Regal 2760 / 2860 Express Cruiser Review
In our biased opinion, the Regal 2760 / 2860 Commodore express cruiser built from about 1999 to 2005 is one of the best 28′ cruisers ever produced. The model number was changed for 2004-2005 to the 2860 with only minor changes in fixtures and finish items. Twin 4.3L engines provide great performance with reasonable gas consumption while an 9′11″ beam yields a class leading cabin and cockpit. The current 2860 Commodore Window Express cruiser is a completely new vessel. Click on the picture to go to our photo tour and read on for a detailed review.
Basic Specifications
29′6″ Overall Length, 9′11″ Beam, 41″ Draft (drive down), 21 degree deadrise 8,500 Dry Weight, 110 gal Fuel, 20 gal Water, 18 gal waste
Base Boat and Performance
All 2760 and 2860’s where built using twin 4.3L Mercruiser or Volvo engines. Some 2760’s were built with Alpha I single prop outdrives with some reports of difficulty planing. Most where built with either the Volvo Duo-prop or Mercruiser Bravo III twin-prop outdrives. Our Mercruiser powered 2760 planes in 7-10 seconds with no tabs and a nominal load of 1/3 fuel, full water, 2 adults and 3 minor children, plus 24qt cooler, and supplies for an overnight. She will plane as slow as 25mph / 3100 RPM with tabs but prefers to run without tabs at 3400 - 3600 yielding 29-33 mph. Maximum speed is about 44mph at 4700RPM. Fuel consumption at cruise is ~16gph so we figure just under 2mpg for normal operations. Watch the video of our Regal on plane HERE.
The steep 21 degree deadrise gives a solid ride through chop and wakes. This comes at a cost of draft - this being one of the deepest draft 28′ crusiers at 39″-42″ (book is 39″, we measured 41″ in-water with ours). This hasn’t been a major handicap for us - just something to consider close to shore - most other I/O’s draft in the 32″-38″ range. On plane, as the pictures in our gallery show, the boat rides an easy 6″ or more and trimming the drives can provide a few extra inches at idle.
Click on the chart thumbnail at left to see acceleration versus time for our Regal 2760 under moderate loading and moderate chop.
Options
The 2760 / 2860 comes well equiped from the factory with standard radar arch, manual head, microwave, stove, fridge, cockit and cabin tables and fillers, bow sunpad canvas and shore power. Common options include the 5Kw Kohler generator, air conditioning / heat, automatic fire supression, windlass, toilet upgrades, and cockpit fridge.
1st Hand Experience
Our 2001 2760 has thus far fullfilled our expectations for a family cruiser. We routinely overnight with 2 adults and 3 minor children. The cabin is very child friendly with its level floor and big steps. Up top, the large port lounge and double helm seat lets everyone stay close to the driver underway. When stopped, we usually pivot the helm seat to open up the upper cockpit even more. During the day, we stow the aft table and use this area for swimming toys and towels while at night we put up the table for outdoor dinners.
Performance is excellent for a cruiser this size (we have the 190HP Merc 4.3L’s with Bravo III outdrives). We love the twin engines for great low-speed manuevering and find the boat planes easily with up to 4 adults and 6 children. With 6 or more adults, it does require tabs and/or moving people forward to get up on plane. Full gas and water improve shift the CG forward and make planing easier when loaded. Once on plane, weight distribution seems less sensitive and cruise speeds don’t seem to vary much on weight.
Have your own Regal 2760 / 2860 experiences? Share them by commenting on this article!
September 28th, 2006 at 12:43 am
[…] We had a fortunate chance to get “Southern Comfort” out for a sunrise cruiser early this morning. Calm waters and cool temperatures combined with a beautiful sunrise gave backdrop to an impressive show from a large Tarpon. […]
December 6th, 2006 at 3:22 am
[…] In terms of size and weight, it is very similar to the Regal 2760/2860. […]
December 24th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
[…] Our boat is a Regal 2760 28′ cruiser powered by twin 190HP Mercruiser engines and Bravo III outdrives. At 8500lbs dry, the can easily top 10,000lbs with passengers and gear - placing it in the middle of the express cruiser pack. […]
January 10th, 2007 at 2:25 am
Did the 1998 2760 have the full arch or just the legs.
See
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/displayPhoto.jsp?&photo=7&boat_id=1601127&ybw=&boatname=27%27+Regal+2760+Commodore&photo_revised_date=1159297411000&photo_name=Deck
What’s with that?
January 10th, 2007 at 3:42 am
Early 2760’s and the earlier 2750 had the strange ‘leg’ arch. I don’t know the full details on which years this was common as we did not shop prior to 2001 since we wanted the big swim platform and a relatively new boat.
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:46 am
What dingy did you end up with? How do you carry it? Etc.
I just bought a 2000 2760 with extended swim platform. I’ll need a dingy and thought your decisions would be wise to consider.
I’ll be picking my boat up in Miami the first week of Feb.
March 4th, 2007 at 3:17 am
[…] Today’s demo was highlighted by warm sun, great board action, and tasty food. Unfortunately, a good wind was not to be had. Flexifoil rider Billy Parker reverted fossil-fuel power to put on a show for members of the Gulf Coast Kiteboarders Association and XLKites kite shop. The light winds made for great boating and we took ‘Southern Comfort’ out to watch the wakeboard and wakeskate action. Click on the photo to see the full gallery. […]
March 14th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
[…] We’d been looking for a small boat to carry on our Regal 2760 for use at anchor or at our favorite beach locations. The Regal is big enough for a modest dingy, but we’re not yet in the position to spend for the necessary outboard to go with it. I’d seen advertisements for the Aquaglide products, but hadn’t had a chance to evaluate one up close until our trip to the Miami boat show last month. At the show, we got to see the Aquaglide Multisport, which is a combination towable, windsurfer, sailboat, and kayak built on an inflatable hull for easy portability. We decided this fit the bill as a carry along ‘toy’ for our cruising adventures and would give us a nice platform to teach the kids some basic sailing techniques. Read on for our review: […]
January 8th, 2008 at 3:07 am
We have a 2004 2860, it is a great boat, not to big not to small. We trailer it with a Dodge 2500 diesel. Just have to always that big thing is behind the truck especially when making turns and lane changes.