Boats

Regal 2200 RS

By Robert Stephens

Updated: May 6, 2008

With a display case full of recently earned customer-satisfaction awards from both J.D. Power and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and with a hull so effective that competitors have tried to duplicate it, we had to wonder, Where will Regal go next to stay on this roll? The answer: Regal went to the front lines, where dealers and everyday boaters meet every day. “Give us a boat with all the award-winning workmanship,” the boat shoppers said, “but that will also make everyone on the water stare.”

What came next was the 2200 RS. It only made sense to build a model with some show to match the performance-oriented FastTrac hull, which uses a full step to aerate the hull and reduce drag. As first looks go, there was no mistaking the 2200 RS among 20-some boats at our test site. The solid hullside color, low smoke Plexiglas windshield and chrome accents demanded our attention — and fortunately for us, a first ride.

We were a little leery about taking the red-hot 2200 RS into the saline-rich Gulf waters. Knowing all the hardware is stainless steel relieved some of the timidity. (Even so, owners of this boat will need to be vigilant about maintaining its visual appeal.) It’s also clear from little details like gasketed hatches, self-draining compartments and hinges positioned for easy access to all storage that Regal builds the boat to be used, not just to look good at the dock. Our test boat, loaded with three grown men and 30 gallons of fuel, averaged 53.7 mph in rough, windy conditions. You might say, “Yeah, but you tested with a 300-horsepower motor.” That power, in the form of a 5.7-liter Volvo Gi SX engine, is standard on the 2200 RS. And the through-hull exhaust, which complements the overall look with audible gusto, is also standard.

When driving, there was no need for the seat bolster because of the low windshield and gunwale-turned-armrest. For us, the wind should hit flush on the chest and face when we’re boating in nice weather. Ironically, the bow seats seem to be just as deep as the cockpit seats — if not more so. This is a plus, seeing as we normally boat with young kids.

With this test of the 2200 RS complete, our still-buzzing crew took seats around a lunch table overlooking Pine Island Sound on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The water was busy with 50-foot cruisers, bay boats with big motors and a smattering of muscular sport boats. As we sat there, heads around us suddenly turned toward a prominent mover among the flurry of boats: The same red hotrod we’d just run. Despite our still fresh windburn, we, like the people around us, looked on with envy.

An acrylic hatch at the transom walk-through matches the smoke windshield.
Console storage and electrical connections are accessed through the bow headrests instead of through hatches in the walk-through.
Swim platform is molded in and is so large because the sunpad has an angular style and has been pushed forward.
Pop-up tow pylon on the transom is a smart way to accommodate water sports — and to keep the boat obstruction-free.
Middle of windshield has a magnetic catch to keep the centerpiece from rattling when open. **Vital Stats
**
Length Overall (w/ platform): 22’2″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,700 lb.
Passenger/Weight Capacity: 10/1,500 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 54 gal.
Maximum HP: 320
NMMA Certified: Yes
MSRP (as tested): $50,972 Test Drive

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Test Engine: Volvo-Penta 5.7 Gi DuoProp
Test Prop: F6
Test Load: People (570 lb.); Fuel (30 gal.)
Top Speed: 53.7 MPH @ 5,000 RPM
Time to Plane: 3.7 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 7.3 sec. Notable Features