Overview
Regal’s 38 SAV is not defined by what it does. It’s defined by how you customize it to suit your desires. SAV stands for sports activity vessel, meaning it can be used for many boating activities.
It has outstanding performance characteristics for cruising when equipped with triple Yamaha 300 hp outboards. Two dive doors and a swim platform for easy entry and reentry serve your inner Cousteau. The basics for fishing are already there, but the 38 SAV is ready to accept hardcore fishing equipment like Taco outriggers, downriggers and rod holders. But just as it is, the 38 SAV is a superb entertainer.
Interior and Accessories
For cruisers, the 38 has a roomy deck plan centered around the command center. Four luxury bucket seats face the helm, but the two outside seats can swivel aft to face the galley on deck. At the sandbar, the center seats remain forward, and the grill master can sear burgers, brats or steaks while seated in the aft-facing bucket seat, keeping in touch with the cockpit. There is one refrigerator and space for a second fridge or freezer (standard) below the grill, with three drawers for storing cookware, tackle or whatever you want in the center. Everything needed to keep the crew fed is in place.
A 20.5-gallon livewell is in the port side of the galley, and its clear acrylic side wall allows easy monitoring of bait to ensure adequate aeration for lively action. If you’re not fishing, the baitwell would make an excellent cooler. There is also a slide-out Yeti centered under the row of four helm seats.
From the helm, choose the passage to port or starboard of the galley to enter the expansive cockpit or take the portside passage forward to the spacious bow seating.
The cockpit seating area is designed for an intimate experience with the water without being isolated from those on the bridge deck. Mezzanine seating for four or more faces aft. A three-seat transom couch folds out to complete a conversation area. That couch is flanked by port and starboard Plexiglas transom doors framed in stainless-steel tubing. The clear doors are stylish and keep toddlers inboard while allowing a view of the water passing by the outboards and transom.
Portside, the forward entry way to the bow leads to more luxury seating that surrounds the area. To starboard, there is no walkway to the bow. Instead, the area is closed off to form a dock-level boarding access with three teak-soled steps to the command deck and a broader cabin belowdecks with more headroom. With port and starboard dive doors and a transom entry, there are plenty of convenient options for climbing aboard.
Boston Whaler makes a 38-foot boat, the 380 Realm ($809,585), with a similar helm configuration. However, Boston Whaler enclosed the helm all the way to the starboard gunwale, which eliminated the deck-level entry found in the Regal. Cruisers will have a broader, more enclosed helm deck. Belowdecks, the 380 Realm has a large cabin. Whaler designed it to give all the seating to the V-berth, which makes a large dining area when not set up for overnighting or naps.
The Regal’s cabin features a double V-berth, but a central cushion inclines toward the cabin, making it a cozy couch for two. The midcabin berth sleeps two more. The head compartment is spacious, with a porcelain sink, head and large, separate walk-in shower compartment.
Certainly, the accommodations and space contribute to the 38 SAV’s luxury appeal, but Regal doesn’t scrimp on other touches, like highly polished stainless steel, ample use of teak on step treads, and posh cocktail tables.
Engines
Powered by triple Yamaha 300 hp outboards, the 38 SAV makes nearly 50 mph. The motors not only provide an exciting top speed, but they also offer ample staying power to remain comfortably on plane in the low 20s, with excellent midrange handling that only comes from a well-mated hull and propulsion system.
For all its elegance, the 38 SAV can sprint from fun spot to fun spot while keeping the crew surrounded in luxury and comfort. With the helm, the bow seating and the cockpit vying for passengers’ occupancy, each boater’s experience can be as intimate or gregarious as they choose.
The 38 SAV is designed to bring the full spectrum of boating pleasure—and so it does.
How We Tested
- Engines: Triple Yamaha F300 outboards
- Drive/Props: Outboard/SWS II 18″ x 15 1/4” 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 180 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.
High Points
- The 38 SAV boasts a spacious, open deck with easy walkways so crew can move about and socialize without stumbling.
- Helm seatbacks fold down level to use as service tables if needed.
Low Points
- Only the outside seats on the helm station swivel aft.
- Command deck is raised for visibility and to give more cabin headroom, but the design requires a step down to the cockpit.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $834,550 (with test power) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 38’10” |
| Beam: | 11’11” |
| Draft (max): | 3’6″ (engines down) |
| Displacement (approx.): | 21,600 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 18 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 11’3″ |
| Max Cabin Headroom: | 6’3″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 360 gal. |
| Max HP: | 900 |
| Available Power: | Triple Yamaha 300 outboards |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Regal Boats – Orlando, Florida; 800-US-Regal; regalboats.com
