Captain's Report

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve

Is Starboard Seating the New Norm?

Probably not, but what is normal in any boat? If using the whole boat were a requirement for fishing then the entire sportfish market would be out of business. While it’s nice to picture how many bikini-clad models may fit up forward, the reality is this is where your family and friends will gather as you show off your pride and joy with a leisurely cruise, and where the guys will hang out on the way offshore. For that reason, we’d like to see a sizable hi-lo table up forward, but none is offered in the standard or options list. While the arrangement added only a single seat, albeit a comfortable one, to the forward deck, the real benefit of this layout is the “entertainment center”, which consists of a sink and two deep drawers. The sink has a lid that we’d like to see incorporate a cutting surface. The livewell, bait sink, and cutting board are built into the tackle station at the aft side of the leaning post.

Cabin Class

Now here’s a feature that we think should be on all larger center consoles... living space. Why so many others choose not to incorporate this is a mystery. Inside the center console is a refrigerator, microwave oven (both optional, add $2,095), and sleeping accommodations for two. Some may argue that sleeping accommodations aren’t necessary on a CC (or SS) but a husband/wife team can spend the night at an anchorage or island hideaway adding to the utility of the boat. In addition, overnight fishing trips are now possible, and yes it’s close quarters, but guys have camped overnight together on hunting trips in tents that offer less space than this. But there’s always a downside, and in this case, there’s a pull-out shower wand. That may be problematic with electrical appliances, and a berth, in spray range with no curtain. We’d opt for saving the showering for the deck. You’ll likely be offshore with no one watching anyway.

Fishability

Regulator includes a long list of standard features on the 34 SS including 7’ (2.1 m) rod storage under the forward starboard seating, 6’ (1.8 m) port side insulated cooler box/rod storage, a 31 gallon (117.3 L) freshwater system, an 85 gallon (321.7 L) transom fish box plus four stainless rod holders.

Optional Must-Haves

For some options I'd seriously consider, there's the fiberglass T-top (add $15,695) with bases for Lee 16’ (4.88 m) telescoping (add $1,795) or 18’ telescoping (5.49 m) (add $1,595) sidewinder outriggers, a refrigerated transom fishbox, and an upgraded leaning post tackle center (add $4,795). Since showering in the console is problematic, I'd definitely opt for the transom shower unit (add $595). The helm panel is ready to accommodate electronics, so why not order them installed from the factory. Regulator offers a Raymarine package consisting of a single E120 multifunction display, an RS125 GPS, a Ray 55 VHF radio, the B260 50/200 transducer, and an 8’ VHF antenna (add $9,795). Since the helm is to port and the seat is double wide, you may as well have your buddy lend a hand in the navigation so I'd go for the second E120 display as well (add $6,995). Since my runs will be all offshore, I'd need the Raymarine 4-kW 24” HD Radar (add $3,995). These options will add a total of $42,870 to the price of the base boat.

Optional Might-Wants

So much for the must-haves, now let's get to the stuff you might want and why you'd want them. The first thing I'd do is change the hull color. White has been done to death and if there's an option, I'm all over it. In this case, you have seven choices: Flag Blue, Carolina Blue, Blue Tone White, Aqua Mist, Fighting Lady Yellow, Regulator Red, or Stars & Stripes (add $3,395) and if you're going to change the hull color, then change the bracket color while you're at it (add $1,395) as well as the T-top undersides (add $695). I'm certainly not going to leave the helm exposed to the weather, and dockside ne'er-do-wells, so let's cover up the console (add $1,095) and the wrap-around seats (add $1,195). Since a lot of my fishing is around the rocks of the middle grounds, I'll need to anchor. Besides, if the family comes aboard, or if I decide to show off my prized Regulator (and who wouldn't?) then anchoring is a must, and therefore accommodating the ground tackle is also a must. Regulator offers two choices: a fiberglass pulpit with windlass (add $4,295) or an anchor roller and windlass (add $3,195). If your docking skills are not what you'd like them to be, or if you dock in a tricky slip, then consider the bow thruster (add $11,195). All of these will add another $10,970 to the base boat.

All-In

So that means that you'll get the base boat with twin Yamaha 350's for a base price of $252,995. Add $42,870 for stuff you need, and another $10,970 for stuff you want, and all said, you'll be looking at a totally tricked out Regulator 34 SS for $306,835... not too shabby at all. So let the battle rage on about whether side seating or walk-around capability is the way to go. In the meantime, we’ll gladly spend the day fishing the middle-grounds on the Regulator 34 SS.

Standard and Optional Features