2008 37' Regal

Captain's Report, Boat Test | Tested by Capt. Vince Daniello
I hate clutter. When I run a boat, everything must be stowed, preferably where it can be retrieved without extensive searching or digging. Duane Kuck, President of Regal Boats apparently shares my distain for disarray, as the first thing he showed me aboard the company’s Commodore 3760 was the well-organized transom storage lockers. With coiled lines hanging securely, fenders snug in their brackets, even the thick shore cord firmly attached in a convenient location, I knew this would be an interesting boat to test. These were not after-market add-ons or special features found only on the factory demo boat. At Mr. Kuck’s direction the Regal 3760 was designed with dedicated storage for all of the “stuff” required for boating.

The Cockpit
In addition to the above-mentioned transom storage, lockers on the bow provide dedicated space for more lines and fenders, and cover the windlass and ground tackle when not in use. The sunpad on the foredeck features a unique support mechanism that lifts the top half to form a backrest, like a giant chez-lounge. The bow is accessed through a hinged center windshield panel, with steps molded in next to the helm to make it an easy climb up to the windshield. To the left of the helm, the semi-circular settee offers plenty of storage beneath, including custom chocks for the dining table when it is not in use. This storage area can also be accessed from the cockpit, and includes fishing rod storage tubes that keep hooks away from other gear. On the starboard side just aft of the helm, the wet bar features a sink, refrigerator with icemaker, concealed tip-out trash bin, and a storage locker fitted with shelves and fiddles to organize items inside.

All the way aft, a long bench seat folds into the transom - completely out of the way when activities require extra cockpit space. There are additional lockers in the cockpit sides, and steps molded in to facilitate boarding from a high dock. The swim platform includes pull-up cleats (in addition to the stout cleats on the transom corners) that allows a choice of how stern lines are secured so they won’t interfere when stepping onto the swim platform from a low dock. The transom storage locker mentioned earlier is accessed from the swim platform, and utilize a clever hinge design that raises the locker door up and out of the way. On our test boat, the gas lifts on this mechanism were not strong enough, making the door a bit heavy and creating the potential to bite small fingers.

The Engine
For engineroom access, the whole back deck lifts electrically, but in contrast to most boats the opening faces aft. This offers the advantage of keeping greasy mechanics, parts, and tools out of the cockpit. One disadvantage is the slight possibility of a wave tumbling into the engineroom hatch if it must be opened while offshore in heavy seas. The aft opening hatch makes the engines more accessible, and the engineroom is spacious and offers above-average access to all equipment.

Down Below
Regal also avoided one of my biggest pet-peeves – filler cushions: those indispensable hard-backed inserts that turn seating areas into sleeping accommodations. During the day they are usually in the way, and at bedtime they’re either buried in an undeterminable location or sitting in the cockpit, salty and wet. On the 3760 all of the bed inserts have dedicated storage. In the main saloon, the settee seat lifts to reveal a permanently mounted extension. At bedtime, the whole thing hinges out in one piece with legs that fold down for support. In the morning, lift up the seat and flip it back under. The aft cabin insert works in a similar fashion, although it is mounted on sliding rails rather than hinges.

The aft cabin, nestled beneath the helm, includes a flat panel television. Since there is typically less motion in the center of the boat than in the bow, this becomes an ideal place for children to entertain themselves when traveling isn’t fun. The aft cabin also includes storage lockers and a place to store the filler cushion for the topside settee.

On the port side just inside the companionway, the galley refrigerator is mounted at eye level where its contents can be seen, with large drawers beneath for easy access storage. The galley also includes a two-burner stove, microwave, coffee maker, and a tip out trash can. Regal even provides dishes and flatware with dedicated, secure storage.

Several other thoughtful interior items include a recliner built into the saloon settee, deep, dry storage tubs beneath the saloon floor, and a space-saving pocket door between the saloon and forward stateroom. The forward bed is set diagonally, which makes better use of available space. The head is divided by a Plexiglas door into two compartments - one with the vanity and dry storage, the other with the commode, shower, and wet storage.

Performance
While this boat has big-boat spaciousness and accommodations, it definitely performs like a smaller, sportier boat. Powered with twin 375 horsepower Volvo engines, our test boat reached a top speed of 54.4 miles-per-hour. Handling was excellent. We tried high- speed turns, running through wakes, and turning tight circles. Through it all this boat felt more like a performance bow-rider than a family cruiser.

For a clutter free boat with great performance and many thoughtful, practical features, the Regal Commodore 3760 is at the top of my well-organized list. Now if only Regal would re-design my office.