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11 Best Pocket Cruiser Sailboats to Fit a Budget

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: May 24, 2024

Looking for a trailerable pocket cruiser that offers that liveaboard feeling? This list features 11 small sailboats with cabins that have the amenities often found on larger vessels. They may not be ocean crossing vessels, but they’re certainly capable of handling big bays and open waters.

What is a pocket cruiser? It’s a small trailerable sailboat, typically under 30 feet in length, that’s ideal for cruising big lakes, bays, coastal ocean waters, and occasionally bluewater cruising. Pocket cruisers are usually more affordable, compact, and offer a level of comfort that’s comparable to bigger liveaboards.

Small cruising sailboats are appealing for many reasons, but if you’re like most of us, you want to maintain a certain level of comfort while on the water. We took a poll and these are what we found to be the best cruising sailboats under 30 feet.

– DON’T LET CARBON MONOXIDE SNEAK UP ON YOU – Install detectors on your boat to sniff out any buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Avoid running engines or generators while anchored or stopped for extended periods. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Open and airy below deck, the Andrews 28 doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed. Designed by Alan Andrews, the Southern California naval architect renowned for his light, fast raceboats, this 28-footer will certainly appeal to the cruiser who also enjoys a little club racing. Sporting a total of 6 berths, a galley, head and nav area, you might forget you are on a boat small enough to be easily trailered. The retractable keel allows the Andrews 28 to be easily launched and hauled and ensures it’s as comfortable as a daysailer as it is a racer. Click here to read more about the Andrews28.

Beneteau First 20

Small sailboat with a cabin? Check! Fun to sail? Modern design? Capable of flying a spinnaker? Check! Check! Check! The Finot-Conq-designed Beneteau First 20, which replaced the popular Beneteau first 211 nearly a decade ago now, is a sporty-but-stable pocket cruiser suitable for newcomers to the sport who are eager to learn their chops before moving up to a bigger boat or for old salts looking to downsize to a trailerable design. The boat features twin rudders, a lifting keel, and a surprisingly roomy interior with bunks for four. Click here to read more about the Beneteau First 20 .

Conceived as a way to bridge the gap between a safe, comfortable, family cruiser and a competitive racer, Gary Mull’s Ranger 26 does exactly as it was designed to. Undeniably fast, (one won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup) the boat sails as well as it looks. However speed isn’t the Ranger’s only strong-suit, with over 7 feet of cockpit there’s plenty of room for socializing after an evening of racing. The Ranger 26 sports a nice balance of freeboard and cabin height ensuring that a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed for standing headroom. Click here to read more about the Ranger 26.

Catboats were once a common site in coastal waters, where they sailed the shallow bays as fishing or work boats. Their large single and often gaff-rigged sail provided plenty of power, and a centerboard made them well-suited for the thin waters they frequently encountered. In the late 1970s, Canadian builder Hinterhoeller introduced the Nonsuch 30, a fiberglass variation of the catboat design, with a modern Marconi sail flown on a stayless mast, and a keel instead of a centerboard. The boat’s wide beam made room below for a spacious interior, and the design caught on quickly with cruising sailors looking for a small bluewater sailboat. Click here to read more about the Nonsuch 30 .

– SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE – Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Debuted in 1971 in California, the Newport 27 was an instant success on the local racing scene. For a modest 27-footer, the Newport 27 has an unusually spacious interrior with over 6 feet of standing headroom. With 4 berths, a table, nav station, head and galley the Newport 27 has all the amenities you might find in a much bigger boat, all in a compact package. While quick in light air, the drawback of the tiller steering becomes apparent with increasing breeze and weather helm often leading to shortening sail early. Click here to read more about the Newport 27.

First splashed in 1969, the Balboa 26 continues to enjoy a strong following among budget-minded cruisers. Built sturdy and heavy, all of the boat’s stress points are reinforced. The spacious cockpit comfortably seats 4 and is self bailing, ensuring that sailors stay dry. While only 26 feet, the Balboa still has room for a double berth, galley with stove and freshwater pump, and an optional marine head or V-berth. The Balboa has the ability to sleep five, though the most comfortable number is two or three. Under sail, the Balboa is fast and maneuverable, but may prove a handful in heavy breeze as weather helm increases. Click here to read more about the Balboa 26.

Cape Dory 28

While the sleek lines and the teak accents of the Cape Dory 28 may grab the eye, it is the performance of the boat that make it unique. The Cape Dory comes with all amenities that you might need available, including a V-berth, 2 settees, and a head. Safe, sound and comfortable as a cruiser it is still capable of speed. Quick in light wind and sturdy and capable in heavy air, it is off the wind where the Cape Dory 28 shines with a balanced helm and the ability to cut through chop and still tack perfectly. Click here to read more about the Cape Dory 28.

Islander Bahama 28

On top of being a real eye-catcher, the Islander Bahama 28, with its 5-foot-6-inch draft and 3,300 pounds of ballast, sails beautifully, tracks well, and responds quickly to the helm. Inspired by the International Offshore Rule, it is unusually wide, offering stability in breeze without sacrificing the sheer and lines that make it so attractive. Below deck, the Islander Bahama 28 comes standard with plenty of berths and storage space and a galley complete with stove, icebox and sink. Click here to read more about the Islander Bahama 28.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Much like its older sibling, the S2 8.6 still holds its contemporary style, despite its 1983 introduction. Like all other S2 Yachts, the 8.6 is recognized for the quality craftsmanship that allows the boat to hold up today.The S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer. It’s relatively stiff, its helm feels balanced, and it tracks well. On most points of sail, it compares favorably with other boats of similar size and type. Click here to read more about the S2 8.6.

Contessa 26

When the Contessa 26 was released in 1965, it immediately proved itself to be a strong, seaworthy vessel. The Contessa has continued to prove itself throughout its lifetime, being the boat of choice for two solo circumnavigations under the age of 21. While upwind performance leaves some wanting, the boat is sturdy and can carry full sail in up to 20 knots of breeze. Suited more for single-handing, the Contessa lacks standing headroom and the accommodations are sparse. Nonetheless, the Contessa 26 performs well as a daysailer with guests aboard. Click here to read more about the Contessa 26.

The Hunter 27 perfectly encompasses the pocket cruiser ideal. Even if you don’t want a big boat, you can still have big boat amenities. With the generously spacious layout, wheel steering and a walkthrough transom the Hunter feels much larger than 27 feet. Step below deck and any doubts you had that the Hunter was secretly a big boat will be gone. The amenities below are endless; a full galley including stove, microwave and cooler, head with full shower, several berths and not to mention a saloon with seating for 6. The Hunter 27 has reset the benchmark for 27-footers. Click here to read more about the Hunter 27.

• More: 21 - 30 ft , Boat Gallery , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , used boat guide
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Sporty and Simple is the ClubSwan 28

• By James Boyd
• August 20, 2024

With its long history producing good-looking fast cruisers, in recent years, Nautor Swan has consolidated its performance yachts into its ClubSwan range, spanning the giant 125-foot Skorpios and the 80-footer My Son g to their fleets of ClubSwan 36s and 50s. All designs by Juan Kouyoumdjian, the latter saw 11 and 15 compete in their respective five-event annual championships (Nations Cup) in 2023 and are set to be joined by the ClubSwan 43 this year. But Nautor Swan has another new development: While its smallest boats have been the ClubSwan 36 (plus the original Swan 36 back in 1967), its latest launch is its smallest ever, the ClubSwan 28.

This new model is not surprising given that Swan is sailing’s most prolific premium brand, with more large performance sailing yachts in existence than any other manufacturer. Its range firmly extends into the superyacht stratosphere, so why not lure new owners into the fold, earlier, with a modest offering? Federico Michetti, head of sports activities and product manager at Nautor Swan, explains, “The concept of the 28 is to have an entry-level Swan that allows owners to enjoy the journey with Nautor and our events.” He expects that the 28 will entice younger sailors, even those new to sailing, into the ClubSwan realm.

Among race boats today, 28 to 30 feet is the cusp between sportboat and yacht, and the ClubSwan 28 is more the former, given its light weight (displacing sub-1,200 kg versus 1,600 kg and 1,800 for the more yachtlike Farr 280 and Cape 31, respectively); outboard engine rather than inboard; and low freeboard and minimal interior, accessed via the foredeck hatch. The ClubSwan 28 is neither an excessively high-end carbon race boat nor a high-­volume J/70, but rather somewhere between. “Our aim for it is to race well in 6 knots or 20. It is a powerful boat but not extreme,” Michetti says. 

Kouyoumdjian adds: “We incorporated everything that modern boats have to perform very well but didn’t go extreme on any of them.”

Fundamental to the boat’s ethos is simplicity, and for it to be fun to sail, but as Michetti puts it, “at the same time being safe, a boat that can fit the needs of everyone from ­beginner to expert.”

Aside from its performance, the best demonstration of this is that while most sportboat crews must hike and hike hard (it being so vital to stability on boats of this size), the 28 is a “legs-in” boat.

“We would like to avoid a ­hiking contest. It is much more social too; sailors can enjoy what is happening around them,” Michetti says. Everything is optimized for this—the sheerline and cockpit arrangement to make maximum use of the weight of the inward-facing crew, while keel draft and ballast make up righting moment lost due to no hiking and crew not moving fore and aft.

Compared with the ClubSwan 36’s advanced hull shape and fixed-keel/C-foil combination, the 28 is far more conservative. The hull has a low wetted surface area and rocker aft to minimize bow burying. Its modest 8-foot beam means it can be towed legally throughout Europe without having to be inclined. It also allows the boat and trailer combined to fit into a 40HQ container for shipping farther afield.

The hull shape is quite ­complex, with flared topsides at the stern, above a substantial chine. Going forward, the topsides turn vertical and then evolve into a deck chamfer ­forward of the mast. The bow has a slight reverse sheer and a retractable sprit.

The rig breaks new ground, but again, simplicity is the focus. Developed between Kouyoumdjian, Southern Spars’ Steve Wilson and mast-builder Axxon Composites, it is skifflike, with no backstay or runners, and with swept-back spreaders and a GNAV (inverted vang) to keep the cockpit clear. “Imagine a 49er rig that is set up by the headstay,” Kouyoumdjian says. “The prebend and the tension you have in that kind of rig usually comes from presetting the headstay and then you deal with it with the vang and cunningham. But we wanted something variable that could simulate what you could otherwise do with the runners.”

The solution is to have a ­permanently attached mast ­ram that can be operated while ­racing via a pump in the pit area. “It brings a lot of things together—not only the tension on the headstay, but also the tension on the rig,” Kouyoumdjian adds. “And when you tension the rig, you bend the mast.”

Therefore, powering up the rig comes with just two or three pumps and an inch of movement of the ram. “Everything on the rig is simple and has been done before many times successfully,” Kouyoumdjian says. “We added the mast up-and-down function. I imagine crews using it on medium-light days: When you get into a luff and you’d ease the runner, instead you’d drop the mast, or anticipating a puff, you’d pump it up. As soon as the wind gets to 10 to 12 knots, then you’d be maxed up, like you would be at ­maximum runner on a typical boat.”

The ClubSwan 28 will be a strict one-design class. Like the ClubSwan 36, it is being built in Cartagena, Spain, by Sinergia Racing Group. Tooling for the 28 is CNC milled to fine tolerances, and like most other boats in this size, it is a glass boat, built with vinylester resin, although naturally its mast, bowsprit and rudder are full carbon. The keel fin is stainless steel.

What appears to be a 1990s retro feature is the 28’s L-configuration keel, as featured on many vintage 1990 one-­designs and early VO60s. Aside from positioning bulb weight aft, this lengthens the keel’s leading edge by 15 to 20 percent, increasing its efficiency and improving, for example, lift to windward. Kouyoumdjian is enthusiastic about this and says that he would readily recommend L-keels on other race boats, but warns that the shape of the bulb’s front must be correct. To enable easy trailering, the keel can be raised, and the rudder assembly lifts out within its own box. A full derig, from water to motorway, is expected to take around three hours.

Production for the ClubSwan 28 will be modest, initially at least, with the yard in Cartagena expected to roll out two per month, with the ready-to-sail price forecast to be around 200,000 euros. The aim is to have international fleets, with boats built by local yards. After Europe, Michetti says, its focus will be the United States, although as yet there is no time frame for this. At the time of this writing, six 28s had been sold, with the first boat due for launch in late May, with all six expected to compete at the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo in September.

The advantage of the 28 is that the owner is buying into the ClubSwan world, with its established circuit, Michetti says. “If you are building a new class, people need to trust you. You need to create momentum, you need to have sponsors and find locations and organize regattas,” which the ClubSwan management already has, with its comprehensive circuit, mixing established regattas and ClubSwan’s own in the Med, UK, Baltic and US. Aside from enticing new sailors and teams into the ClubSwan family, Michetti also imagines that some teams with larger race boats might acquire a 28 for crew training.

There is currently no class crew-weight limit, which risks enticing larger muscle-bound types on board, but Michetti explains: “We want to avoid this crazy ‘saunas before the regatta’ thing” (in other classes, crews typically duck just below maximum weight at weigh-in). ClubSwan 28 crews will ­comprise four or five with a World Sailing Group 1 (amateur) owner-­driver and probably one mandatory female or youth crewmember.

For the 28 this year, there are a number of events, including a kick-off event from Nautor Swan’s base in Scarlino, Italy, in July, plus September’s Rolex Swan Cup and the Nations League 2024-ClubSwan 28 Invitational Sardinia Challenge, taking place in Villasimius, Sardinia, in early November. Given its trailerability, the ­likelihood is that the 28 will also race inland, for example, on Italy’s famous Lake Garda. Naturally, as numbers grow, there will also be the opportunity for the ClubSwan 28 to get its own start in the world’s top ­multiclass regattas.

• More: ClubSwan 28 , One Design , Print Summer 2024 , Sailboats
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Newport 28/28 II

While initially there were questions about quality, the 28 is a good entry-level cruiser-racer for those on a budget..

The Newport 28 was one of the longer-lived small production cruising boats, having been in production from 1974 through 1987. Almost 1,000 of the C&C-designed boats were built by Capital Yachts of Harbor City, California.

There is a strong family resemblance between the Newport 28 and other C&C designs of the same period. In addition to the Newport 28, Capital built the Newport 41, another mid-1970s C&C design. The styling of both boats is characterized by the sweeping attractive sheerlines for which C&C is justifiably known.

As with any boat whose production run spanned more than a decade, many changes were made in the Newport 28, both outside and inside, over the years. The original scimitar-shaped keel and rudder gave way to more modern high aspect ratio appendages with 1983 models, increasing draft from 4′ 6″ to 5′ 2″. A shoal draft version drawing 4′ was optional, but

less popular than the deep-keel boat. Versions with the modern keel are designated Newport 28-II.

Sailing Performance

The Newport 28 has a tall, high aspect ratio masthead rig. The newer deep keel models are about six seconds per mile faster than the original version of the boat, which typically sails with a PHRF rating of 192. This is comparable to other cruiser-racers of the same size.

Despite a fairly high ballast/displacement ratio, owners report that the boat is tender. This is due in part to the fairly round midship section, and in part to the fact that few 28′ boats are really very stiff.

Racing in Newport 28s is quite keen in some areas, particularly on the West Coast, where there are large fleets that race both as one-designs and under PHRF. The boat is a competitive PHRF racer, and enough boats have been rated so that its handicap appears fair. This means you are likely to get a rating based on the boat’s performance, not on your own sailing ability.

Most owners report that the boat is very well balanced. This is typical of C&C designs, which usually have fairly small mainsails. With a large foretriangle and a small mainsail, it may be necessary to rake the mast aft slightly to give the boat a little weather helm. It’s far easier to add weather helm than to reduce it.

Construction

Make no mistake about it, the Newport 28 is a boat built to a price. A common complaint by owners is mediocre fitting of woodwork, leaking hull-to-deck joint, cockpit drains that are too small, plastic valves on through hull fittings, inadequate backing plates for hardware—in short, the entire litany of problems associated with boats built to be low in price.

One owner who races his boat hard noticed a large crack in the hull molding aft of the primary sheet winches, and discovered that he could see daylight through it. Apparently, the hull had been cracked in removing it from the mold, and the cracked patched over with auto body filler. This was on a new boat. The factory made good on that one.

Why would so many people buy a boat that apparently has a history of minor construction flaws and mediocre quality control?

The answer, according to owners, is that the basic styling, accommodations, and performance are better than other boats of the same size and type, making up for other shortcomings. When you buy a Chevrolet you know in advance that it isn’t going to be built like a Mercedes.

The interior is one factor that many owners report is a major influence in their decision to buy a Newport 28. With a waterline length of 23′ 6″, there’s a lot of interior for a 28′ boat.

Despite the fairly low freeboard and pronounced concave sheer, there is just over 6′ of headroom on centerline over the main cabin. The pronounced camber of the main cabintop keeps the deckhouse profile low, but at the expense of headroom, which diminishes very quickly away from the centerline. Fortunately, on a boat this small you’re almost always walking near the centerline.

There have been three basic interior arrangements over the years: galley along the starboard side of the main cabin, galley aft on the port side, and galley aft on the starboard side. On later models, only the two aft galley configurations were available. The galley aft on starboard side is the only layout that offers a stove with oven, due to the setup of the main cabin settees.

Unfortunately, this galley arangement required cutting away the starboard main bulkhead beneath the chainplates to make the starboard settee long enough for sleeping, which in our opinion is a structural compromise.

Since there are four other berths in the boat—two forward, the port settee, and a quarterberth—using the starboard settee as a berth isn’t necessary with anything less than a full crew. For family cruising, it is likely that at least one member of the crew would be short enough to use the starboard settee even without the foot extension.

Originally, the boat was equipped with the Atomic Four gasoline inboard, a standard engine in most auxiliaries until the proliferation of diesel power in the early 1980s. Diesel power was optional until the introduction of the 28-II model.

Some boats have Yanmar diesels, others Universal. It took the builder a while to decide which diesel engine to use, as owners report engines ranging in horsepower from 11 to 18. To most owners, there appears to be little difference in performance between diesel engines of various sizes. All of the Universal diesels should be adequate for the boat, and the Atomic Four is far more power than she needs.

Obviously, the diesel engine is a big plus when shopping for a used boat. Retrofitting a diesel on a gas-powered boat of this size is usually more expense than can be justified unless you’re planning to keep the boat for a long time.

Access to the engine for service varies from awful to good, depending on the model year. Fortunately, newer models have better access from the interior as well as a flush hatch in the cockpit sole directly over the engine.

Buying A Used Boat

Because so many owner complaints center on fairly mediocre construction detailing, a used boat should be carefully surveyed before purchase. Particular attention should be paid to structural details of the hull-to-deck joint, attachment of bulkheads, and mounting of deck hardware.

Obviously, a later model boat with a diesel engine is more desirable than an older boat with a gas engine. We would also consider the 28-II version with updated keel and rudder to be more desirable than the earlier design.

Because of the large number of Newport 28s built, at any given time there are a number of boats on the market. This means you should be able to find the combination of ingredients you’re looking for for in age, power plant, keel, and interior layouts—especially if you’re shopping on the West Coast.

It would be a good idea to look at all three interior arrangements before making a decision, although if you opt for a newer boat your choice will be between the two aft galley interiors.

Some of the boats have been seriously upgraded by owners, including such things as larger cockpit drains and higher quality hull hardware.

We would be wary about any boat that showed a lot of inexpert do-it-yourself characterisitics, such as caulking along the hull-to-deck joint, around the ports, or around the chainplates.

Although a tiller is standard, a fair number of boats have been equipped with wheel steering, either as an original option or as a retrofit.

The steering pedestal takes up far less room than the tiller, but it does require that the helmsman sit all the way in the back of the boat. While this arrangement keeps the cockpit less crowded for racing, it also puts all the helmsman’s weight at the aft end of the boat—not a good place for it.

In addition, the helmsman on a wheel-steered boat cannot reach either the mainsheet or the jib sheets, a serious shortcoming. He furthermore has trouble hiding from rain and spray under a companionway dodger.

Life for the helmsman on a wheel-steered Newport 28 will be a lonely one. Wheel steering, being hardly necessary on a boat this size, is hardly desirable on the Newport 28.

The Newport 28 is a good entry-level cruiser-racer for someone wanting a reasonable combination of accommodations and performance, as long as you’re not too persnickety about details. It would be a reasonable compromise for someone who likes more traditional appearance in a modern boat, but doesn’t have the money to spend for a higher-quality boat of the same size and type, such as a Sabre 28.

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Beauty & Speed

The Alerion 28 is consistently recognized as one of the prettiest boats on the water. That she also has a thoroughly modern underwater shape simply adds to her luster.

With more than 470 boats sailing worldwide, the Alerion 28 is by far the most popular of all the modern daysailers.

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""I've owned my Alerion Express 28 for over 15 years and I still enjoy sailing her as much as I did when I first purchased her. Despite this boats' popularity in recent years, I still receive compliments on her beauty, style and grace each time I sail her! I've owned several boats of all shapes and size but this boat will hold it's place in our family for years to come." "

–Owner of hull #47, Edgartown, MA

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Alerion 28 in the news

40 Best Sailboats

Jun. 28, 2019

• 28′ Endeavor

Fully packed with amenities, the Osprey 28′ Endeavor is the boat you’ve been waiting to take out on the water. Outstanding construction, full walk around decks, full galley, room to comfortably sleep four, and a stand-up head with shower are just a few of the standard features. With twin power plants, the 28′ Endeavor delivers true offshore dependability and optimal speed with a cruising speed of 28 knots, and an output of up to 400 horsepower. Rugged and powerful, with incredible performance, it’s perfect for getting to the best fishing sites, and the 64 square foot aft deck ensures the serious fisherman ample space to fight with the biggest catch in the sea!

28′ Endeavor Specifications

• Length Overall 28’
• Cabin Headroom 6’ 3″
• V-Berth Length 7’ 8”
• Cabin Size 9’ 9” x 7′
• Cockpit Size 8’ 8″ x 7’
• Fuel Capacity 205 gal
• Water Capacity 17 gal
• Waste Capacity 15 gal
• Displacement 9750 lbs (dry)

Power Options

• Single Gas Stern Drive
• Single Diesel Stern Drive
• Twin Gas Stern Drive
• Twin Diesel Stern Drive
• Twin Outboards

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Sailboats 28+ feet

Taking advantage of perpetual motion.

One of the advantages of boating under sail is that its the closest thing to perpetual motion humanity is ever devised. A well-handled 28-foot or longer Catalina or Irwin sailboat can go all the way around the world without using a drop of fuel, something no other vehicle can boast. It can be easy to find your pre-owned sailboat on eBay.

The biggest part of any boat, sail or not, is the hull. Its what keeps you afloat and provides the necessary water resistance so that you can steer the vessel. There are two main aspects to consider when choosing a sailboat hull; material and design:

• Material: Most modern hulls are made of composites or fiberglass. Other options include metals such as aluminum or steel, or even wood. Composites are light and strong, but do not resist impact the same way as wood or metal.
• Design: Monohull designs offer the classic look people expect and provide lots of feedback to wind and water, making them excellent first boats. Catamarans and trimarans are faster and make good racers, but you dont get the same feedback in bad weather.

Whether your marine ambitions involve taking a Hunter yacht around the world or just learning aboard a Cape Dory on the river, there are a few things you should know to look for before heading to the marina. Dont worry so much about the maker at first, you can get plenty of quality boats from manufacturers like Beneteau, Lagoon, Jeanneau, Morgan, Pearson, Bristol, Tartan, Sabre Yachts and C and C. Instead, look for features that will affect the experience on the open ocean:

• Rig: Beginners should look for a single mast with an easy to handle rig. The more sails you have, the more work it takes to run the boat.
• Power: Most boats include auxiliary power, often a Diesel engine.
• Space: Decide how many berths you need before looking at boats. You want something that is roomy enough that you wont get claustrophobia on a trip to Canada but not too big to handle.

Unless youre on the Great Lakes, most cruiser boats are going to be more at home in salt water than fresh water. Since a long cruise can mean living aboard for months or years at a time, you need to be sure the boat is right for you before you leave the boatyard. Check over the hull and rigging as well as all your auxiliary equipment. While cats are fun in good weather, you may want a monohull if youre likely to encounter storms in the open sea as theyre much more forgiving. Always put safety first.

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36 Grande Coupe

38 Grande Coupe

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select YOUR Trim series

Enjoy thoughtfully curated features and options that strike the perfect balance between form and function.

• Handcrafted Interiors with Thoughtful Ergonomics
• Premium Appointments and Upgrades
• Integrated Navigation and Entertainment Suites

LS2 Surf Ultimate

Elevate your boating adventure with the Ultimate Trim Series. Experience unrivaled customization, state-of-the-art technology, and unparalleled luxury.

• Fully Customizable Ultra-Premium Interiors 
• Ultra-Premium Appointments and Upgrades
• Our Highest Level of Technology

38 SAV Ultimate

LS4 Surf Ultimate

Sterndrive bowrider.

2000 ES ESX

Excite your boating adventure with the ESX Trim. 

• Handcrafted Interiors with Color Matched Upholstery
• Exterior Graphics

Outboard Bowrider

LX2 Ultimate

LS2 Ultimate

LS6 Surf Ultimate

LX4 Ultimate

LS4 Ultimate

LS9 Surf Ultimate

LX6 Ultimate

38 surf ultimate.

LS6 Ultimate

50 sav ultimate.

LX9 Ultimate

LS9 Ultimate

LX36 Ultimate

• Fully Customizable Ultra-Premium Interiors

LS36 Ultimate

A REFINED EXPLORER

Rich in amenities, features and polished good looks, the 28 Express is fully-equipped for the excursion of your dreams. Relax and enjoy the ride anywhere on-board, from the spacious cockpit to the expansive cabin space down below. Wherever you choose to go, get there with total comfort and confidence in the Regal 28 Express.

Revved Up Savings Event

Save up to $10,000.

Now is the perfect time to join the Regal family and enjoy unforgettable adventures with friends and family. Explore savings of up to $10,000 on in-stock 2023 and 2024 Regal 28 Express models.

Layout and Seating

Versatile and ergonomic layout.

The 28 Express's cockpit layout features forward-facing, aft-facing, and multi-position seating for versatility and thoughtfully designed ergonomics.

UltraLounge

Enjoy all four positions of the UltraLounge with plenty of room for company and uncompromised comfort.

Refreshment Center

The refreshment center features a deep sink, cup holders for convenience and a removable cooler below.

Spacious Salon with Hull Side Picture Windows

Thanks to comfortable wraparound seating and large windows that let in an abundance of light, you might forget that you are in the salon.

Convertible Berth

When bringing along more people, use the filler cushions to add an extra sleeping space.

A full queen-sized berth is something you have come to expect, but only from Regal.

Largest-In-Class Shower and Head

The 28 Express features the largest head in its class, including 6-foot standing headroom.

Enjoy the galley on the 28 Express that includes an electric burner, stainless refrigerator, microwave, and more.

Differentiating Advantages

Lower your tower with the touch of a button for low bridges or storage.

Dual Garmin 9" Displays

Featuring dual 9" Garmin displays and a standard bow thruster, your helm is equipped to offer enhanced performance no matter what your day brings.

Hull Bottom

Build your custom regal boat, photo gallery.

Cockpit Layout

Cabin Layout

28 express specifications.

Standard Features

Cockpit features.

Courtesy Blue LED Lights

Standard blue LED cockpit lights not only provide ambient light to ensure you and your guests can safely maneuver around the boat but also make a statement at the dock.

Face-To-Face Cockpit Seating

Versatility. Use your cockpit for face-to-face seating for four or lounging and sunbathing for two.

Foredeck Steps

The foredeck steps are very wide and integrated into the door. Upgraded with Harken bearings, the steps can easily handle the added stress.

Fusion ANT Wireless Stereo Remote

Enjoy the freedom to control your audio entertainment from anywhere on your boat. Whether you’re fishing at the transom or about to jump from the swim platform into the water, audio control is within reach any time, anywhere with the ARX remote – it’s never been so easy.

Fusion Marine Sound - 4 Cockpit Speakers

The best sound begins with the best equipment. That means four 200 watt Fusion cockpit speakers with an IP65 waterproof rating.

Fusion Stereo Bluetooth

Get the best sound out of the best equipment wirelessly.

For those looking to entertain, the standard refreshment center with sink, cup holders, and cooler is the perfect fit.

Removable Cooler

The 26 Express and 28 Express features a removable 25 quart Igloo cooler with designated storage that will handle even the thirstiest of crews.

Stainless Drink Holders

Regal's stainless drink holders will last longer than the competitors' plastic ones.

Transom Shower

The transom shower will help keep your boat nice and clean.

Trash Receptacle

A trash receptacle comes standard on every Regal.

Enjoy the transom in any position with the expansive and versatile UltraLounge.

Helm Features

12 Volt Accessory Plug

A 12-volt accessory plug is ready at the helm when you need it.

Double Wide Helm Seat

A captain is not worth his salt without his mate by his side.

Hand-wrapped Steering Wheel

Regals feature a premium hand-wrapped steering wheel for the utmost comfort and control.

Trim Tab Controls

The standard trim tabs give you complete control over your boat even in the roughest of seas.

Hull & Deck Features

The first mate will enjoy the flat foredeck when working the anchor or bow lines.

The one piece bow rail is made out of 316-grade stainless steel.

Composite Stringers

Featuring all composite stringers to make the boat stronger and lighter.

Deck Hatch with Privacy Screen

Let the breeze in but keep the bugs out with the deck hatch and screen.

Along with the large picture windows in the salon, two overhead deck vents will make this the brightest express in it's class. When weather permits, open the deck vents and allow the breeze to flow through.

Dockside Water Inlet

Keep your water tank full. You never know what the day has in store.

Electric Forward Opening Engine Hatch

Aside from superior engine room access, the forward opening engine hatch keeps routine service and maintenance out of the cockpit.

Extended Swim Platform

The extended swim platform is low to the water making water sports activities easier.

Fast Vent Fuel Fitting

Regal uses stainless whereas others use plastic.

In-Mold Gelcoat Boot Stripe

This superior gel finish will last longer than taped-on vinyl graphics.

Limited Lifetime Hull Warranty

Regal offers a Limited Lifetime Hull Warranty.

MarineTred Non-Skid

Diamond MarineTred is incorporated into the mold for a superior finish. It's less abrasive and easier to clean.

Navigation Lights

When it comes to boating at night, Regal has you covered with standard navigation lights.

OceanTrac Hull Design

A unique and individually designed hull that balances the load of the ships systems, allowing it to turn tight, track straight and handle seas with precession.

8" Stainless Cleats

Regal features six 8" stainless steel cleats, which won't rust or break over time.

Stainless Deck Hardware

Regals feature upgraded 316-grade stainless hardware.

Stainless Steel Bow Scuff Plate with Lifting Eye

The stainless bow scuff plate protects the gelcoat from trailer chocks and provides for a lifting eye.

Stainless 3-Rung Transom Ladder

The telescoping ladder is hidden under a fiberglass ladder cover.

Swim Platform Cleats

When ready to tie up in the slip, two 8" swim platform cleats pop-up and will keep your lines free from crossing your swim platform.

Vinyl Ester Barrier Coating

The additional layer of resin coating provides superior protection against hull blistering.

Windshield & Canvas Features

The Bimini top features Sunbrella canvas and stainless bows for a solid mount without a tower.

Stainless Steel Windshield Header

An anodized aluminum windshield header may be the industry norm, but Regal owners much prefer the standard stainless.

Tinted, Tempered and Curved Windshield

When you buy a Regal, you know you are buying an un-compromised product. Regals feature a stylish one-piece windshield.

Windshield Wiper

The windshield wipers will keep you cruising in all weather.

Aft Staterom

Queen sized berth.

A full queen sized berth is something you have come to expect, but only from Regal.

Cabin Features

Fusion Apollo RA670 Marine Stereo

The Fusion radio has full integration for your smart phone via Bluetooth and has AM/FM radio capabilities.

Fusion Marine Sound - 2 Cabin Speakers

Two 200 watt Fusion speakers make the cabin sound like a home theater.

Hanging Rack

The 28 Express allows you to bring many things, but with plenty of hanging space to keep clothes wrinkle free, an iron won't be on the list.

Hull Side Picture Windows

Just because you go below decks doesn't mean you should leave the view behind. The 28 Express is the only boat in its class that features hull side windows.

Galley Features

Electric burner cook top.

The features a single burner stove perfect for the master chef in the family.

Hand-crafted Cabinetry

The hand-crafted cabinetry looks stunning as you enter the cabin.

The convenience center features all the amenities you would come to expect, including a full-size microwave oven.

Stainless Refrigerator

The 4.2 Cubic Feet refrigerator is big enough for all your food on a very long weekend.

Head Features

6' head room.

The 28 Express features the largest head in it's class, including 6-foot standing headroom.

Electric Head

You can always expect the latest technology from Regal. Case in point: a standard silent flush electric head instead of vacuflush.

Separate Shower Head

Many cruisers feature a sink spigot that converts to a shower head, on this boat a separate shower head and sink faucet are standard.

Stainless Towel Rack

The amenities of home: a dedicated towel rack to dry your wet towels.

Toilet Paper Holder

Regals feature designated storage for all of your amenities.

Technical & Systems Features

Automatic bilge pump.

The automatic bilge pump takes action before you even realize what is wrong.

Automatic Fire Suppression System

An automatic fire extinguisher is sure to give any boater peace of mind.

Battery Charger

The standard battery charger will keep your starting and house battery fully charged when you have the shore power plugged in.

Bow Thruster

This transversal propulsion device tremendously increases maneuverability; docking becomes a breeze.

Dockside Power

A 30 amp shore power connection and 50 foot cord are standard on a Regal.

Dual Battery Switch

Regal features a smart battery management system by using one battery for starting and the other for all your electronics. Of course, they are both equally charged via a VSR and can be combined for emergency situations.

Integrated Self Bailing Cockpit System

Keep a clean bilge with all your wash down and rain water draining directly overboard.

NMMA, ABYC, USCG & CE Certified

Regal makes sure that it meets the highest standards of safety in the industry.

SeaStar Electric Steering

There is nothing like fingertip control created by the power steering.

Pressurized Water System

A pressurized water system is standard, complete with sinks, water pump, tank, and a filter.

Water Heater

Hot water is a must for your weekend outing and it comes standard on a Regal.

Weather Resistant Deutsch Connectors

On a Regal, you'll find Deutsch connectors for superior protection and durability.

Performance Reports