Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

[suckerpunch]

I am in the market for a new boat and I believe I have it narrowed down to these two boats. I am having trouble deciding one way or another. My feel is that the Regal is a half step better than the Larson in quality. The Larson is priced lower and many options are included as standard. The Larson is priced cheaper. Regal is priced at $34,000 and Larson is $28,000. The Larson has a longer warranty, but the dealer isn't that close to the house to make warranty coverage a selling point. I am also looking to trade in my 1990 Regal Valanti 170. I'm really quite torn.

I guess I was wondering which direction you would go, and if there's anything I should know about either boat to help me out. I doubt I would go wrong in either situation.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I think they are both really nice boats. I agree that Regal is probably a half step up in build quality. I would say they are about equal in design.

However, you didn't mention anything about the engines or drives in either. That is just as important as the make of the boat.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

We bought a LARSON 204 Escape deck boat. We had a couple of minor issues, all fixed under warranty, handled by the dealer, the warranty dept. LARSON has treated us well, even went above and beyond for the most part.

I know nothing about a Regal.

 

[salmonee]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

What year is the larson? If it's a 2009 model, you are getting a good deal. I looked at the previous generation and was not impressed. The 2009 model is new and looks very nice.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I agree with engines/drives being VERY important. IMO I'd go with the one with the Bravo III/Duo Prop and bigger engine. Also if the drives/engines are the same, Options are a great selling point. My boat was optioned out by the previous owner and I thank him for it (ie resale value).

 

[gprince]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I have a 2006 Larson 208 LXi and love it. Which ever boat you get, be sure to get the MPI and dual prop (Bravo III) drive if possible. I have the MPI, but an alfa drive. No problems, but I think I would enjoy the dual prop even more. The quality of my 208 LXi is great. No problems to report of and Larson has great customer service. I get tons of compliments on it. I purchased mine used with warranty left and purchased an extended warranty through the factory have had no issues with customer service. Advice: water test both and pick your favorite.

 

[jkust]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

My unqualified, random observations are: Regal is a full step above Larson for the mid 2000's models I looked at when I was shopping. The used, newer Larson's languished for sale. When speaking to a Regal sales rep, literally all they could do was toubt their JD Powers and Associates awards. It actually got a little weird. The new Larsons look a lot more upscale than just a few years ago (as do many others). The harshest consumer reviews I have ever read were for the 20' Larson bowrider. Like I said just observations, I don't own either.

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I have a number of Regals and they are great boats. Always have Volvo Dou Props, personally wouldn't touch a Merc (did I open a can of worms).

The following is from JD Powers:

2009 Best Small Runabouts (16 to 19 feet)

1. Sea Ray
2. Regal

2009 Best Large Runabouts (20 - 29 feet)

1. Cobalt
2. Regal
3. Sea Ray

2009 Best Express Cruisers (24 to 33 feet)

1. Regal (tied for number 1 with Sea Ray)

Dale

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I'd have to say Larson wasn't included in the survey as its not listed. Thats not all the mfg's listed there.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

Yep, after reviewing the entire arcticle Larson wasn't included, neither was Chris Craft or Magic or VIP or...

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

Either boat is a good buy, Larson has really stepped up its reputation in the last few years. Regal has always been a quality boat, I especially love their LSR hull. For the $6,000 difference, are there any options that one has in which the other is lacking? You didn't say what the engine packages were. The Regal is probably a 5.0 Volvo, while the Larson is probably a 4.3 Merc, Correct?

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

Outside of Larson and Regal, what other manufacturers did you also consider? What rationale did you use to pick Larson and Regal as the two finalists? The iBoats forum may be able to offer even more advice if you are able to provide more background information. All makes and models are dirt cheap right now so even Sea Rays and Four Winns are in your price range. Let us know how we can help even further.

 

[ctandrews]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I purchased a 2008 Larson LXI 208 new last spring. The boat has a VP 5.0 GXI with duoprop (F6). I am very happy with the boat, although my primary reason for purchasing the boat was for watersports (waterskiing mainly) and found the F6 propset did not give me the holeshot that I was hoping for. I am 6'4 and last year weighed about 230 lbs. The F6 came standard with the boat and there was no discussion as to alternatives. I also considered the Regal 2000, however did not like the deeper transom angle of the Regal as it would kick up a larger wake than the Larson. In terms of quality, there is no doubt that the Regals are great boats, however Larsons have come a long way recently. I would strongly recommend water testing both boats with the same engine / drive configuration (or as close as possible) and that you really think hard about how you want to use them. If you are into waterskiing or wakeboarding, I would also suggest that you take your ski / board with you on the water test and run as set or two. This will give you the valuable information in making your final choice. The bottom line is that I don't think you would go wrong with either boat!! One last thing, if you can get your hands on a 2008 model (even new) you will save a lot of money due to the price of raw materials (i.e. oil based products) has gone up for production of 2009 model year boats.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Regal 2000 Bowrider vs. Larson LXi 208

I too use My Larson for water sports and am very happy with my choice. I have the 2007 Larson Senza and I primarily use it for tubing and wakeboarding, as well as cruising lakes and rivers. Very good quality made boat. I have not had any problems yet, "knock on wood" Regal also has very nice boats. Either one of these boats would be a fine choice.