Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

[haulnazz15]

Anyone have any experience with/on these boats? We're looking at getting an express cruiser for trips to the lake and possible overnighting. Have seen some of thse for sale in the upper $20K range and like the layout from the pictures but haven't been aboard one yet. Looking at twins with at least 4.3L's if not 5.7L's. Also would like to find one with a genny but it seems to be hit-n-miss on that option in this size of boat. Any major hangups or problems with this model from Regal?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

Regals have a good rep. The couple I've seen up close looked good, with good quality materials. I know you know enough to hire a surveyor before you pull the trigger.

That boat's too heavy for a single big block. It weighs quite a bit more than mine, has 2 feet more length and a foot wider beam. My sixes work well for me, but on 1 or 2 occasions I've wished I'd opted for V-8's. You'll want twin 5.0 or 5.7 (either should work fine). The sixes might squeak by if you travel light, but you'll wish you'd bought the 8's as soon as you load up. You won't save anything on fuel consumption, either.

Good luck!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing on the 5.0/5.7's. I believe the boat weighs in somewhere close to 9,500 pounds with the std powerplant option (probably the 4.3L's), so I'd say it's a 10K pound boat without a load of people in it. The beam and the salon layout are what I like about it the most, although an extended swim platform would probably be in order. I don't think that a single-screw was even an option, but I could be wrong. Granted, it's primarily going to be used as a day-cruiser with very few overnights, but I don't think it would be worth it to have a cruiser that didn't have a generator to run the A/C. No one likes sleeping in 90-degree temps.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

Go for 5.7's you will even save on fuel. V6's if its a hell of a deal. Every 305 chevy ive ever been in/worked on was a DOG! Poor mileage to boot! Genny and or a/c would be nice for that boat, it will be lots of fun. Enjoy!
My .02

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

As the owner of a 29' x 10'8" 9500 lb dray rated boat, go with the V8s. Although stern drives will eat less power than inboards and perform better, I think holding out for one with 5.0s or 5.7s is the right move.

As far as a gen and air, this is a tough size. Not standard yet, but doable. If it's something you think you want, I say hold out for that as well. I know with a budget this is tough to find the perfect boat, but I think in the end you will enjoy it more.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Mid-Late 90's Regal Commodore 292

Yeah, while I wouldn't necessarily abhore an inboard-drive, I'd just assume stay away from them do to the shallow-water issues of inland-lake boating. I've never done more than mangle a prop on a gravel bed, but that can be an expensive proposition on an inboard-drive. The beam is what I love about this boat as well. Over 10' should make for lots of room and a stable ride.