Review Notes

2010 Regal 44 Sport Coupe

FOR OPENERS

A short while ago the recreational boat scene was changed when manufacturers added a line of boats known as ‘the Sport Coupe’. The Sport Coupe configuration eliminates the canvas overhead, the plastic side windows and the constant folding, unfolding of canvas. With the Sport Coupe, the front windshield and the side windows are constructed as an integral part of the hard top of the boat.

Now entering into the market is the 2010 Regal 44 Sport Coupe with a rich 40 year history, In the wake of other large Regal offerings and building on the phenomenal market success of the Regal 52 SC, this vessel provides a totally new model for buyers to consider in this segment. Once again, Regal has built on its proven product and its
market successes.

We first had a profile view of the 44 and were immediately taken with the smooth sheer line Regal builds into its large boats and the angular, edgy look that designers have taken the time to incorporate. It reminded this reviewer of a look similar to that of prominent high end cars that travel our streets daily.

AT DOCKSIDE

Boatcan saw the Regal 44 Sport Coupe at the Toronto International Boat Show where the staging was designed to have the boats appear to be sterned into a dock. One was immediately impressed by the large full beam platform that allows for simple and easy access to the aft cockpit of the boat from the port or starboard side.

An initial glance around the platform and aft space of this boat and it was evident that careful planning had been used in designing this vessel to ensure that boarding would be easily accomplished.

BOARDING

You can board this boat from either side of the stern or over the side if it is tied along side a dock.

The swim platform is very large and it will easily hold a dingy without the need to roll it on its side to transport. One step above the platform is a well designed sitting area that also offers a large amount of storage. Whether it is lines, fenders or other gear, this
storage space is well located and large in size. Then it is up two wide flat steps that provide safe footing and an efficient way to enter the rear cockpit area whether you are entering from the port or starboard side of the boat.

At the cockpit level there is a very large seat / sunmat. This area has been cleverly designed to allow for a rear facing seat outside the boat, or a front facing seat inside the boat. You can also move the back rest fully to create an extremely large sunning area to
enjoy.

THE COCKPIT AREA

The Regal 44 SC is very people friendly. Regal was the pioneer in using a fully circular cockpit seating on boats of this size. The circular seating in the aft of this boat has a corner piece that can be moved to either side of the boat. Moving the position of this
small section allows for the circle to be on the side away from the dock for better access to the side walkways regardless of how you tie the boat. When the corner piece is moved, there is a seat on the boarding side with considerable storage beneath. One of the seats
has a waste receptacle and portable cooler under it.

As you begin to move around the cockpit, the completely flat floor allows for safe. easy movement. The only raised area is when you move to the cockpit dinette space on your left using a 6 inch step to move onto another flat space. The half circle seating, in this area, is complete with a table that can be used for casual serving of meals, snacks, or refreshments.

Other cockpit features include a fine sounding stereo with cockpit controls, a flip down flat screen television to keep folks entertained on long trips, a fully functional food prep area with a sink, work surface, barbeque, fridge and ice-maker. Prior to this arrangement this space was used for either the entertaining centre, or an extra seat. On this 44 SC there are now two circular seating areas in addition to all of these extras.

Fully forward under the hard top, and to the right is the helm. It is fine looking and functional. Two large screens give access to navigation, systems information, and a screen for the rear cameras. The system permits the captain to keep track of the crew and the location of the dock when backing into a dockage space for the night. The electronics are paired and interfaced while in the comfort of the interior without having to make critical decisions on the move.

The helm has a flat floor, and a fold-down teak raised subfloor that gives the Captain enhanced visibility should she / he choose to stand during the operation of the boat. Add the bolster seat, the IPS controls and Joy Stick along with the other extras and the helm is a truly modern, efficient place from which to operate this boat.

BELOW DECK

You access below deck from the centre of the cockpit. Here, Regal has used wide flat teak steps mounted on a stainless pole for a much more open look when below and safe passage when you move down below.

‘Step into a world of opulence and serenity. Surround yourself with sophisticated styling that will treat you and your guests to a remarkable environment where elegant form
meets practical function.’ This is the description taken directly from the Regal Brochure for the 44SC. It does truly capture the actual feeling you get when you enter the salon of this boat.

The space is open yet cozy. It is large yet inviting. Whether you are on the reclining / convertible couch, or working in the modern galley, this space is gorgeous. The cabinetry is perfect, the wood floor is elegant, and the mirror in the ceiling gives an even larger
feeling of space. Simply stated.... WOW!!!!

Once below, if you turn to the left you will enter the mid cabin on the 44 SC. It has the capability to offer two single beds or a single queen berth if the filler is used. It is an elegant space with an enclosed head with shower. The sink is outside to provide more
space in the private and doored cabin. Inside one of the beautifully crafted cupboards is a washer / dryer combination so that keeping all on board in fresh clear gear is simplified. There are many storage spaces, drawers and hanging lockers that make this a great area for longer range cruises or for the gear of visitors for a short stay or a weekend.

Back into the main salon or great room you have another opportunity to inhale the full beauty of this space. The large lounge has two flip up reclining seats. The table can be dining size or you can remove the dining top and an equally beautiful cocktail table is
underneath. The larger table stores in a specially designed space under the easily lifted front cabin mattress, and is held securely by the design of the area.

In the floor of the main cabin are large storage spaces. It would be up to the owners to determine the contents but the space is exceptionally big. More storage is located above the lounge behind the wooden doors of theses storage areas. Beneath the storage doors
are large uniquely shaped, opening portholes that offer ample natural light which is only enhanced by the skylights in the salon roof itself.

Across from the lounge seating is the galley. It is also an extremely well organized space. The best way to describe this space is that everything is on the outside of the area. The two door fridge is built into the bulkhead immediately to your right on the way into the salon. The Corian counter is situated along the complete outside wall of the starboard side. It ends against the head with a curved counter. This curved area increases the work space of the galley providing excellent form and function for the area.

The microwave is at counter level under the flatscreen TV. The TV sits on a pull-out drawer and allows a view of the television from anywhere in the salon. There are plenty of storage spaces above the counter and an extremely large storage space under the counter. A truly unique use of space is found in the corner cabinet where drawers are installed that go back into the bulkhead to make excellent use of otherwise inaccessible or lost space on a boat.

As you continue moving to the bow of the boat the main and full head is located to your right. This boasts Corian counters and a dry head where the shower and the rest of the space is a separate, bright and well ventilated area. Again, great storage is found here as it is throughout the Regal 44 SC.

Finally, all the way to the front of the boat is the Master Stateroom. The centerline queen sized bed is a full coil mattress under which there is large and specialty storage. There are closets on both sides of the boat and the cedar lined hanging closet is large enough for very long and extended cruises.

This room is bright, airy and well ventilated with natural breezes should you want to turn off the central air some nights. The suite has excellent entertainment capabilities with private controls for the stereo and a 22 inch flat screen television with DVD.

It seems almost too simple to say that this interior is absolutely beautiful, people friendly while it makes you feel comfortable and homey whenever you are inside the Regal 44 Sport Coupe.

TO THE HELM

The helm of the 44 SC is well laid out with everything you need conveniently located to be useful and readily available. The gauges are clear and concise, the electronics package is outstanding and the helm includes every possible piece of equipment you could ever want with a pleasing design.

Regal has really done some great things in the helm space. Easy to use steps take you through a swing open windshield to the front deck. On the front deck you can easily handle the lines, set an anchor or take full advantage of the front sun lounges.

Access to the front through the windshield keeps deck crew in sight of the captain at all times and this in and of itself a well designed safety feature.

UNDERWAY

As mentioned earlier, we reviewed the Regal 44 Sports Coupe at the Toronto Boat Show in mid January. Water testing was not possible at that time of the year. But we did have the chance to talk at length with factory and sales staff who have been part of the 44 SC water test at dealer meetings. The report is totally positive. Given that the vessel has a proven running service and the positive results of the Volvo IPS propulsion system is now so very well known, the performance results for the 44 SC is excellent.

The power plants on this boat were the optional Volvo. They are perfect for a boat that is 23,000 pounds dry. Add 328 gallons of fuel and fill the 101 gallon fresh water tank and the total displacement rises considerably. Take on refreshments, provisions and possibly
a few guests and this boat should have the optional diesel power. BUT... she will still top end at over 38 mph and cruise nicely in the low 30’s mph with these engines... The performance results of the IPS is well known: less bow lift, 15% faster to plane, quieter,
and considerable fuel savings. The IPS, therefore, is a perfect match for the 44 SC. Then add the responsiveness of the Volvo IPS and it is a true win.

ANOTHER LOOK AROUND

I just had to have another look around the cockpit space on the Regal 44 Sport Coupe. It is beautiful, functional and storage abounds. The quality of this Regal boat is immediately visible. The two major people seating areas invite you to sit down. The twin screened helm is ergonomically inviting. The efficiently designed steps to the forward deck are immediately obvious. The wide side walkaround areas look safe and of course are. The full width electronically operated sunroof that slides back to provide a massive sun opening and fresh air has been well designed. No more single hatch openings to get
a little fresh air; rather, you have the top almost totally disappear giving the feeling of freedom.

Or perhaps one prefers to use the side triangular, electrically operated windows that swing out of the side windows to bring fresh air to the helm and save on the optional cockpit air for a change of pace. Whatever catches you on the Regal 44 SC, when you finish counting the impressive features, there are a large number of them.

Did I mention the access to the engines? Regal has really done this right. It is a power lift but it opens from the rear. This means that instead of a large portion of the cockpit lifting along with the aft seat, only the sunmat and transom area lift allowing easy access
to the engine room from the rear of the boat and the swim platform. This makes so much sense it is a surprise that all manufacturers are not applying this feature to their designs.

FINALLY

As boaters get a bit older, or maybe get wiser, being in the sun all of the time and handling canvas is not as appealing as it once was. For younger boaters, style, form and function are important while high quality and performance is essential. The Regal 44 Sport Coupe is the boat that does all of this.

It really does not matter where you are situated on this boat; there is something to excite each and everyone of us. The optional Flexteak on the platform, the steps and cockpit sole all have a rich look and are extremely comfortable and safe. The LED blue lights that highlight so many areas on the boat are very stylish and pleasant to the senses. The Bose stereo has a full sound that surrounds you with quality sound in all areas of the boat. The great entertainment centre on the back deck complete with BBQ, the modern helm and the upscale electronics are matched and interfaced so that navigation is a breeze. Handling the boat with the Volvo IPS is easy and precise. This boat with easy access to the front deck for docking or anchoring or sitting in the sun are perfectly matched.

And then there is the hard top of the coupe style and the massive sliding sunroof that sets this Regal totally ahead of others in this segment of boats. It can be secure and enclosed or wide open to the blue skies with the flip of a switch.

It sounds so trite to say You will experience excitement as you share that you are the owner of this Regal 44 Sport Coupe.

INCLUDED OPTIONS

This review boat included the following options:

Full gel in hull, deck and accents (No Tape)

Volvo IPS 500S Diesel Inboards w/ Joy Stick

Auto Pilot for IPS

Oil change System

Sunlounge Cushion w/ Cover - Foredeck

High Gloss Cherry Interior

Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Forward and Aft Carpet

Cool Cockpit

High Gloss Tables

Electric Shorepower Reel

Underwater Lighting

15 inch LCD TV and DVD - FSR and Mid Cabin

Flexteek on cockpit and swim platform

Electric Grill

Laundry Washer / Dryer Mates

Cherry Treads on the Cabin Entry Stairs

Windlass with Anchor, Line and Chain

Bow Thruster

Bose Stereo System

Cockpit Icemaker and Refrigerator

Cockpit Table

Cockpit Performance Package

Wiper with Washer

Cockpit LCD Flip-Down TV and DVD

Premium Electronic Package including Garmin 5212 twin Sreens.

Camera Monitoring System

For more information about the 2010 Regal 44 Sport Coupe contact The Sales Staff at CRATES Lake Country..

To view CRATES Lake Country complete list of boats on Boatcan click on CRATES LAKE COUNTRY BOAT LIST

This model is also available through:

MAPLE CITY

CRATES MARINE SALES - KESWICK

GEORGE`S MARINE & SPORTS