Regulator’s Flagship Delivers on Performance, Quality, and Fishability
By Capt. Bob Smith
Regulator Marine is located in Edenton, NC and we recently visited to run to test a couple new models and to tour the plant to see just how they build these well-respected workhorses. The 32 is Regulator Marine’s largest model in their line of offshore capable fishing machines. The FS or “Forward Seating” version adds family-friendly seating to the front of the boat, without taking away any of the fishing features of this North Carolina built boat.
Bow Features
Starting at the front of the boat, the wide gunwales join to form a handy high casting point. Pop-up cleats and a bow light keep the edges smooth. A large locker in the bow handles the anchor and line. The forward seating consists of two large facing bench seats with comfortable cushions for seat bottoms, and coaming pads for the seat backs. Beneath each of the cushions are large 210-quart capacity storage boxes that double as insulated fish boxes.
Fishing Amenities
In the sole is a huge 645-quart insulated box for the majority of your catch. This fish box is outfitted with a pump out and macerator and none of the contents drain into the bilge, so your boat will not smell like last month’s catch. When not used for fish, this box doubles as a rod organizer. Every lid on this boat has locking latches, resin transfer molded lids that are strong and durable with stainless steel pneumatic arms.
In front of the center console is another comfortable bench seat with a flip-up bottom that reveals another 64-quart insulated cooler. Next to the console are step lockers on both sides, which can store your rods.
Helm and T-Top
Everything on the helm falls right where you would need it. The standard Yamaha gauges are clustered on the top right corner, Lenco 14 x 22 black powder-coated trim tabs are to the left of the wheel, and there is a flush mounted electronics panel located in front of the Edson wheel. Telefex Seastar Hydraulic steering is standard, but the power assist option, which our test boat had sure made driving this boat a lot easier.
The fiberglass T-top has another electronics box, a flush mounted electronics panel, LED lighting, and a built-in 18’ Lee Sidewinder Outrigger base. The windshield offers plenty of protection from the elements. The only complaint I have on this boat is the way the stainless steel bracing is set up at the windshield. It creates a bit of a blind spot where the bars are located. I would compare this to a blind spot from the side frame of a car windshield. It doesn't prevent visibility, you just have to lean or tilt around it. The positive side to the bracing design is that it adds extra strength to the T-top and can sustain years of offshore abuse, and hard running.
The Head
The head has over 6 feet of headroom inside. There is easy access to the battery switches, which are located just inside the door. Access panels to the backs of the electronics and to the batteries are also inside. A sink, storage drawers and an electric head make up the amenities inside.
Leaning Post
Each side of the leaning post rigging station is equipped with three drawers for tackle and tools. Across the back is a faucet, prep well, and stored Plano tackle boxes. Just aft the rigging station is another 32-gallon livewell in the sole. The bilges are located just aft of the livewell. Across the stern on the port side is a 130-quart bait box, and in the center is a 40-gallon livewell. The starboard side has a walkthrough transom door with access to the stern platform, which allows you to check the engines, or take a dip in the water.
Specifications
This model measures 32’0” length overall with a stable 10’5” beam. The FS version weighs 7,500 lbs which is only 100 pounds more than her sister ship, the 32. This model carries 310 gallons of fuel so you can run well offshore to chase the big fish. She has a maximum rated engine horsepower of 600 with twin outboards. Her wide Carolina bow flare and 24 degrees of deadrise deliver a wave-slicing smooth, dry ride and with the outboards trimmed all the way up she draws 24” and 32’’with them down.
Performance
On our test ride the 32 FS was quickly on plane in just 4.6 seconds and up to 30 mph in only 8.2 seconds. I found her top end at 49.7 mph turning 6050 rpm. At a 29.2 mph cruise speed she turned 4000 rpm burning 19.0 gph, for a cruising range of 429 miles on a full tank of fuel.
The 32 FS delivered a solid performance and had top-notch fishability, fit and overall finish. If a new offshore center console fishing rig with family features is in your future, I wouldn’t pass on the opportunity to test ride this model next time your at a boat show.
