Regal 32 Express: Boat test - American Way to Cruise: Regal 32 Express in the test

Since its premiere in autumn 2013, the Regal 32 Express has been the flagship of the open sports cruisers from the US shipyard in Orlando, Florida. However, the completely new design was not available until the 2014 season, and it is clear from the first visual contact that Regal is a quality-orientated manufacturer.

From the very first visual contact, it is clear that Regal is a quality-orientated manufacturer.

No matter where you look, you will see cleanly processed plastic, precise seams and flawless assembly of the components. The family business, which was founded 45 years ago by Paul Kuck and is now run by his sons, has long since made a name for itself.

>>> Concept and layout

The 32 Express was designed with the needs of US customers in mind. That's why a push of a button is enough for many functions, the rest is done by electric motors. This also applies to moving the combination of bench seat and sun lounger in the rear. This is because it can be moved backwards electrically if more space is required in the cockpit.

As the space on a 32-foot boat is not unlimited, but the customers' wishes are varied, the concept includes the greatest possible variability. This is achieved through sophisticated furniture with adjustable backrests. The rear bench can be transformed into a sun lounger or the centre bench seat and the lounger on the port side can be transformed into a separate seating and lounging area in the front part of the cockpit.

As the space on a 32-foot boat is not unlimited, but the customers' wishes are varied, the greatest possible variability is part of the concept

If required, the seating furniture and table can also form a seating area in the stern, which is supplied via the wet bar on the starboard side with its elegant Corian worktop - with an electric grill and refrigerator on request. More variability is hardly possible, and the conversion is completed in a few simple steps. The standard equipment carrier can also be lowered at the touch of a button, making it easier to pass under low bridges.

>>> Division below deck

The view below deck will surprise Europeans, as there are no separate cabins. American owners are less likely to spend the night on their boats. The standard equipment therefore only includes two underfloor berths amidships, each 90 cm wide and 2 m long, which can be arranged together or separately. With a room height of only 95 cm, the area can only be accessed by crawling. There is no partition wall or curtain to the saloon.

The view below deck will surprise Europeans, as there are no separate cabins. American owners are less likely to spend the night on their boats.

The second double berth in the bow is an option. As the length is not sufficient, the backrest of the saloon bench seat must be added - again at the touch of a button. This creates a V-shaped berth measuring 1.60 by 1.90 metres. Otherwise, the seating area is part of the large L-shaped bench seat in the saloon, which is supplemented by a small galley on the port side. A large refrigerator, a microwave oven and a sink are part of the basic equipment. If you want a hob, you have to pay extra. The storage space in the galley and the berth areas is limited.

A total of three hatches in the ceiling are used for ventilation, while the hatch to the foredeck also serves as an escape route. A flat-screen TV and iPod-compatible radio with loudspeakers are standard, as is a fully equipped bathroom. The electric toilet is emptied into the faeces tank. A grey water system is an accessory. Hot water flows from the shower head and taps as standard. The only thing that has not been spared is a hatch for ventilating the wet room.

>>> Moving on board

The high freeboard and impressive sides in the cockpit give the crew a great sense of safety. The route to the foredeck is also safe. This leads directly to the front via steps in the door and a hinged segment in the windscreen. The dynamic line of the railing looks sporty, but the stainless steel construction is a little low. There is no exit to the front.

The electric anchor winch with chain and stainless steel anchor costs 4265 euros extra. Everything is well integrated into the bow and can be operated by foot switch. The path to the non-slip bathing platform - for 1960 euros with Flexiteek - is secured by a stainless steel tube door. Steps lead to the next level. Thanks to the mounted extension, the usable area is very large. The stern shower and the long fold-out bathing ladder come as standard.

>>> Drives and technology

The Regal 32 Express is offered exclusively with twin engines. There is a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel. The basis is the MerCruiser 4.5 MPI with two 183.9 kW (250 hp) engines. The top engines are two MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI or the Volvo Penta V8-300 fitted in the test boat, each with 224 kW (300 hp).

Z-drives - Bravo Three or Duoprop - are always fitted with counter-rotating twin propellers. Catalytic converters can be ordered for all petrol engines. Joystick control is only available for the most powerful petrol engines of both brands in the DTS or EVC version or for the Volvo Penta D3-220 diesel engines, which are also listed.

A critical look into the engine compartment of the test candidate shows that the crucial technical components are all easily accessible.

A critical look into the engine compartment of the test candidate shows that the crucial technical components are all within easy reach. Two blowers provide a fresh air supply, and an automatic fire extinguishing system should prevent the worst in the event of a fire. Two electric bilge pumps are part of the basic equipment; there are no manual pumps.

The assembly of the units and the routing of cables and hoses was carried out cleanly and carefully. No insulating material was used on the engine compartment lid, but this does not result in any noticeable noise development.

>>> Driving position and control

From his double bench seat, which can also be used as a standing seat and can be moved lengthways, the helmsman looks out over a tidy driving position with an adjustable and easy-to-grip steering wheel, which is just as smooth-running thanks to the hydraulic steering as the gearstick of the EVC system. All instruments are easy to read with minimal glare. Only the EVC displays are hidden a little further down behind the steering wheel.

The gearstick, the buttons for the additional hydraulic trim tabs and the joystick on the test boat are optimally positioned. A windscreen wiper and compass are part of the listed standard equipment. However, the navigation instrument was missing on the test boat.

>>> Driving behaviour and range

At full acceleration, we reach planing speed in seven seconds at 2700 rpm and around 15 knots. The nose lifts only moderately, but also lowers again quickly. The top speed of 38.2 knots is reached after 28 seconds and the hull shows good running characteristics. The ride through the wave is smooth and absolutely stable thanks to the 21-degree chine.

Even during intensive cornering, slalom or abrupt course changes, there are no shortcomings. The boat stays precisely on the course it has set and can turn two boat lengths at full speed with a slight drop in speed. Harbour manoeuvres are child's play thanks to the fitted joystick control. We reach 2.5 knots at idle speed. Manoeuvrability is child's play even without a joystick thanks to the twin system and the drives used.

Even when cornering intensively, slaloming or changing course abruptly, there are no shortcomings.

When travelling in the most economical speed range at 24.2 knots, the drives consume 76 litres per hour from the 568-litre tank. With a reserve of 15%, this allows a journey time of just under six and a half hours. The radius of action is therefore a good 150 nautical miles, which is still within acceptable limits for this size of boat.

Data sheet: Regal 32 Express

Shipyard: Shelf Marine

Type designation: Regal 32 Express

CE category: B - Outside coastal waters

Material of hull and deck: Plastic

Length: 9,80 m

Width: 3,20 m

Displacement: 5,74 t

Price: 270.806,00 €