Regency plays rough among the competitors in high-quality performance pontoons, and its secret weapon is a handsome, protective powder coating on its tubes, rails and Bimini hardware. We anticipated a stiff price for this unique quality, but Regency offers the DL3 series to give boaters a foothold in Regency luxury — complete with a long list of standard features and a game-changing warranty — all for an attractive price.
The 220 DL3 offers 23 feet of deck space secured to triple tubes built with multiple airtight chambers for a solid, safe ride. In our test, the 150 hp outboard motor pushed us to an impressive 36.4 mph and stuck to its guns in hard-over turns. As we powered over wind chop and wakes, we noted the construction offered the same quiet ride as the top-echelon LE3 line.
We didn’t expect to find a power Bimini top on this model, but we were happily pleased with the gas-assist lift system that made raising and lowering the Bimini easy, with just fingertip pressure needed.
At the helm, hydraulic steering gave smooth handling, and engine controls were multifunction gauges. A Hook 5-inch GPS and sonar display were set in the dash center. On/off buttons and a master switch are lighted for easy use.
On the DL3 series, there was no disappointment in luxury seating either. Multidensity foam with a moisture barrier and lush, supple vinyl hugs riders into their seats. Seating includes a long starboard forward lounge and a second portside lounge. An L-shaped couch completes the seating aft.
The DL3 even boasted a luxury woven-vinyl deck covering, like the LE3 series.
Even with all this seating, a 3-foot-wide swim platform and an open foredeck for docking duties, we found the 8-foot-6-inch beam platform had an uncluttered, open arrangement that invites up to 10 adventurers on board to explore, cruise, swim and hang out. And with its 10-year bow-to-stern warranty and lifetime-structural warranty, the fun will come with great peace of mind, too. That’s luxury!
High Points
* Four-step powder-coated boarding ladder on the Regency 220 DL3 is convenient.
* An entertainment galley aft of the helm is helpful for refreshing the crew.
* A changing room pops out of the aft sun pad.
* Woven-vinyl decking is handsome, durable and easy to care for.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150 FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Enertia 15.3″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 25 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.
Price
$39,995 (as tested)
Contact
Regency Boats Springfield, Missouri; 855-252-5624; regencyboats.com
