A Fierce Competitor Joins the Tournament Circle

The 29FS is an all-around rugged offshore fishing boat with the features and performance to prove it.

By Capt. Bob Smith

Test Captain

The new Regulator 29 FS (forward seating) fits squarely in the middle of the 26 and the 32 model, offering another option to those who want more than 26 feet or are ready to step down.

This one measures 29’0” length overall with a beam width of 9’6”. She weighs 6,900 pounds without the recommended twin Yamaha 250-hp Four-Stroke outboards. The 29FS carries up to 285 gallons of fresh water and her holding tank has a capacity of six gallons. Draft with the engine up is 24” and with the engine down she needs 31” of clearance.

Bow Features and Design

The bow area of this boat has a flip-up navigation light and pop-up cleats that keep the entire bow flush when you’re fishing. Anti-skid surfaces give you sure footing on the tops and decks of this boat. The raised seating area can be either a casting surface, or when you insert the filler cushions, it becomes a great place to gather up front and exchange stories.

Talk about storage on this boat. Under the seats you’ll fine quite a bit of it. The starboard locker measures 72 inches long, and the anchor locker can double as a second locker when you’re heading to the next tournament. The floor locker features a monster 520-quart storage bin. The resin transfer molded lids have locking handles and great gaskets to keep the gear inside dry. Another advantage you better prepare yourself for is how quiet the lids drop down. No bone jarring slam of fiberglass on this boat.

There’s another bench on the front of the helm, and underneath the cushion is a 64-quart insulated cooler for beverages, or another fishbox.

Fisherman always want a five-gallon bucket on board because they are so useful and Regulator recognizes that, therefore the 29FS features a great place for one in the step storage compartment along the side. Under the gunwale are connections for hooking up to fresh water washdowns and raw water rinsing as well.

Technology at the Helm

We had the optional T-top on our boat, which provides great protection from the elements and held the 18-foot Lee Sidewinder Outriggers with Lay-down mounts. Along the back of the helm seat are rocket launcher rod holders as well as a fiberglass electronics box for more gear. Inside the helm is a roomy console with 6’3’’ headroom and an electric toilet, mirror, map holder and access panels to easily get to the backs of the electronics panels. The triple battery system is also accessed through the lower panel. The battery switches are also within reach without having to go into the interior.

Our helm had an Edson tilt wheel with power knob and power assisted steering. Yamaha Command Link Digital Information Network System gauges monitor engine performance and deliver excellent information about the engines. Switches are protected by breakers and the Lenco Tabs are controlled by switches to the left of the wheel. A removable panel covers a huge space for 2 large display panels or multiple small ones. Our optional leaning post seat included a convenient tackle center in the back with drawers on the sides for loose items.

Across the back is an 84-quart insulated fishbox, and a 30-gallon livewell. A simple stern walkthrough gets you to the engines or to the bracket for mounting a ladder on the starboard corner.

Performance

We tested the 29FS in the bay just off the main drag in Edenton, NC with two on board and a full tank of fuel. She was quick out of the hole for her size and weight, achieving plane in just 5.3 seconds. She is able to reach 30 miles-per-hour in only 11.6 seconds. I found her best cruise around 4000 rpm traveling 32.1 miles-per-hour. At cruise she burned about 21.2 gallons-per-hour and will deliver about 388 miles on a full tank of fuel. She topped out at 5800 rpm traveling an impressive 52.7 miles-per-hour.

If you have been just waiting for the next generation from Regulator and something that’s bigger than the 26 without the extra size of the 32, then the 29FS is waiting for your approval. She has the fishing features, the ride, and the performance to be a top contender on the tournament track.

• Top speed for the Regulator 29 FS is 52.7 MPH (84.8 KPH), burning 42.1 gallons per hour (GPH) or 159.35 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Regulator 29 FS is 32.1 MPH (51.7 KPH), and the boat gets 1.51 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.64 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 388 miles (624.43 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 250-hp Yamaha 4-stroke.

Regulator 29 FS Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
Head: Fixed
Power Steering
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Swim Ladder

= Standard = Optional