Regulator Marine 30 Express (Not in Production)

Brief Summary

The 30 Express is Regulator's first Express model, a real departure from their typical pro-level fishing machine. This new model recognizes the fact that many families are now enjoying the sport and that means there is a need for a multi-purpose platform that can be just as at home hanging out in a cove over the weekend as it is zipping offshore to snag a few Blue Fin Tuna in the Gulf or Atlantic. With twin 350 Yamaha outboards on the back, performance is practically assured when mated with the proven Regulator hull design. or build a quick meal during the day.

Key Features

• Patterned non-skid deck & cockpit
• Folding acrylic companionway dooor
• Self-draining cockpit with scupper drains
• L-shaped lounge seating with 6' rod storage
• Hardtop with spreader lights
• Fresh & raw water washdowns
• 35 gallon insulated livewell
  
  live bait circulation system
• 7,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioning

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	30' 5''
Beam	10 ' 7''
Dry Weight	13, 208 lbs.
Draft	3' 3''
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	300 gal.
Water Capacity	35 gal.

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	5.7 sec.
0 to 30	9.0 sec.
Ratio	1.73 : 1
Props	15 1/2 x 21 Saltwater XL
Load	Load: 3 , Fuel 130 gallons
Climate	Temp 81 degrees , RH 70%

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 350-hp Yamaha Four-Strokes
Std. Power	2 x 350-hp Yamaha F350 4-Stroke Outboards
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

Regulator 30 Express
By Capt. Rob Smith
From the stern
Starting at the stern, Regulator chose to use the Armstrong bracket, thus gaining cockpit space they wanted. 40” of cockpit space was the net gain over standard mounting on the stern - - cockpit space measured out about 44 square feet for fishing or play. Pulling fish or kids back on board through the transom door will be simple and the hardware is designed for long life.
In the cockpit
Across the stern wall is a 340 qt. fishbox that doubles as storage for when you are not fishing. Rather than one large lid, they divided with a hinge so that it can open from either end. The gunwales are wide enough to mount heavy duty gear and the hawse pipes and rod holders are made of high grade stainless steel.
In the floor are two sole lockers. The aft locker provides you good access to the pumps and cut-offs, and the front locker is large enough to fit the optional Kohler 5kw generator. The aft facing mezzanine seat will be popular with everyone and there is an optional stern folding seat for additional seating in the cockpit.
Under the mezzanine seat is a 30 gallon insulated livewell that can be used as a handy cooler for the beverages. Next to the livewell on the starboard side is a bait station with sink and pull-out spray wand handy for rinsing off after a swim or cleaning up after working bait. Completing the bait station are two drawers with room to store two tackle organizers. The molded-in steps under the gunwales make it simple to go forward and manage anchoring or to step on board from alongside a pier.
Upper cockpit
A step up from the lower cockpit brings you under the cover of the standard hardtop. Across the back of the hardtop our test model featured the optional rocket launcher rod holders and optional Lee Sidewinder Outriggers in the top. The ladder back helm seat is comfortable and by being center mounted, it allows for a spacious L-shaped lounger to wrap from the dash to the port side step into the cockpit. Below is room for lots of storage including rods up to 6’. The helm offers good site lines for driving and room to install electronics of your choice. We had two large Navistar displays above the wheel that fit tightly in the available space. Monitoring the Yamaha 350’s was the Yamaha Digital Command Gauges. If you like the extra kick of a bow thruster, it is an option on the 30 Express.
Going in
The cabin entry is a typical accordion door with steps that turn to the right saving floor space below. I was concerned with the strut end of the lifting rod that faced me as I turned to go in, but was assured they were looking into a change in the design already and that would be part of it. Inside, the compact galley provides all the tools necessary for a quick hot meal for the kids or adults as well as a space to escape the hot sun or summer showers.
The mid cabin is large enough to relax in overnight for the adults but is even better for the kids or to use for storage for an off-shore excursion. The dinette does convert into a V-berth. The table is adjustable, but I would like it even more if it had a slide or swivel to enhance the ease of getting behind it. There is a standard 7000BTU reverse cycle AC unit and Sony AM/FM/CD for comfort and entertainment and an optional flat screen TV with DVD player. The head has a vanity with Corian Counter, full length mirror, stainless steel sink and Vacu-flush head with macerator.
The size of it
The new Regulator 30 Express measures 38’ length overall with pulpit and bracket, 30’5” without them. She weighs in at 11,350 lbs without the engines and carries 300 gallons of fuel. With a 10’7” beam, she provides a stable ride.
Testing
I tested in the Intra Coastal Waterways just off Sea Line Marina in Miami, FL. With three on board and with the waters all chewed up by lots of boat traffic we got to feel just how the Regulator design calms the ugly waters. The 30 Express has the same classic ride I am used to after testing several other of their models. She is responsive and forgiving. She is up on plane in 5.7 seconds and on to 30 MPH in 9 seconds. I found her best cruise speed to be about 23.8 MPH for a range of 291 miles. Her top speed measured 54.3 MPH at 6100 RPMS.
Those that enjoy the near-shore experience and occasional off-shore fishing fun, will certainly find the classic fishing features they have grown accustomed to from Regulator. The compromises to add the cabin seem to be well adjusted to maintain fishability. Having the Armstrong Bracket kept room in the cockpit where you likely do the most work fishing anyway. Three molded-in steps in the cockpit permit easy movement up to the side decks and bow if need be to chase a fish. In my mind, she does a good job of offering the family a way to enjoy most every type of on-the-water enjoyment in one solid, performing package.
Recommendation
Regulator was a pioneer in the offshore center console field and had it all to itself for many years. Today the company has many able competitors both in quality and price. If you are looking for a rugged deep-V boat with a sterling reputation and are willing to pay for it, then it would be hard to do better than the Regulator 30 Express.