-starboard storage compartments, and tilt up their forward-facing seatbacks to create a pair of lounges. The forward console seats two in comfort, with a cooler beneath, as does the helm’s leaning post. A 32-gallon livewell is built into the tackle center behind the helm seats, with tackle storage beneath. Forward of the console’s front seat is an illuminated 70-gallon in-sole fish box.

The stern deck offers three cushioned seats side by side, plus storage and a swim platform with retractable ladder to port. A 20-gallon freshwater system serves a shower wand at the transom. A Bluetooth-capable, four-speaker marine stereo is standard, with a Polk Ultramarine package optional.

OK, it’s comfortable, but after all, Regulators are fishboats at their cores. For bluewater duties, opt for Taco Grand Slam 390 outriggers ($3,495) and T-top rocket launcher ($1,895). A 16-inch Garmin GPSMap 8616 chart plotter/sounder comes standard, with a VHF and Airmar CHIRP transducer mounted to the through-hull, but a pair of 12-inch Garmin 7612 XSV displays ($3,195) are available with the same VHF and transducer setup. You can also opt for a Garmin XO Convenience Package with autopilot and GMR 24xHD radar ($7,295).

The 26XO is also a competent inshore vessel, which we saw clearly while jigging for stripers along a channel edge. With the cushions off, the forward lounges become a casting deck, with lockable horizontal rod stowage beneath. Even more important, our test boat carried an optional 36-volt Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra trolling motor with i-Pilot, a 36-amp charger, and three deep-cycle batteries neatly stowed in a dedicated compartment under the foredeck. The three seats behind the livewell/tackle center fold down to form a huge stern casting deck.

This boat’s rigging proved immaculate, and I saw why on the assembly line, watching skilled technicians take care in their work. The 26XO should prove easy to care for. And by careful design and execution, it handles multiple missions well. It may be Regulator’s most versatile model. Shoppers will want to check out Pathfinder’s 26 TRS (about $128,000 with a Yamaha F300 and comparable equipment) or Boston Whaler’s 270 Dauntless ($136,928 with a 350 hp Mercury Verado), a well-proven hybrid of similar layout.

Don’t take my word for it. Schedule a sea trial of all three and see for yourself.

How We Tested

• Engine: 300 hp Yamaha F300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• New shallow-draft hull design works on inshore and near-coastal waters.
• Graceful hardtop provides ample shade, a wraparound safety-glass windshield and handholds.
• Large casting platforms forward and aft convert to comfortable seats with abundant stowage beneath.
• Easy access to wiring, plumbing and mechanical systems.

Low Points

• Some boaters will want larger engine options.
• Make sure the vent for the hull’s transom pocket is open when running, or a vacuum will form that hurts performance.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Regulator Marine – Edenton, North Carolina; 252-482-3837; regulatormarine.com