Regency Yachts P65 (2017-)

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Brief Summary

The luxurious Regency Yachts P65 is a foot wider than most boats in class and also considerably heavier, which means she should be more comfortable in a seaway.

Key Features

Full beam owner's suite with a Regency King size island bed

VIP stateroom with a queen island bed

Wood flooring: salon, pilothouse, foyer & guest stateroom

Leather salon sofa and pilothouse settee

Northern Lights 16kw & 20kw generators

Olympia hydronic heating system

Garmin navigation system - 5ea 7617 monitors

Samsung TV & Fusion Stereo with DVD Player

Test Results

RPM	MPH	Knots	GPH	MPG	NMPG	STAT. MILE	NM	dBa
600	6.4	5.6	2.3	2.8	2.4	3005	2613.2	55
1000	9.9	8.6	8.6	1.2	1	1251	1087.4	56
1250	11.8	10.3	15.1	0.8	0.7	844	733.9	58
1500	13.7	11.9	24.9	0.5	0.5	592	514.8	60
1750	16.2	14	40	0.4	0.4	436	379.2	63
2000	19.3	16.8	57.5	0.3	0.3	363	315.2	65
2330	25.2	21.9	88	0.3	0.2	309	268.4	66

View the test results in metric units

Specifications

Length Overall	66' 5" / 20.2 m
Beam	18' 3" 5.56 m
Dry Weight	88,105 lbs. 39,964 kg
Tested Weight	95,493 lbs. 43,314 kg
Draft	5' 2" 1.58 m
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	6' 8" 2.03 m
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Weight Capacity	N/A
Person Capacity	N/A
Fuel Capacity	1,200 gal. 4,543 L
Water Capacity	285 gal. 1,079 L
Total Weight	95,493 lbs. 43,314 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	N/A
0 to 30	N/A
Ratio	2.609:1
Props	5 Blade 33.5 x 32.7
Load	3 persons, 1/3 load, 1/2 water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	70 deg., 55 humid.; wind: 10-20 mph; seas: 1'

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta D13
Std. Power	2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta D13
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report

The Regency P65 Motor Yacht has an LOA of 66’5” (20.2 m), a beam of 18’3” (5.56 m), and three guest cabins. She is one of the most fully-equipped boats in class with standard equipment, and is ready for serious long range cruising.

MISSION

The Regency P65 is designed to fill what the builder calls a void in the market for an owner/operator 65’ (19.8 m) pilothouse motoryacht that can be used at both displacement and semi-planing speeds. Her exterior design is one that should be in style as much in ten years as she is today, avoiding both the excesses of Euro and trawler styling. She is intended for everything short of transoceanic cruising and is equipped as standard to be turn-key ready for the discriminating owner.

Her standard equipment list is extensive, and she is undoubtedly one of the very best equipped yachts we have seen in class. Pretty much all she needs to take off on an island adventure is a load of fuel, some linens, and provisions.

She is intended to be a five-star hotel afloat and to be operated from the arctic circle to the tropics, and to that end has her own diesel and electric heating system in addition to a reverse-cycle air conditioning. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Regency Yachts is particularly sensitive to the needs of boaters planning trips both up and down the west coast from Alaska to Panama.

Even though the P65 has far more equipment than most boats in class, she is essentially the same price or less.

Backstory

The Regency P65 is one of a new line of motoryachts created by Regency Yachts as an evolution of their original pilothouse motoryacht series, designed by naval architect Howard Apollonio 10 years ago. The P65 has an interior designed by Sylvia Bolton Design and is built by the New Ocean Yachts yard in Taiwan using top-flight finishes and materials and some of the most experienced yacht craftsmen in the world. New Ocean Yacht’s owner, Jeff Chen, has been building yachts since 1965. Jeff Chen and Martin Snyder of Premiere Yachts collaborated closely on the layout and details of the Regency P65.

MAJOR FEATURES -- And All Standard Equipment

• 30-HP Outboard on an Inflatable Tender, or $18,000 Tender Credit is Standard.

• A 1,600-pound (726 kg) Brower Hydraulic davit with 12’ (3.66 m) reach is standard.

• Modern Interior Design by Sylvia Bolton Designs.

• Full Beam Owner’s Suite -- With a spa-inspired ensuite and a king-sized berth and heated deck in the head.

• Four Station Helm Controls -- With full helm controls at the lower level and flybridge, along with satellite controls to port and starboard on the aft deck cockpit, the Regency P65 piloting and docking is as easy as possible.

• Yacht Controller System -- A remote control system that can be operated from any place on the boat so that the owner has the best vantage point when docking or making close-quarter maneuvers.

The Regency P65, shown here on her way out to our test grounds. Her bow flare keeps her dry in a seaway, and her unaffected lines will keep her in style for decades. Note the proud rub rail just above the waterline at the stern which will protect her when docking.

• Network and SureCall Cell Phone System -- The Regency P65 features a custom wireless network system that includes a cell phone call signal extender, all designed by Envision Home Automation.

• Hydraulic Bow and Stern Thrusters. Wesmar 25-hp thrusters augmented by extra-large Vickers pumps give them 33 horsepower.

• Hydronic Diesel/Electric Heating System. Uses diesel fuel or 220V electrical power to heat the whole boat including the engine room.

• Northern Lights 30 and 16 kW generators.

• Fin Stabilizers. Wesmar DSP4802 models are used and are actuated by power take-offs.

• Watermaker. Standard is a Sea Recovery Aquamatic 900 gpd watermaker.

• Sat TV. Standard is a KVH TrackVisionHD & Sat TV Receiver.

• All Necessary Electronics with Redundancies. See below for complete list.

The Regency P65 has a through-the-stem anchor and comes with 300’ (91.4 m) of chain. A wash-off nozzle in the strike plate sends a high-pressure stream of water to wash off both the chain and the anchor.

INSPECTION

The Swim Platform

The Regency P65 is full of little details that eliminate many of the little annoyances of yacht-handling. The small red arrows point to the two shore power boxes that holds the Glendinning Cablemaster system. The large arrows point to troughs in the deck under the teak that hold the cables, thus avoiding a tripping hazard.

The trough for the shower power cable can be seen here.

The P65 has two large bollards at the stern quarters for tying up. Note the custom-made stainless steel hardware that wraps around the rounded stern quarter.

Below the bollard seen above is another one that has been thoughtfully placed in a cut-out in the base of the bulwarks to eliminate another tripping hazard.

Fresh and saltwater bibs are easily at hand for washdowns astern.

Aft Deck

The aft deck cockpit. Note the hand-crafted wood table and recessed overhead LED lights. Because the overhead extends back to the transom, this area can be buttoned up with isinglass, creating another three-season living space.

The Stern

Boarding the Regency P65 on the aft swim deck, there are teak decks and four stainless steel safety rails along the aft edge. The aft swim deck also has access to the engine room through a large hatch in the transom. Access up to the cockpit comes to port and starboard via wide, teak-lined steps up-flanking the transom. Each side features stainless steel hinged access gates.

Aft Deck

The aft deck on the P65 has a dining settee forward-facing along the transom, positioned along a high-gloss wood cocktail table on a stainless steel pedestal. The decks on the cockpit are teak lined, and the overhead covers the entire space with recessed LED lighting and stereo speakers installed for nighttime outdoor dining.

Cool Doors. Access to the salon is forward through tinted, polished stainless-steel lined double sliding glass doors which are curved -- something that we rarely see, and then, only on the most expensive motoryachts. This adds a classy design touch.

Access up to the flybridge is to starboard via a floating-step staircase with stainless steel guide rails and teak steps.

The aft deck also features twin satellite navigation stations to port and starboard.

The inlaid solid wood table is standard, as is the wine/Champagne bucket that is a permanent fixture; it drains overboard. The hatch in the foreground is a second access to the lazerette.

Here we see the double sliding glass doors to the salon. Note the fling stairs to the flying bridge.

With the double doors open we can see the outward bow in the frame that makes these doors so classy.

Flybridge

A view of the flybridge from the aft end, facing forward. The boat deck is just aft of this perspective. The propane gas grill will be fitted where the towels are piled up to port, and to starboard is a full bar.

The Boat Deck

The 1,600-pound (726 kg) hydraulic Brower davit has an arm with a 12’ (3.66 m) reach which means it can launch boats from the stern or the side. This high rating allows a first-class 16’ (4.88 m) RIB with a 30-50 hp outboard. The boat comes standard with a tender with a 30-hp engine, or an $18,000 credit toward a rig of the owner’s choice.

All true cruising yachts in this class will have a boat deck on the aft end of the flying bridge. We recommend against tender garages and strapping down a tender on a hydraulic swim platform in this size motoryacht because they are both problematic. A hydraulic davit is the way to go.

When the tender is launched, this space can be outfitted with folding deck chairs for sunning and makes a good place for cocktail party overflow.

Full Bar/BBQ

To port and starboard on the flybridge, moving forward, are two separate entertaining consoles that can be outfitted to please. To starboard is a bar, with granite and cracked-glass countertop in an L-shape. The flybridge bar has an under-counter stainless steel sink with Grohe faucet issuing hot and cold water. Underneath the counter is a stainless steel faced U-Line refrigerator that comes with an ice maker as well.

Just above the bar, installed in the flybridge’s overhead, is a Samsung TV and Fusion stereo with DVD player standard.

The flybridge’s dining space, with glass cocktail table. Note the bar in the foreground, with the barbecue station to the left of frame.

This yacht is well-equipped with TVs both here and on the aft deck. Both fold down from the overheads.

The granite at left is called White River and is used extensively all over the yacht. We like the cracked glass treatment that gives this bar a modern look.

To port is the P65’s barbecue station. It too has an L-shaped counterspace. The long end of the L-shaped counterspace stretches across the beam, facing forward. This station has a US Coast Guard-approved propane locker, stainless steel infrared BBQ, and specialty LED “task lighting” installed in the overhead just above the barbecue station.

The BBQ unit has yet to be installed. There is plenty of storage under the counters for all sorts of gear.

We like the glass-top dining table as it looks more elegant than the normal white fiberglass that we often see here. It also cuts down on glare.

Forward the barbecue station to port is a dining space, with an L-shaped upholstered settee with throw pillows wrapped around a glass cocktail table on two stainless steel pedestals. Forward the dining space to port is further counterspace with storage underneath.

Flybridge Helm

A view of the flybridge helm. Note the touchscreen readouts on the dash. The tinted hatch at the right leads to the stairs to the pilothouse.

The flybridge helm sits forward to port, with access down to the main pilothouse via stairs to starboard. It has two captain’s chairs, both upholstered, with flip-up bolsters, adjustable stainless steel pedestals, and lifting armrests.

A view of the flybridge helm facing aft. Note the two captain’s chairs, with adjustable armrests.

The dash panel on the flybridge is a simplified, sleek design, with dual touchscreen panels above the control and navigation equipment on the flat-space “desk” panel. The overhead lighting is LED and comes with variable intensity dimmer switches.

Importantly, the flying bridge comes standard with a polycarbonate enclosure that turns this space into a three-season cruising venue.

We were surprised to see this forward sun pad on what is so obviously a serious cruising boat -- but it is another aspect that should make this vessel appeal to a wider audience.

Remove the center pad, and we find a skylight to illuminate the space below. This is a refreshing idea on a boat in this class.

Salon

The salon, seen from the aft end facing forward. Note the steps up to the galley and raised pilothouse. The soffit in the overhead is unusual with three lights down the center.

The genuine leather on this sofa is just as soft as it appears. All owners receive a credit for furniture, upholstery, bulkhead coverings, and hardware and can pick whatever they want to be installed.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Regency P65 is the walnut veneer on the bulkheads and cabinets. Note how the grain runs horizontally -- and is rounded, softly bending around all corners.

The cabinet also has the walnut with horizontal grain wrapped around the corners.

The horizontal walnut grain literally ties the whole boat together.

To port is an end table for the sofa. Note the walnut veneer wrapped around the corners. We don’t like sharp corners on any boat, and the builders of this vessel have taken particular -- and expensive -- pains to make sure they have been eliminated.

The salon is its own separate venue, separated by a high bulkhead to the galley etched-glass backsplash and four stairs. In this way, the salon is separate, but if the cook wants to be part of the salon conversation, it is possible. With the aft doors open, the salon and aft deck create one large space for entertaining.

To port is an L-shaped leather settee with an aft-facing short end, a glass coffee table, and woodgrain end table on the aft end. Opposite the settee to starboard are two leather lounge chairs with stylish stainless steel arms.

The salon’s wet bar is nestled to starboard. It has a sink, wine cooler, liquor cabinet, and a large cabinet for stereo components.

The salon’s entertainment center is one of the P65’s more outstanding features. A recessed Samsung HDTV comes with a Denon receiver, custom Wi-Fi network, Apple TV, Kaliedscape movie system with 6 TB of storage, and a Crestron remote control. The salon entertainment system is also networked throughout the ship. The stereo and speaker system is by Marantz and has surround sound.

The ship’s network, installed by Envision Home Automation, features an Araknis router with a Gigabit, 16-port network with PoE switch, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless access, Marina Wi-Fi antenna, and SureCall Fusion 5s five-band booster kit, which dramatically improves signal for voice, text, and 4G LTE signals.

Wet Bar. Just alongside the media control center, forward the lounge chairs to starboard, is a beverage center. This is a nice feature to keep guests supplied with beverages while keeping them out of a potentially busy galley space. It has a stainless steel and glass-faced wine cabinet, granite countertop, and custom under-counter sink with Grohe faucet.

Lots of Wood

In the boat we tested, the bulkheads were thick walnut veneer with horizontal grain. This pattern is somewhat unusual, as most yachts we see run the grain vertically. We found the horizontal grain treatment more appealing and restful for some reason, as it seems to direct the eye from side to side.

All decks in the salon and pilot house levels are solid hardwood, not synthetic, and are built to accept expansion and contraction.

Galley

The galley on the P65 is generously sized, with premium appliances and proximity to the dining space forward and social space aft.

Moving from the salon to the galley is possible via four LED-lit carpet-lined steps. The P65’s galley was designed to accommodate a chef. It is a space where two can prepare gourmet-level meals. It has granite countertops, hardwood decks, and elite appliances. The galley layout has two parallel counterspaces extending from the port side, with a station to starboard featuring more counterspace.

A look at the galley’s side station to starboard, with counterspace and additional Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers underneath, along with a dishwasher and storage.

The galley equipment includes Miele four-burner induction cooktop, Miele oven, Miele dishwasher, GE microwave, Sub-Zero IT-30CIID-RH refrigerator with two freezer drawers, Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers installed in starboard side-station, GE garbage disposal, Franke stainless steel sink with Grohe faucet and fixtures, and a Broan Elite trash compactor. The walnut cabinet space is above and below the countertops in the form of drawers and cabinets.

Flying cabinets hung from the overhead create more storage and appliance space.

The Regency P65 comes with virtually everything needed to go cruising, right down to cups and saucers, and…

…soup bowls and dinner plates. We would add wood dowels to keep plates and crockery in place in a seaway.

We like one large, deep sink rather than two smaller ones as we often see on some boats. The White River is backed by honeycomb to keep the weight down and the granite from cracking. We like to see fiddles on galley countertops, but we’re hard-pressed to come up with a solution here. (Perhaps using rubber mats when underway when the galley must be used.)

The galley equipment includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Miele 4 Burner Induction Cooktop

• Miele Oven

• Miele Dishwasher

• Broan "Elite" Trash Compactor

• GE Speed oven

• Sub-Zero IT-30CIID-RH Refrigerator with 2 Freezer Drawers

• Sub-Zero Refrigerated Drawers installed in the side table

• GE Garbage Disposal

• Large Franke stainless steel sink with Grohe Faucet & Fixtures

• Appliances are either Stainless Steel, Chrome, or Glass Faced

• Walnut cabinetry with good drawer and cabinet storage

The dining space just forward the galley has a hand-crafted wood table, upholstered settee, and the option to swing the captain’s chairs around to increase seating.

Forward the galley is a forward-facing dining settee wrapped around a handcrafted walnut table. The dining space sits just aft of the helm, and the captain’s chairs can actually swivel back to face and join the dining space.

A great place for the captain and admiral of this vessel to sit for dinner as guests face out.

Pilothouse

A view of the helm in the raised pilothouse on the P65. Note the port side access door to the bow and side decks.

Side Doors. To port and starboard in the pilothouse are side-deck access pantograph doors. This is an important feature when cruising short-handed and the skipper must be in two places at once. Fortunately, there is the autopilot, which is like having an extra hand aboard.

The main helm on the P65 features two Pompanette Platinum upholstered captain’s chairs, which have adjustable armrests and pedestals that allow the chairs to swivel 360 degrees.

Another view of the Pilothouse. Note the Pompanette Platinum captain’s chairs and the walnut and stainless steel steering wheel.

There are three screens in operation on this vessel, but clearly there is room for four, with some rearrangement. We would like to see this whole console lowered 4” to 6” to improve visibility forward.

Note the two little sticks to the right of the throttle and gear controls. They operate the bow and stern thruster and they make docking easy. A flick of the stick and one end of the boat moves.

Helm Console & Electronics

Most boats come with only minimal electronics, but the P65 has a rather complete list of equipment, all top-grade. The instrument console can hold four large screens, and there is plenty of counterspace for other controls and instruments.

The standard Garmin navigation suite includes the following:

• Five (5) 8000 Series GPSMAP 7616 Displays

• GMR xHDR 6' Open Array antenna

• Two (2) GPS19x NMEA 2000

• GSD 24 Sounder Module

• GXM 52 Sirius XM Marine Receiver

• Three (3) GMI 20 Instrument Displays

• Two (2) GC10 Marine Cameras

• GC10 Reverse Image Marine Camera

• AIS 600 transceiver

• Two (2) VHF 200 Radios

• Autopilot System with a GHC 20 Autopilot control & GHC Wireless Remote

To port and starboard of the helm are pantograph doors which are watertight.

The companionway to the accommodations deck, and on the side, outboard, are…

The breakers for the AC and DC electrical equipment on the boat. We like this location in the stairwell, as it is easy to access by people of almost any height, and it is handy to the helm.

Access down to the accommodations level is via a staircase just to starboard of the helm.

Master Suite

A look at the access stairs to the lower deck from the lower deck foyer. Note the horizontal wood grain on the bulkheads and the matchbook treatment on the door to the left. We like the double-door entry to the master stateroom.

Looking forward through the passageway from the master and the stairs, forward to the VIP stateroom.

In the small vestibule to the master stateroom are Miele washer and dryer units, one to port and one to starboard.

The LED-lit staircase down to the accommodations carry the walnut finish theme from the ship’s upper levels down below.

The Master Stateroom

The master suite is aft of the access stairs. The master is full-beam and has a berth at 67” (1.70 m) wide that is somewhere between Queen and King size. It is flanked on each side by walnut night-tables with drawer storage just below the night-lights. (Under it is the fresh water tankage.) The headboard is an upholstered piece framed on either side by bulkhead-mounted custom light fixtures. Bulkhead fabric treatments are Ultraleather.

The Master Suite is full-beam, with opening portlights to port and starboard, and an ensuite head, with entrance seen here to the right of frame. In the background is the door to the walk-in closet.

The overhead in the master is 6’6” (1.98 m) and the framed TV screen is 40” (1.02 m). We like the book-matched walnut treatment on the master’s double doors and the waist coating bulkhead treatment with walnut below and Ultraleather above.

Like all interior décor and furniture in the P65, he who pays the piper calls the tune. Note the chest of drawers and the cabinets in the background.

On the opposite side of the boat are more drawers and cabinets. Please note that the center portlight is an opening and it is large enough for an adult person to slip through. This is an important safety feature on this motoryacht, and one we rarely see on any boat in class.

Behind the bed on the starboard side is a walk-in cedar-lined closet. It also has a safe, standard, which is out of view.

The suite has three large rectangular portlights to port and starboard, both above storage cabinets below. There is also a walk-in cedar-lined clothes locker to go along with the spacious drawer and cabinet storage throughout the suite.

The master comes with an HDTV with stereo sound and networking capability with the main salon entertainment set-up.

As in any yacht this size, the furnishing of the master is at the discretion of the owner. If a table or love seat is desired, a chest of drawers can be changed out. For example, the yacht we tested has a large walk-in closet on the starboard side behind the bed, but this could be eliminated for a his-and-hers bath (we do not, however, recommend that change).

The ensuite has the clean lines and warm tones of a spa, with a shower designed to match, and stylish sink and fixtures.

The ensuite on the master has a spa-inspired design. The shower is large, with a stone wall design and overhead rain shower fixture. The floors are heated, and the sink and faucet sit on a generous granite countertop underneath a wide mirror vanity and ample cabinet storage.

The shower doors are glass and inside is a large stall with rain forest overhead shower.

VIP Stateroom

The VIP stateroom is in the bow. Note the storage drawers in the base of the berth, and the custom sculpture headboard. We would consider adding built-in cabinets that make use of the bow flare for extra storage.

The VIP stateroom is in the bow, with a queen-sized island berth featuring storage drawers underneath. Like many bow staterooms, the hull bulkheads extend from the headboard and create nightstand-shelves on each side of the berth. The décor in the guest rooms are custom-made.

The VIP has air-conditioning and diesel heat, as featured in all the guest rooms, including climate control panels for individual comfort. There is a hanging locker and drawer storage beyond those found under the berth. There is an HDTV and entertainment system as well.

A view of the guest head, which features ensuite access from the VIP stateroom. It, like the master ensuite, has a spa-like design. Note how the granite comes down from the countertop to project a solid, substantial look.

The VIP has ensuite private access to the shared guest head on the lower deck. A slightly different layout than the master ensuite, it still features the spa-inflected design, with a granite-topped walnut vanity, Techma head, large spa shower with Grohe showerhead, and heated granite decks.

This head is shared with the guest head and is also the day head.

Guest Cabin

The guest cabin has two twin berths with storage underneath and portside portlights. It also has something we rarely see in a guest cabin -- a skylight above.

Along the portside, abaft the VIP stateroom, is a guest cabin that features two parallel single berths. Each berth is raised to feature drawer storage below, with light fixtures on the upholstered headboard on each, with smaller reading lights installed off the shared center nightstand.

The guest cabin also features an HDTV and entertainment system, air conditioning, and diesel heat, with opening portlights along the portside and an opening hatch skylight overhead.

Unlike the carpeted master and VIP suites, the guest cabin has hardwood decks.

POWER

The Regency P65 we tested was powered with twin Volvo D13 900 HP diesel engines with ZF transmissions. However, Regency Yachts also offers the CAT 12.9 engines at 1000-hp, or Cummins engines. All are now Tier 3 compliant.

The Regency P65 cuts a clean path through the water as she moves along at semi-displacement cruising speed.

PERFORMANCE

The Regency P65 is 65’10” (20.1 m) on deck (66’5” (20.2 m) LOA) with a beam of 18’3” (5.56 m) and an estimated tested weight of 95,493 lbs. (43,315 kg) as we only had about 1/3 fuel and 1/2 water in our tanks. Fully laden, the boat will weigh over 101,000 lbs. (45,813 kg). We were swinging 5-blade 33.5” (85.1 cm) x 32.7” (83.1 cm) props. The ZF gear ratio was 2.6:1.

We tested the P65 in 70-degree weather with a light chop on the water and a 10 to 15-knot breeze. Top speed was 21.9 knots, where we were turning 2330 rpm, which was as expected.

Best cruise speeds are pretty linear across the board. At 2000 rpm, we were making 16.8 knots and burning 57.5 gph for a range of 315 nautical miles.

Most people we know when making a long cruise will cruise a boat like this one at about 10 knots. We recorded at 1250 rpm a speed of 10.3 knots, a fuel burn of 15.1 gph, and a range of 733 nautical miles.

Importantly, the Regency P65 is now available with twin CAT 12.9 L diesels that generate 1000-hp.

Docking

Our test captain can be seen here docking the P65 after our test using only the controls on the starboard side.

With the four controls seen here -- bow and stern joysticks and port and starboard engine controls -- our captain could ease the vessel back with the engine controls in reverse, and move the boat sideways to the dock with the thrusers.

As the boat eased toward the dock, the bow got a little ahead of the stern, so our captain simply pushed the forward stick forward to get it back parallel with the dock.

Once the yacht was parallel to the dock, he pushed both sticks towards it. He always used short bursts of power and then let the boat’s momentum take it most of the way home.

From this aft deck vantage point our captain could precisely gauge how much room he had both astern and to the side.

Engine Room

We measured 18-1/2” between the rails around the engines. Note that the Racor fuel filters are easy to get to on the forward bulkhead. The engine room has 5’8” (1.73 m) headroom.

The red arrows point to struts that hold the exhaust in place and keep it from getting out of alignment with the turbocharger.

Starting from the top left arrow, clockwise: the ZF marine gear with a 2.6:1 reduction ratio; hydraulic hoses coming from and going to the Vickers high-capacity pump to actuate the thrusters; and the propeller shaft coming from the marine gear.

Flanking the entrance to the engine room on the aft bulkhead are 20 kW and 16 kW generators.

From the top arrow, clockwise: The air filtering system, one of five air conditioning condenser units; a 220 V hot water heater for circulating hot water in the boat and under the head floors that keeps the boat toasty in the dead of winter when tied up to a dock; the top of the diesel fuel furnace that heats the boat when underway.

Another view of the diesel furnace which heats hot water to circulate it the boat when needed.

The P65 is equipped with water chillers to eliminate the need for units around the boat.

View of the lazarette. Engine room door at left. Note the manual on the shelf.

Under the manuals are the AMG batteries with glass plates in the top so they can be quickly examined for trouble. The Glendinning Cablemaster is to the right.

Looking aft to the transom door. The steering gear can be seen behind the ladder.

A close-up of the stern thruster in the transom of the boat just above the bottom. Note the hydraulic hoses. As can be seen, this unit is in the bilge; not a good place for an electric motor and connections. The two small arrows left and right point to copper grounding straps to prevent corrosion.

The ship’s 900 gpd Sea Recovery watermaker in front of the 30-gallon (114 L) electric hot water tank.

PRICE

Regency Yachts lists the standard sticker price at $2,850,000.

OBSERVATIONS

The goal of Martin Snyder of Premiere Yachts was to build a boat that was 100% ready to take on a long cruise up to Alaska or down to the Caribbean. We think he has accomplished that because his vessel is loaded with virtually everything we would put aboard. This sets the P65 apart from a number of 65-footers which are designed more for display and light local cruising and entertaining, and not for the real thing -- long distance cruising.

Entertaining. The Regency P65 is also fully equipped for entertaining with a full bar and grill on the top deck, a large aft deck with table and room for folding deck chairs, and a large salon with wet bar. There are at least six TVs on the boat with Marantz stereo, surround sound, and much more.

Easy Docking. With her four control stations, plus the Yacht Controller, the boat should be easy enough to handle for an owner/operator and spouse or companion. Boats this size are not so difficult to handle once you get the hang of it, and our video amply demonstrates how easy it is with the thrusters.

This boat proves that you don’t need pods or joystick controls or both to easily handle this vessel in tight places. Just watch our video. Eliminating pods and a joystick cuts down on cost and eliminates black boxes that can, and often do, go wrong. While the thrusters and engine controls are digital, there is no computer involved with the actual maneuvers.

Engines. When our test boat was built, we were told that only the Volvo Penta D13 had passed Tier 3 requirements, so it was selected for power. But now CAT and Cummins have been certified as well. We expect that the next boats to be built will be powered by twin CAT 12.9 L 1,000-hp engines. We think that this is adequate and reliable power without overkill.

Comparison. When we compare the P65 to other 65-footers on the market, we find her to be beamier and heavier (a combination that goes together) than most other boats on the market in class. This means that she may not be able to go as fast as some others, but she was not designed for people who are focused on top speed, but rather on boaters wanting comfortable cruising with all of the amenities and equipment needed to do it in style and without worry.

She is a foot wider than most boats in class, and 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) to 30,000 lbs. (13,608 kg) heavier. That means she’ll be more comfortable in a seaway, and with her Wesmar stabilizers working, even more so. Her extra beam also makes her more stable, as well as to make the staterooms larger and generally add much needed room. Most boats coming out of Europe these days are light as possible, and as narrow as the builder thinks the market will tolerate. They are almost never equipped for serious cruising the way the Regency P65 has been outfitted.

Considerations. For people wanting a family cruising vessel, for operation far from home, we think the Regency P65 should be considered because of her attention to important mechanical details and her equipment list. She is far better equipped than most trawler types we see, and certainly more so than the lower-priced vessels coming out of Europe.

Like most boats in class, she can be built to suit any owner’s special needs.

The Regency P65 is a triumph of design and capability, with accommodations for large-group entertainment with an enviable range for destination.

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Regency Yachts P65 (2017-)

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Price

Brief Summary

Key Features

Test Results

Specifications

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Engine Options

Captain's Report

Contents of Report

MISSION

Backstory

MAJOR FEATURES -- And All Standard Equipment

INSPECTION

The Swim Platform

Aft Deck

The Stern

Aft Deck

Flybridge

The Boat Deck

Full Bar/BBQ

Flybridge Helm

Salon

Lots of Wood

Galley

Pilothouse

Helm Console & Electronics

Master Suite

The Master Stateroom

VIP Stateroom

Guest Cabin

POWER

PERFORMANCE

Docking

Engine Room

PRICE

OBSERVATIONS