Regal 32 Express (2014-) (w/ 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick)

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Regal 32 Express (2014-) TestVideo

OverviewTest Results

Text Size: A A AWhile some builders seem to feel that some lipstick is all that is needed onthe same-old, same-old given hull to create a new model, Regal begs todiffer. It’s challenged that mindset by creating a 32’ (9.8 m) boat with someof the cleverest uses of available space that we’ve seen lately. Theseinnovations stretch the limits of how this versatile boat can be used.

Key Features

In-mold gelcoat boot stripeCourtesy blue LED lightsSlide-Away cockpit seating to extend the cockpit4 Fusion Marine Sound cockpit speakers5-position tilt steering wheelDigital depth sounderConvertible twin bedsAmtico birch flooring in cabinSalon includes 32'' LED TVHand crafted cabinetry in salon

Specifications

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Specifications

Length Overall32'

9.75 mDry Weight

13,600 lbs.6,169 kg

Beam10' 4'' 3.15 m

Tested Weight15,756 lbs.7,147 kg

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Draft 35'' 0.89 m

Weight Capacity N/A

Draft Up N/A Person Capacity N/A

Draft Down N/A Fuel Capacity150 gal.

568 L

Air Draft N/A Water Capacity36 gal. 136 L

Deadrise/Transom 21-deg. Length on Trailer N/A

Max Headroom N/A Height on Trailer N/A

Bridge Clearance N/A Trailer Weight N/A

Total Package Weight(Trailer,Boat & Engine)

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your localdealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boatmodel.

Engine Options

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Engine options

Std. Power Not Available

Tested Power 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick

Opt. Power6 twin MerCruiser engine options from 520 to 640-hp7 Volvo Penta engine options from 440 to 760-hp

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Captain's Report

The new Regal 32 Express has a LOA of 32’ (9.75 m), a beam of 10’4” (3.15 m) and a draft of 35” (89 cm).

Mission Statement

The mission of the all-new 32 Express is to provide the maximum amount of entertaining and livingspace in a 32' (9.75 m) yacht. In order to do that the builder had to challenge the mindset that theinterior is limited to the dimensions of the exterior.

By creating expandable and movable seating both on deck and below Regal has enhanced theentertaining possibilities of the boats without driving up the cost. Below, Regal has created a bed thatserves both that purpose but also creates more seating at the same time. In this way Regal hasexpanded the utility and functionality without having to add length or much more cost to the boat.

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Distinguishing Features

• Versatile Seating – All of the seating is multifunctional, having either reversible seatbacks, electricallyactuated sliders, or both.

• Single Level Cockpit – This keeps the guests all on the same level, and even on the same level asthe captain. That also means everyone enjoys the same views of the surroundings.

• Wraparound Salon Sofa – provides more seating than the typical bench seat, or even booth styleseating that we usually see.

• Full Beam Mid Cabin. Not uncommon, but the layout certainly is. We usually see this as little more ofa crawl space, but here it houses a pair of twin berths that convert to a single king size.

• Impressive Standards – Regal includes some real standouts in its 32 Express. We noticed thingssuch as a hot water heater, battery charger, automatic discharge fire extinguisher, and a unique waterfill valve to top off the 36-gallon (164 L) pressurized water system.

We have found Regal hulls to be generally good-handling with few if any bad habits. The new 32 Express is no exception.

Performance

The Regal 32 Express has a length overall of 32’ (9.75 m), a beam of 10’4” (3.15 m), and a draft of 35”(0.89 m). With an empty weight of 13,600 lbs. (6,169 kg), half fuel and three people onboard, we had atest weight of 15,756 lbs. (7,147 kg).

With a pair of 300 Volvo Penta V8 300 turning Duoprop outdrives with FH-4 propellers, we reached atop speed of 46.2 mph at 5100 rpm. At that speed we were burning a combined 44.0 gph giving us arange of 142 statute miles.

Best cruise was found to be at 3500 rpm and 28.6 mph giving us 1.43 mpg. That speed reduced thefuel burn to 20.0 gph which the 32 Express could keep up for 6 hours and 45 minutes and 193 statutemiles, while still holding back a 10% reserve.

We reached planing speed in 4.2 seconds, hit 20 mph in 5.2 seconds, 30 came and went in 9.5

seconds.

In turns, the Regal 32 Express leans approximately 12-degrees into the turns.

Handling

She presents a bow rise of roughly 12-degrees upon acceleration, which caused me to lose sight of thehorizon from the seated position but not when up on the bolster. When turning she leans about 12-degrees into the turn and doesn’t seem to have a tendency to bleed off speed when doing so.

Her reverse chine not only keeps spray down it adds to her stability while at rest.

Features Snapshot

Helm

Regal went with a doublewide helm seat, and we always take note when a builder accommodates asecond set of eyes looking forward. Plus, it’s always a hit with families. At least one of the kids will havea vested interest in the operation of the boat, and this allows a comfortable way to cultivate that interestand to build a youngster's confidence. (It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many of the boaters on thewater today started out riding shotgun next to dad on the family boat.)

Ergonomics. Regal also seems to have a knack for nailing down the ergonomics of its helms. (Wehave found over the years that this is a detail that should not be taken for granted by consumers --even aboard so-called "gold-plated" brands.) Sightlines are excellent and the placement of thesterndrive joystick, controls, and tilt wheel are all right at easy reach. Naturally the panel alsoaccommodates a moving map display.

The Regal 32’s helm features a hand-stitched soft touch dash, hand-wrapped steering wheel, Fusion sound system and

Volvo Penta’s optional sterndrive joystick.

More Power To You. Naturally there are a number of power options available for the 32 Express, butmost seem to revolve around the twin 300-hp range from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta, and ofcourse these will include either the Bravo III or Duoprop outdrives.

The highest horsepower option is a pair of 380-hp Volvo Penta V8 engines. Those boaters who enjoypulling along side brand X or Y, then showing them what a "real" boat can do will want to invest in apair of these Volvo Penta V8s. Since we have only tested the boat with a pair of 300-hp Volvos, wedon't know for certain how fast she will go with 160 more horses. However, our guess is she'll be goingover 50 mph.

The Regal 32 Express has the same rumble seat that boats in class have had during the last decade with additional utility

of it being able to convert to a sun pad. Note the swim ladder on the centerline.

Pricing and Engine Options to Consider

The Standard Engines. Regal sets a base price of just over $230,000 for the 32 Express. That pricehas her powered with a pair of catalyzed 270-hp Volvo Penta engines. Note that these are only 60-hptotal less than the pair of Volvo engines we tested. What difference will that make in her performance?Just as we can't say for certain what a pair of 380s will do, we don't know precisely how the twin 270swill perform. However, again our guess is that a WOT in the high 30s is probable, and a best cruise inthe mid to lower 20s. That is fast enough for most people.

Upgrades. Most of the engine upgrades revolve around twin 300s and that will add between $4,000-$20,000. The most cost-effective upgrade will be the catalyzed Volvo Penta V8 300s that bring the 32up to $234,990 before adding some other options. When considering the up-charge on a monthlypayment, that extra $4k for the 300s won't come out to much, and with our test (with a full load of fuelby the way) should give a fair idea what can be expected.

Once on plane the 32 Express has about a 6° running angle which is typical of the breed.

The Joy of Joystick Docking. A joystick can be had as an option from either engine maker. The onewe used on the test boat, of course, was from Volvo Penta. For those who just entered the room, Volvowas the first engine maker to develop a joystick system over 6 years ago and it has more boats in thewater world-wide with its software and hardware. This concept revolutionized boat handling and theconcept has spread to most types of propulsion.

Joysticks from any engine maker are not inexpensive, but their up-charge seems to be a fair trade-offfor most boaters we know, particularly those moving up in size, those concerned about docking, orthose who want to get a deep boating "buy-in" from mom and the kids. (When it comes time to trade upor sell the boat, a boat with a joystick will sell for more, and probably sell faster.) To find out more aboutthe Volvo Penta joysick click here…

Cockpit

While the cockpit layout may seem typical at first glance, it takes good advantage of the available space, and then

expands upon it like few others in class.

Seating. The Regal 32's versatility is no more evident than in this cockpit where the port side seatallows multiple seating arrangements, be it four-across, aft facing chaise, forward facing chaise or eventaking advantage of the reversible aft seat back to convert that spot from forward to aft facing. In thisway, with the addition of an optional table, a dining booth for four people can be created in the cockpit.

The cockpit is laid out on a single level. That aft seatback converts the seat from forward facing to aft facing, and the

lounge just ahead keeps multiple people in conversational range of the captain.

The aft end of the cockpit features opposing seating, and the aft seat slides fore and aft 12” (30 cm) to provide even more

room.

A teak table comes standard, something we rarely see in class, to make a cozy aft cockpit booth.

Electric Aft Seat. At the push of a button, the rear bench seat slides aft 12” (30 cm) creating morespace in the cockpit. This will of course come at a sacrifice to the space at the swim platform, but thetwo areas typically do not get used at the same time so we think it is a good way to create cockpit

space without having to add a very costly foot to the boat's overall dimensions. Its both nifty andeconomical.

Regal's "UltraLounge" converts from forward facing seating….

…to aft facing seating….

…to a chaise lounge…

…to a sun pad. Storage is under the aft section. Drink holders are to both sides.

With the transom seat pushed forward 12" (30 cm) a large swim platform is revealed and it is the appropriate size for a 32-

footer. Here we see the optional extended swim platform added, along with optional Flexiteek on both surfaces. Note that

the swim ladder is mounted on the centerline, something rarely seen on sterndrive boats due to ABYC standards.

Because the lower units are so far away from the lip of the extended platform, this is permitted.

Entertaining

Entertaining is a key aspect of the new 32 Express and the single level cockpit keeps everyone on aneven conversational level, and that includes the captain. To the starboard side of the cockpit there’s asizable wet bar that goes well beyond the minimalist sink and counter that we’ve typically seen in class.The useable space is much larger and the solid surface counter houses the single basin sink, optionalgrill, and a cockpit TV if desired, but we’ve always found that last item to be a questionable purchasedecision. Below is housing for the trash receptacle and cockpit refrigerator.

Regal mounted the wet bar at an angle to provide more working room without infringing on the cockpit space. The stereo

remote is a convenient addition here.

Swim Platform

Of course, the aft seating also serves to make the swim platform/sun pad more functional and versatile.The seat back flips here as well converting from forward facing cockpit seating to aft facing swimplatform seating. It also lays flat to increase the size of the sunpad.

Below Decks

The cabin features a wraparound sofa and a full beam mid-cabin that converts from twin berths to a single king-size. The

forward berth gets additional length from elevating the seatback at the foot of the berth.

Seating Galore. Down below, Regal created a stunning living area that exemplifies the company’sclever use of space. There is more seating on this 32' (7.8 m) boat than any other in class that we canthink of. The salon becomes a place for the large crowd on deck to retreat if it begins raining. At theend of an active day on the water, it turns into a cozy place for drinks and good fellowship.

Short Sheet. Full wrap around seating gives way to a forward berth that immediately appears short,and for good reason. It is short. However, lift the seatback at the foot of the bed and a full-lengthqueen-sized berth is revealed. This is another way that Regal has increased the utility of the 32Express.

When it comes to attractive cabins, Regal does not sit on the sidelines. Beautiful joinery and a unique wrap around sofa

set this salon apart from others in class.

The excellent joinery work can be seen here in this view of the forward berth. The sofa is upholstered with Ultraleather. We

like the high-gloss, dark cherry wood finish that helps make this boat look like a traditional yacht.

A good example of using one thing for two purposes. The electrically actuated seatback served to create a queen-sized

forward berth. The area will be used for either sleeping or entertaining, but not both at the same time. That's why it works.

The head is also well spaced with plenty of room for moving about, and Regal even added highshelving to hold all of the many items that a bathroom seems to take up. The galley is small, but nosmaller than others in class, and it accommodates all of the usual cast of characters needed to create ameal, if cooking is even desired while onboard. Of course the joinery work is first rate.

The wet-head is surprisingly roomy and we like the upper shelf for storing more of the bath necessities.

Full Beam Mid Cabin

Looking aft there’s a full beam mid cabin, and while this isn’t exactly new, it is well executed in its layoutand certainly in its accessibility. Dual twin sized berths can come together to form a king sized berthwith port and starboard hull side window. And while access to this berth usually takes the form of acrawlspace, here the access is much more open and user-friendly.

While every builder includes a mid-cabin, few if any add an actual "king size" bed -- that means it is 76’’ x 80’’ (1.93 m x

2.03 m). An innerspring mattress is optional.

Of course, siblings aren’t going to want to sleep together. For those times, the king separates into a pair of twin-sized

berths. Notice the hull-side windows.

Standard Equipment Galore

In addition to the standard equipment noted above, we find many other items of standard equipment onthe Regal 32 Express that is often optional on other boats in class. While most of these items are notas flashy as the ones pictured above, they nonetheless add important value and utility to the boat. Hereis a list of standard equipment that caught our eye--

• SS windshield header• 5-position tilt steering• Transom shower• Transom trim switch• Trim tabs• Amtico Birch decking below• Silent flush head

When getting on plane sight of the horizon is lost, when the captain is in the seated position, until the bow comes down.

The solution is for the captain to stand or lean on the bolster and get on plane as fast as possible -- which took 4.2

seconds in our test.

Important Options

While she’s well laid out with standards features, there are always options that we would consider onour boat. Among them…

• Generator ($13,154). We tend to spend a lot of time away from the dock and we’ll need climatecontrol to follow us along. Which of course brings us to…

• Air Conditioning ($3,962). …and it includes reverse cycle heat for extending the season in thenorthern latitudes (or Florida in the winter of 2014!).

• Bow Thruster ($3,000). This will certainly aid in a dicey docking situation and it’s significantly lesscostly than the joystick options.

• Remote Controlled Spotlight ($915). We don’t stop boating when the sun goes down so this is amust have for us.

• Electric Grill for Wet Bar ($1,931). While it’s pricier than the $208 for the cabin alcohol/electricstove, we’d rather be cooking our steaks on a grill, and on one located where the guests are. We wouldalso ask the dealer about a propane grill which will be less expensive.

• Cockpit Refrigerator ($1,538). No sense letting the steaks spoil before we have a chance to eatthem.

• Extended Swim platform ($1,846). We’re on the water and half the fun is spending it in the water.This allows for more of that fun. We think this is a very reasonable price for all of that extra fiberglass,hardware and utility.

• Electronics ($8,557). Regal offers Garmin electronics and the whole enchilada consists of radar,VHF and a 7212 chartplotter.

The Regal 32's new hull window treatments are modern and we consider them well-suited to the hull sides of this express.

Observations

Regal has a solid reputation for building good boats and with this 32 Express it is self-evident thatRegal's attention to detail extends to the interior as well. She’s a remarkably versatile boat that offersingenuity that others in class simply cannot touch. This added utility means that not only can sheentertain as well as any boat in class in day boat mode, but she can also be a cruiser for a family.

This category of express cruiser is extremely competitive and we think Regal has pulled out more thanthe normal share of "stops" to garner new business.

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Test Result Highlights

Top speed for the Regal 32 Express (2014-) is 46.2 mph (74.4 kph), burning 44.00 gallonsper hour (gph) or 166.54 liters per hour (lph).Best cruise for the Regal 32 Express (2014-) is 34.7 mph (55.8 kph), and the boat gets 1.33miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.57 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of180 miles (289.68 kilometers).Tested power is 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick.

For complete test results including fuel consumption, range and sound levels go to our Test Results section.

Standard and Optional Equipment

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics

GPS/Chart

Radar

VHF Radio

Systems

Air Cond./Heat

Battery Charger/Converter

CD Stereo

Head: Fixed

Power Steering

Trim Tabs

TV/DVD

Water Heater

Galley

Microwave

Refrigerator

Stove

Exterior Features

Carpet: Cockpit

Swim Ladder

Swim Platform

Tower: Watersports

Transom Shower

Canvas

Cockpit Cover

Boats More Than 30 Feet

Bow Thruster

Generator

= Standard = Optional

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Warranty

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure themost up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuraciesof the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your localdealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Price

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Price

Do You Have a Question About this Specific Model ?

Regal 32 Express (2014-) Price

Pricing Range $230,069.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your localdealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boatmodel.

Test Results (Printer Friendly Page)Test Power: 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick

Range

RPM MPH KnotsTotalGPH

MPG NMPGStat.Mile

NM KM KPH LPH KPL dBA

650 4.0 3.5 2.2 1.8 1.6 245 213 394 6.40 8.33 0.77 62

1000 6.1 5.3 3.2 1.9 1.7 257 224 414 9.80 12.11 0.81 74

1500 8.3 7.2 5.1 1.6 1.4 220 191 354 13.40 19.31 0.69 68

2000 9.8 8.5 8.4 1.2 1.0 158 137 254 15.80 31.80 0.50 74

2500 12.5 10.9 13.4 0.9 0.8 126 110 203 20.10 50.72 0.40 80

3000 18.5 16.1 18.4 1.0 0.9 136 118 219 29.80 69.65 0.43 80

3500 28.6 24.9 20.0 1.4 1.2 193 168 311 46.00 75.71 0.61 80

4000 34.7 30.2 26.0 1.3 1.2 180 157 290 55.80 98.42 0.57 82

4500 40.3 35.0 34.0 1.2 1.0 160 139 257 64.90 128.70 0.51 88

5000 45.6 39.7 42.0 1.1 0.9 147 127 237 73.40 158.99 0.46 87

5100 46.2 40.2 44.0 1.1 0.9 142 123 229 74.40 166.56 0.45 87

All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured withStalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscandigital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter onA scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test ConditionsTest Power: 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick

Time To Plane 4.2 sec.

0 to 30 9.5 sec.

Test Power 2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 300 EVC CAT Joystick

Transmission N/A

Ratio 1:95

Props FH-4

Load 3 persons, full fuel, 5/9 water, 541 lbs. of gear

Climate 60 deg., 59 humid.;wind: 10-15 mph; seas: calm

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