Unlike its offshore sisters, Regulator Marine’s new 26XO reigns plying estuaries and near-coastal waters. In sharp, choppy bay waters our test boat ran dry without pounding at 25 to 32 mph with six people aboard.
Design strength and Regulator’s rock-solid construction make it safe and stable for a family, at rest and underway. This is a long-legged boat for fishing and exploring, with a range over 200 miles. Yamaha’s F300 offers efficient operation in big waters, with plenty of pull for tow sports with an optional, removable tow bar. The hull’s 14-inch draft, moderate deadrise, transom hull pocket and SeaStar hydraulic jack plate make shallow-water operation easy for fishing or sandbar picnics.
The 26XO makes a good island for family, friends or a couple. The hardtop shades the helm. There’s room to roam, with well-placed grab handles, cup holders and USB charging ports. The console holds a vented, lighted compartment with 60-inch headroom for a portable toilet or a permanent model with holding tank.
Seating? The bow’s port and starboard storage compartments convert to lounges. The console cooler seats two, as does the helm’s leaning post/livewell/tackle center. The stern deck offers three cushioned seats side by side, plus storage and a swim platform with retractable ladder and a transom shower. A four-speaker marine stereo with Bluetooth comes standard.
The 26XO might be Regulator’s most versatile boat. For bluewater duties, choose Taco Grand Slam 390 outriggers, a rocket launcher and a Garmin autopilot/radar package. The Garmin 16 XO Fish Package includes a 16-inch plotter/sonar, VHF and Airmar chirp transducer. Forward of the console is a 70-gallon in-sole fish box.
The 26XO also excels inshore, with casting decks fore and aft, optional -36-volt Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra i-Pilot trolling motor, 36-amp charger, and three deep-cycle batteries in a compartment. Hunting Redfish? Snook? Stripers? Even largemouth bass in a tidal river? The 26XO handles all these duties gracefully.
Yep, the 26XO handles multiple -missions. Regulator’s tag line for it is “Go anywhere, do everything.” We agree.
High Points
⋅Classy looks with Regulator sheer line and flare.
⋅New shallow-draft hull design for inshore and near-coastal waters impressed us and was drawn by Lou Codega, noted naval architect and longtime designer for Regulator Marine.
⋅Up/down seatbacks on the bow fish boxes allow lounging while running or sunset-watching.
⋅Huge access under center transom seat to wiring, plumbing and mechanicals will surely put a smile on the face of DIY boaters.
Specs
LOA: 26′9″
Beam: 9′3″
Draft: 1′2″ (engine up)
Dry Weight: 5,900 lb. (with engine)
Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 107 gal.
Price: $139,995 (with test power)
How We Tested
Engine: Single 300 hp Yamaha four-stroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15.5″ x 17″ Yamaha Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 600 lb.
More Information
Regulator Marine Inc. – Edenton, North Carolina; 252-482-3837; regulatormarine.com
