Regal 35 Sport Coupe: A Compact Cruiser with Big-Boat Feel

The sport coupe concept—an enclosed bridge deck and cockpit that can be air-conditioned or heated—has become increasingly popular in recent years. Regal has expanded its sport coupe lineup with a new 35-foot model designed to deliver the comfort and functionality of larger cruisers while remaining nimble and efficient for weekend boating.

Regal’s designers focused on maximizing interior volume and practical layout to make the 35 feel more like a 40-foot boat. “The engineers did a remarkable job taking a 35-foot boat and making it feel like a 40-foot boat, using space extremely well,” says Regal marketing manager Mark Kellum. One standout feature in this size range is the fully retractable hardtop; according to Kellum, many buyers prefer a hardtop to canvas for durability and lower maintenance.

Deck and Cockpit

The 35 Sport Coupe features a single-level deck with a walk-through windshield that provides easy access to the foredeck. Open the windshield and the boat behaves like an express cruiser; close it and, with the hardtop down, it offers the protected environment of a classic coupe. This flexibility makes the boat adaptable to varied weather and cruising styles, whether you want open-air cruising in fair weather or climate-controlled comfort on cooler days.

Interior Layout and Living Space

Regal arranged the cabin to maximize usable space and comfort. The standup head and enclosed shower sit on the port side, with the galley located directly forward. On the starboard side, a settee runs forward across the centerline and faces aft. The settee’s backrest doubles as the aft end of the forward berth and can be raised at the push of a button to convert sleeping and seating arrangements quickly and easily. Kellum notes that this is not just a clever detail but a genuinely functional use of space.

Light-colored vinyl upholstery, wood veneer accents and two triangular overhead portlights help create a bright, open feeling inside the cabin. The starboard side of the settee converts into a double berth, and the aft cabin can serve as an additional sleeping area. That aft space can be separated from the main cabin with a curtain or door and can be outfitted as an entertainment area with an optional flat-panel TV.

Specifications and Propulsion

The Regal 35 Sport Coupe measures 11 feet 4 inches on the beam and has a draft of 35 inches, with a transom deadrise of 19 degrees. Dry weight is about 13,600 pounds. Fuel capacity is 168 gallons, freshwater capacity 50 gallons and waste capacity 30 gallons. Standard propulsion options include twin 5.7-liter MerCruiser 350 Magnum MPI 300-hp sterndrives or twin 5.7-liter Volvo Penta 300-hp sterndrives.

Price and Availability

At launch, the retail price was listed at $277,682 with MerCruiser power and $273,521 with Volvo Penta engines. The Regal 35 Sport Coupe made its debut in January at the New York Boat Show. Performance data for the model were not provided at the time of the debut.

Who This Boat Suits

The 35 Sport Coupe is aimed at boaters who want the conveniences of a larger cruiser—protected helm, climate control, comfortable overnight accommodations—without stepping up to a much larger hull. Its retractable hardtop and flexible interior make it a strong choice for couples or small families who value adaptability and low-maintenance topside protection over extensive canvas enclosures.

Contact: Regal Marine Industries, (407) 851-4360. Website: www.regalboats.com

This article originally appeared in the April 2011 issue.

Brokerage listings powered by BoatQuest.com

Find more information about Regal boats at www.boatquest.com/manufacturer/regal.html.