Captain's Report

Overview

The first outboard-powered boat from Regal is the 23 OBX, a deckboat that has the power, passenger space, and storage capacity for a family during an active day on the water. She’s available with up to 250-hp and comes with a comprehensive standard equipment list that includes a Garmin 7607 digital screen at the helm, a carry-on cooler and a Fusion stereo with six speakers.

Features Inspection

The Stern.

The swim platform wraps around the outboard motor, and because it’s at water level, it facilitates reboarding without a ladder. The aft-facing bench seat is a full-width model so Mom and Dad can hang out and watch the kids swim or friends can watch a surfer do his thing on the wake. To starboard, the bottom cushion and backrest pull aside to permit easy access to the cockpit. A cooler stores beneath the center section of the transom seat.

The Cockpit.

The starboard passageway from the swim platform provides access into the 23 OBX’s cockpit, and we like that the sections are hinged to easily fold up instead of having to deal with snap-down cushions. Horseshoe-shaped lounges wrap around from abaft the helm seat to the to port side where there is a multi-position backrest. A companion can ride facing forward or flip the backrest to create a lounge where an adult can stretch out facing aft. There are cup holders and speakers outboard on each side.

Cockpit Storage.

Beneath the port cockpit lounge, there’s dry storage. To starboard, the bottom cushion pulls aside to reveal space for a second carry-on cooler. Forward between the helm and companion seats, the ski locker hatch opens on a single gas strut and has enough depth for skis or boards with high-wrap bindings.

The Helm.

The 23 OBX’s helm is finished in dark colors, quality upholstery, and fine stitching, making the dash panel feel like one in a high-end automobile. The Garmin 7607 provides all engine and navigation information on a centrally positioned digital screen. The boat comes standard with a depth finder, and the accessory switches are on each side of the tilt wheel. The stereo control is to port, and there is a 12-volt accessory plug. The digital shift/throttle control for the outboard motor is on the starboard gunwale.

The Port Console.

Ahead of the companion seat, a door in the port console opens a compartment that can be equipped with an optional portable head that can be upgraded for a pump-out. Regal said there is plenty of seated headroom for an adult. The compartment is fully finished fiberglass.

The Bow.

To make the 23 OBX’s bow more inviting, Regal carried the beam as far forward as possible. Two adults can stretch out against the backrests on the consoles with their legs extended toward the bow. There are two cup holders and a grab handle outboard on each side. The center bottom cushion pulls out of the way so passengers can step up to the foredeck where a beach boarding ladder is stored in the anchor locker.

Bow Storage.

The bottom cushions for the bow seats are hinged on each side and they raise on gas struts for easy access to gear. They are carpeted on the inside, which cushions the ride for the contents.

Test

The Regal 23 OBX has a LOA of 23’2” (7.06 m), a beam of 8’6" (2.59 m) and a draft of 36” (91 cm). With an empty weight of 3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg), 75% fuel and two people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 4.649 lbs. (2,109kg).With the single 250-hp Yamaha 4 stroke outboard turning a 20T propeller, we reached a top speed just a hair shy of 50 mph at 5700 RPM. Best economic cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 23.9 mph. At that speed, we were burning 7.3 gph, which gave us a range of 217 miles, all while holding back a 10% reserve of the boats 73-gallon (276 L) total fuel capacity.

Performance

With her FasTrac hull, the performance was characteristic Regal. Smooth feel, light touch and just the right balance of tracking and slide in the turns to keep the ride comfortable. We noticed only a minimal chine walk when pushing the performance of the turns, but anything that could be described as normal showed none of that. Only minimal trim was used to bring the bow up to cruising attitude and lowering it before turns kept the prop ventilation from manifesting.

On Track.

The 23 OBX rides on Regal’s FasTrac hull bottom design that has a full-beam step intended to reduce drag and friction. Two inner strakes aft from the bow to the step, and the outer strakes extend full length. Turned-down chines help with planing and give the 23 OBX good grip in turns.

Construction.

Regal builds the 230 OBX with all-composite stringers to save weight and improve strength. A vinylester barrier coat provides improved resistance to blisters, and the boot stripe is molded into the gelcoat instead of using vinyl tape. All deck hardware, the fuel fill vent, the bow scuff plate, and the rubrail are stainless steel.

Price

Warranty

Available Options and Price

Observations

Combining the power-to-weight ratio advantage that outboards enjoy over stern drives with the extra room in the boat for people and gear should make the Regal 23 OBX compelling to many boaters. Another benefit of the outboard is lower overall weight for the boat and engine package. It’s listed at 3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg). Factor in an appropriately sized trailer and a mid-size SUV or pickup should be able to tow the 23 OBX.

Standard and Optional Features