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Regal 3860
(Revolutionary Design meets Traditional Standards)


Based upon our experience aboard the new Regal 3860 on Tacoma's
Commencement Bay, we believe that we will be seeing a lot more Regals
on local waters. Lack of a dynamic retail dealership for Regal in this
region has been resolved by awarding the Regal franchise to PowerBoats
NW, and once the general public is exposed to the product in large
numbers the brand should become a more frequent final contender when
buyers compare new boats.

About Regal:

Regal was founded in 1969, by Paul and Carol Kuck. In addition to the
manufacture of fine quality boats, Regal is known throughout the
industry by its willingness to openly embrace and express
Judeo-Christian values and philosophies. Indeed, Paul Kuck left a
career in the steel construction business and began building boats
after his former employer instructed him to settle an issue in a way
that "conflicted with his values." With the second generation of
Kuck's at the helm, Regal remains a private, family-owned boat
builder but is no small player on the manufacturing scene. Plants in
Orlando, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia employ approximately 850 people,
and a boat building trade publication ranks Regal among the top 20
best-selling brand names, (in a field where many dozens of brands are
offered). The company's commitment to high integrity operations is
expressed in a very low employee turnover rate as well as one of the
industry's most comprehensive warranties. Regal's corporate
"Mission Statement" reads, "With God's help and a steadfast
commitment to integrity, we will develop a team of exceptional people
and relationships to provide exceptional customer satisfaction." One
need not be the least bit religious to recognize some potential
benefits in dealing with a firm that expresses a commitment to
integrity and realizes that it is ultimately people and relationships
that can make or break customer satisfaction.

Something obviously inspires the management and staff at Regal. The
2006 model that Jim Wood and I tested along with Jerry Bauer of
PowerBoats NW appeared to be built to an exacting standard. Some
research revealed that the fit and finish of a Regal is more than
merely gelcoat deep- the firm is one of only a small minority of boat
builders recognized compliant with demanding ISO 9001.2000
international manufacturing standards.


Our Test Boat's Advanced Drive System:

The 3860 is Regal's second largest express cruiser. (The 4460 Express
could be considered the flagship of the Regal fleet). Each Regal hull
is uniquely designed for a specific model; there are no instances of
"stretching" a 34-foot hull to create a 38-foot boat. Each Regal
model has a specific deadrise, as well as an individual underwater
architecture of chines and strakes to optimize seakeeping and
performance. Most of the larger Regal boats have "prop tunnels" to
allow a shallower draft and a more horizontal (more efficient)
orientation of the propeller shafts, but not the 3860. The 3860 has
been specifically designed to use the Volvo IPS (Inboard Performance
System) drives.

Volvo intends to redefine pleasure boat propulsion with IPS. The system
is only currently available for dual engine planing or
semi-displacement hulls. With an IPS system, specially selected
engines, mounts, controls and transmissions are considered a single
system. There are dedicated port and starboard drive units, immediately
aft of the engines, and they are shaped like rudders with the
propellers mounted on the leading edge, rather than facing the stern.
IPS uses underwater exhaust, which is routed out through the aft face
of each drive/rudder. Volvo reports that the horizontal drive angle
permitted by the forward facing props, (and a flow of water to the
props uninterrupted by struts and shafts), has improved top speed by up
to 20% and fuel efficiency by up to 30%. With such increased
efficiencies, smaller displacement and lower HP diesels can provide
adequate power for larger boats.

Maneuverability and noise reduction are also major selling points for
IPS technology.
By directing the 100% of the thrust in the desired direction, (rather
than relying on a rudder to divert part of the thrust with less than
100% efficiency) a boat will respond much more quickly to the helm.
Volvo testing indicates that the use of underwater exhaust and the
shorter drive train have reduced sound levels by almost 50% when
compared to identical vessels with conventional inboard propulsion.
Even at a cold start, there are no diesel exhaust fumes to blacken the
transom or assault the nostrils.

As with any new technology, many people react with skepticism when
first introduced to Volvo's IPS. ("Hey, Jethro, lookie here! They
just plumb put the props on backwards!")
Thoughtful critics have expressed concern about additional damage that
could result from striking a log with the forward facing props- only to
be rebutted by observations that striking a log with any drive system
is likely to result in prop damage, or worse. In the event of a
catastrophic impact, the Volvo drive units are designed to "break
away" without creating a hole in the hull. As discomforting as the
thought of a very expensive drive unit breaking away might be, the same
collision that would snap off a. IPS drive unit could just as easily
rip away a strut on a conventional twin inboard and create a several
square foot hull breach that would quickly overwhelm any system of
bilge pumps.

Certain commercial vessels and some passenger ferries have successfully
used forward-facing props, but IPS is a relatively new concept for
pleasure boats.

The IPS system may not immediately supplant all other drive system
options, but the technology is apparently sound and as the shock of
"backwards" propulsion seems to be wearing away, ever-increasing
numbers of boaters are likely to be choosing this system.

General description and specifications:

Regal's 3860 is a traditionally proportioned express cruiser hull
with contemporary accents. With a factory headquarters in Florida, the
larger Regals are built to be capable of open ocean usage, and the high
freeboard of the 3860 will improve its seakeeping ability as well as
provide excellent headroom in the cabin below. Regal makes a generous
use of top quality stainless steel throughout its product line, and a
gleaming windshield frame, bow rail, and portlights add some sparkle to
the svelte and stylish lines of the hull.
Spray is controlled aft by an extension of the swimstep molding, and a
double chine configuration will help assure a dry foredeck. Our test
boat was equipped with the optional hardtop, and in our Pacific NW
climate a hardtop as well as canvas enclosure are almost mandatory for
comfortable, all season boating.

A sunlounge with folding back support and four beverage holders is
situated on the foredeck. Ground tackle is handled by an anchor roller
with a stainless chain guard, and the rode is hauled by a windlass
controlled by either footswitches adjacent to the chain locker and
washdown area or a switch at the helm.

LOA: 40' 1"
Beam: 13'
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Dry weight: 19,000 lb.
Draft: 39"
Fuel: 276 USG
Water: 75 USG
Cabin headroom: 6'8"


Walkthrough:

We boarded the 3860 on its generously proportioned swim step, noting
the handy location of some "pop up" cleats that should prove useful
when securing a dinghy but will not trip up foot traffic when in the
down position. A hatch on the port side of the transom secures a
stowage locker as well as the shorepower connection and the standard TV
cable and telephone hookups.

The engine room is under the cockpit, and access is exceptional. An
electrically operated ram lifts the cockpit to provide the three
elements most prized (and most often missing) when servicing the
engines; light, air, and room to maneuver. Everything below decks
appeared well planned and professionally executed. Our test boat was
powered by twin Volvo IPS 400 turbo charged and aftercooled diesel
engines, each rated at 310 HP, and there was plenty of unfettered
access to all sides of both engines. A Kohler 8kW generator with sound
shield was also located in the uncrowded engine room. When raising the
entire cockpit would be impractical, (i.e. when guests are aboard
underway), there is a second engine access option through a hatch in
the cockpit sole.

Gaining the cockpit from the swimstep requires two steps up through the
transom door, an additional indicator that the 3860 is configured for
offshore capability and that the designers were mindful of following
seas. An "L" shaped settee is to port in the cockpit; a comfortable
seating area with built in beverage holders and within easy reach of
the beverage service bar on the bridge deck. There is an dedicated
stowage area for an ice chest in the cockpit, allowing boaters to keep
a large supply of beverages cool or merely providing an out of the way
space to put the ice chest when returning from a picnic ashore.

The bridge is a step up from the cockpit, with the helm, a double wide
pilot seat, and a beverage service bar with hot and cold pressure water
and an icemaker to starboard. A "C""shaped settee is to port,
oriented toward the starboard forequarter of the bridge to better
include the skipper in on-deck socializing. Molded steps at the forward
end of the settee provide a quick route to the foredeck via the "walk
through" windshield, or there are walkable side decks with
strategically placed stainless handrails available as well.

A sliding companionway door (with screen) opens to allow entry to the
accommodations below deck. Regal has decisively provided for an
abundance of light and ventilation in the cabin areas, with four
overhead translucent hatches and seven portlights. We were pleasantly
surprised to discover that the 3860 offers not only two private
staterooms, but two fully enclosed heads as well.

There is a definite sense of understated quality and elegance in the
cabin areas of the 3860. The joinery is an impeccably finished cherry,
with graceful curves instead of harsh corners in a surprising number of
locations. All furnishings and fixtures are of excellent quality. One
of the more unique aspects of the 3860 Regal available at PowerBoats NW
is that all of the accessories, (towels, lamps, curtains, bedding, etc)
that one might see displayed at a boatshow are automatically included
with the sale. There is no need to "beg" for the decor items that
were aboard when the boat was first viewed, and no need to make an
initial four-figure shopping trip to a home decor or marine supply
store to outfit a newly acquired Regal. Even the dishes and flatware in
the galley are standard. Reverse cycle heat and air controls the cabin
comfort aboard the Regal 3860.

The master stateroom is most forward, with a large double (possibly
small queen) mattress offset to starboard. A mirrored bulkhead with
reading lamps, two portlights, and an overhead hatch eliminate any
tendency for this compartment to seem dark or confining. A hanging
locker is to port, and a second locker with a built in 13" flat
screen color TV is to starboard. The master stateroom has a private
head with a VacuFlush marine toilet, Corian countertop and handbasin,
and a circular-door fully enclosed stand up shower stall. A double
panel sliding "pocket door" in the bulkhead creates positive
privacy for the forward stateroom.

The salon is spacious and inviting, with 4 portlights, two overhead
hatches and 6'8" headroom all but eliminating any sensation of
being below decks. A LeatherCrest (tm) settee on the starboard side has
two built in recliners, and there is more than sufficient room to
recline and still allow passage through the salon. A series of lockers
above the settee provide a surprising amount of stowage. Against the
aft bulkhead to starboard is the AC/DC distribution panel in a
dedicated locker, with a stylish liquor locker with a curved Plexiglas
door and coutertop below. Entertainment in the salon is provided by a
20" flat panel TV with DVD player and surround sound stereo system.

The galley offers a surprising amount of stowage and workspace for a
medium size express cruiser. A Corian (tm) countertop with extruded lip
and matching backsplash contains a stainless steel sink, and major
appliances include an electric 2-burner cooktop, 7.4 cu ft refrigerator
and freezer, microwave oven, coffee maker, and powered exhaust vent
system.

The aft stateroom also enjoys the privacy afforded by a sliding,
hardwood, pocket door. A matched pair of twin berths can be converted
to a single queen. The "day head" is located in the aft stateroom,
where it is particularly convenient for overnight guests, and features
a fully enclosed VacuFlush marine toilet and stand-up shower stall with
a hand basin just outside the head compartment.


Underway:

On a frigid March morning, the stone cold Volvo diesels started quickly
and idled very quietly at the dock. The underwater exhaust system
eliminates the "splashing" of cooling water pouring out of the
exhaust hose, dampens the volume of the engine noise, and virtually
eliminates diesel fumes. Owners starting the engines on a Regal 3860
Express won't get some of the "dirty looks" from neighboring
boaters on the dock that owners of other boats (that will be smokier
and noisier) routinely endure. The exceptional maneuverability of the
IPS drives allowed a decisive but easy and controlled departure.

We idled down the Foss Waterway toward Commencement Bay, marveling yet
again at the transformation of the area from a blighted industrial
setting to a modern and convenient "destination" marina from which
Pacific NW boaters can experience the steady revival and cultural
renaissance of historic, downtown Tacoma. Slow speed tracking is
excellent with the IPS drive system, and we poked along at 600 rpm to
stay below the 5-kt speed limit in the waterway.

Our fully equipped test boat was rigged with a bowthruster, as well as
Raymarine electronics that included radar, an E80 GPS plotter, and a
6001 Autopilot. The attention to light, airy spaces that we observed
in the cabin has been carried onto the bridge with the Regal 3860, as
there were 8 DC lights as well as a large AC light recessed into the
hardtop. A remote controlled vent window at the base of the windshield
can be used to introduce a controlled amount of fresh air to the bridge
when the canvas enclosure is in place.

Once beyond the speed restricted waterway, we throttled up to 3000 rpm.
For a very short moment, we experienced a moderate amount of bow lift
but once on plane we settled into a very acceptable running attitude
without even touching the trim tabs. Once we had settled in, the GPS
read 27.6 mph- but it felt almost as if we were standing still. We
could credit some, but certainly not all, of the exceptionally smooth
ride to the relatively calm conditions on Commencement Bay but it was
the Regal Boat Corporation and not Mother Nature fully responsible for
the remarkably "solid" feel of the boat beneath us. Express
cruisers can be among the noisier boat designs, particularly at high
speeds, as everyone is sitting within a few feet of the engines. We
didn't find the 3860 unduly noisy, and in fact it seemed much quieter
than we had expected. There would seem to be some merit to Volvo's
claim of a 50% noise reduction with the IPS system and the underwater
exhaust.

We ran over our own wake several times and looked for any other
opportunities to get a good "bounce" out of the 3860, but to no
avail. The very efficient hull produces an extremely civilized wake,
and the tight turning IPS drives brought us around into our wash faster
than we would ever have predicted, but nothing seemed to perturb the
Regal 3860. We were just barely aware of hitting the wake- the boat
seemed "glued" to the water. The double chine forward and the
extended flange on the swimstep aft kept the decks bone dry at all
times. We noted that in the most extreme turns at the highest speeds
the boat tended to heel toward the center of the radius, and this
characteristic might be unsettling to some passengers. The heeling is
only apparent in the most drastic turns, so this characteristic can't
be fairly compared to most other boats. (Other boats would typically be
unable to perform the same extreme maneuver and I personally enjoyed
the "sports car" sensation in the high-speed turns).

At WOT, (3500 rpm), we managed to achieve 37 mph. That's a very good
clip for a boat with a 40-foot LOA, and particularly remarkable when
one considers the power originated from a pair of 6-cylinder, moderate
displacement diesels.

Cruisers seeking a combination of a good turn of speed and reasonable
fuel economy might choose to operate the Regal 3860 at around 2600 rpm,
where we enjoyed a 20-mph ride that was consistently smooth and
comfortable.

Conclusion:

It would be difficult to avoid being impressed with the Regal 3860.
Regal has combined a well-conceived hull, a state-of-the-art drive
system, a luxurious interior and an esthetically pleasing exterior. The
impression of top quality craftsmanship and systems selection stands up
to scrutiny underway. The 3860 would serve a Pacific NW family well,
(it sleeps six with the settee converted in the salon), and would be
suitable for quick weekend up or down sound junkets as well as
multiple-week summer excursions.

With an MSRP of $467,880 (recent boat show pricing was $409,995), the
Regal 3860 is priced with other high quality vessels of similar size.
We believe the Regal can be very intelligently considered by boat
shoppers making comparisons among those boats traditionally deemed good
values by virtue of excellent quality rather than cheap pricing.
It isn't difficult to note the word "integrity" in Regal's
corporate mission statement and find evidence of that characteristic
throughout the boat. We can confidently predict that we will begin
seeing a steadily increasing number of Regals in the Pacific NW.

For additional information on the Regal 3860 or other Regal models,
please call PowerBoat NW in Tacoma at 253-627-4600 or visit the web
site: powerboatrsnw.com