Regal's Commodore 3060

With a boater's wish list of amenities, Regal's Commodore 3060 won't disappoint when you're ready to move up to the cruiser range.

July 1, 2005

When it comes to most things, you're not picky. You'll let the family kick around the restaurant choices until their faces turn blue. Presents? Well, a standard tie or a good read will do, nothing fancy.

Choosing a boat, though, is different. And if you're leapfrogging from runabout or pontoon to a full-blown cruiser, then you've got a big investment on your hands. You're not talking about simple hitch-and-go rigs. Cruisers are built for longer trips and extended stays on the water, meaning you want to get the most for your dollar and make the most of your time on the boat when you have it. Meaning you're going to do the one thing you always dreaded in school ' homework. But this is a fun kind of homework ' going online and making a list of boats you like, then narrowing them down based on features and pricing and coming up with a checklist.

So there you are, checklist in hand at the entrance to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort marina, smack dab in beauttiful downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, eyeing Regal's Commodore 3060 Window Express. It's a rough list, just things you think you ought to have on board, like enough horsepower to handle bigger waters and a cabin that'll make you reconsider booking hotel reservations on your boating vacations. But what you soon find is that Regal's not only made your rough sketches into detailed plans, the boatbuilder has thought of a few extra essentials not on your list.

You're immediately struck by the attention to detail Regal's put into this 30-footer. The swim platform is enormous, so you won't have a difficult time loading your gear (whether it be fishing or watersports, the 3060 can handle both), food (there's plenty of storage space in the cabin), or just general items for the trip like blankets and bags. The swim platform also makes boarding more accessible if you have small children to watch over or grandparents who might need easy access.

Once on board, the cockpit has innovative U-shaped seating allowing four to five to sit comfortably. If all you wanted was to cruise all day and hang around the cockpit, you'd be fine with the 3060. The wraparound seating has a refreshment table to dole out meals. You've also got an integrated wet bar with sink, faucet and trash receptacle, so you don't have to worry about cramming a smelly trash bag in the corner.
The captain doesn't have the worst seat on the boat (no one does) for socializing. The helm can slide over so you can eat at the table with everyone else (once you're done driving, of course). The helm seat is a flip-up, so if you'd rather stand while running you have the choice, and the foot rest and tilt steering make it that much more comfortable. There's an air conditioning outlet on the helm that pumps cool air into the cockpit should you have to close up under bad weather or should someone decide to camp out up top for the night.
Fore and aft, your family members can take their pick in activities to enjoy. Access to the bow is via the nonskid molded steps leading past the walkthrough windshield to a great spot for sunbathing. Or if you want to stay in the cockpit, the snack table can transform into a sunpad when you put a cushion on top.
Aft you've got more choices with a bench seat with legs, so if you want to use that room to fish, you can fold up the seat and cast away. A stainless-steel ladder from the swim platform to the water makes water access simple. There's a transom storage locker for gear and a transom shower with a hot/cold function to wash down before you're back to the cockpit or cabin.

You're practically exhausted making mental notes of all the features on deck, so for a breath of fresh air, you decide to see how the 3060 runs. It's a smooth, subtle ride out to the bay, with the 3060 able to take on the waves with minimal bumpiness. Although you compensate on your turning behind the wheel of this 30-footer, it hits its mark effortlessly. This is the kind of boat you could run for hours without wearing yourself out from crashing into waves. With the twin 260-hp, 5.0L Volvo Penta GXi DPs, the 3060 gets up to 45.9 mph, and hits an average of 14.4 seconds to go from 0 to 30 mph with three-quarters of a tank of fuel and a half tank of water.

Once out in the bay, you give the controls to the Regal rep and take a look in the cabin. The aft cabin may be the best bed on the boat. You could definitely sleep well on the queen-sized mattress. There's an AC vent that keeps the heat and humidity away. The V-berth, meanwhile, like the U-shaped seating up top, can convert into a large sleeper with a conversion of the snack table.

Everywhere you look there's storage. Push-buttons for cabinet space will keep your goods from shifting, and even the microwave and refrigerator are behind drawers, an elegant touch. The galley is fully equipped with a two-burner electric stove and an under-counter refrigerator. Eyebrows for the cabin bring in plenty of sun to keep the room well lit by Mother Nature.

For privacy, the 3060's head is tough to beat. You've got a curtain that encloses the head so water won't get everywhere when you shower. A VacuFlush toilet with holding tank and vanity sink with storage come standard.

There's no question the Regal 3060 has just about every standard feature you can imagine. But is it too much boat for your needs? If you're looking for a boat that can handle family vacations and be the focal point of your weekends and getaways, then the 3060 hits the mark. If you're just a casual boater who wants to get out occasionally, the 3060 may not be the right fit.

As far as shopping in the cruiser category, the 3060 has just about every feature you'd think you need, and just as many you didn't think of but will enjoy. That comes with designing cutting-edge boats for 36 years. If you've done your homework, have the budget, and are ready to take a step up to the big-boat category, then check out the 3060.

By Graham Garrison

July 2005

The Verdict:

The Regal 3060 can accommodate vacations or regular family outings. The cabin is spacious enough to sleep a family of five, and handles everyday needs with a large galley and fully equipped head. It's a lot of boat, but if you're willing to put forth the investment and time on the water, your boating days will pay off.

LOA 30'10"
Beam 10'6"
Weight 10,500 lbs.
Fuel 151 gal.
Top Speed 45.9 mph
(w/twin 260-hp, 5.0L Volvo Penta
GXi DPs)
0-30 mph 14.4 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 75 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 90 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 95 dB-A
Base Price $133,734
(w/twin 260-hp, 5.0L Volvo Penta GXis)
Price As Tested $136,810
(w/twin 260-hp, 5.0L Volvo Penta
GXi DPs)
Hull Warranty Lifetime
NMMA Certified? Yes

Regal
2300 Jetport Dr.
Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 851-4360
www.regalboats.com