2017 Regal Express 26

Cabin

A center mounted companionway with an open-tread stairway leads down below. Regal’s use of high topsides keeps the area open and a combination of hullside windows, overhead hatch and screened entryway remove any of those “cave-like” feelings by admitting huge amounts of natural light.

Since it’s quite typical that a small percentage of the time spent aboard will be for overnighting, Regal focused on the area being functional first, and convertible to overnighting second. For the cruising family, there’s the spacious mid-cabin needing no conversion.

There’s a forward dinette, naturally with the hi-lo table when another berth is needed. When the table is lowered the backrest cushions serve as those filler cushions, meaning that Regal is continuing its ever-present mindset of not having any of the boat equipment taking up any of the owner’s storage space. In other words, we don’t have to go fetch a filler cushion out of storage… it’s right here. It also includes the optional flat screen TV that mounts to the aft bulkhead.

Galley

The galley is kept modest while providing the necessities. Regal’s cabinet department came through with hand-crafted walnut cabinetry adding to the premium look of the area. A single-burner stove, sink, full-sized microwave (some things can’t be compromised on) and a 4.2 cu. ft. refrigerator. The countertops are of premium quality.

Head

The head compartment is to port, just opposite the galley and Regal utilizes the “wet head” concept. The interior is all molded fiberglass and includes a vanity, sink, mirror and a pull-out shower wand from the sink faucet.

Swim Platform

The integrated swim platform adds to the measured LOA, so the fact that Regal managed to put so much functionality into a cruiser with usable space that is actually less than the stated 26’ (7.93 m) is impressive indeed. Here, the platform has the usual under-slung reboarding ladder over to the starboard side. A transom shower will allow for washdowns before salty or sandy guests step into the cockpit. SeaDek overlay adds a measure of safety and quite a bit of comfort, as it doesn’t absorb heat.

Cockpit

The entire cockpit is covered with a bimini and camperback canvas allowing standing headroom throughout.  There are full enclosure drop down curtains around the perimeter.  Two port-side molded in steps from the swim platform lead to the cockpit, and with space at a premium, seating and storage are the order of the day here. To port, bench seating occupies the full length of the cockpit, and a flip seatback creates numerous possibilities for this seating area. Start with a forward facing lounge seat and an aft facing seat. Convert that to an aft facing lounge and a forward facing seat by sliding the seatback forward. Bring it further forward and allow it to lie flat and convert the seat to a full length aft facing one while using the padded bolster of the port console as a revised seatback. This concept alone highlights the start of how Regal maximizes space. A simple flip seatback would cut into the useable space, but by making the seatback lie flat, another seat is created, where others simply fail to realize the notion.

To the opposite side, an aft-facing doublewide seat has dedicated storage for a 25-qt (23.7 L) carry-on cooler that can be filled with food at home and loaded on-board. Add the three across transom seating into the mix and the cockpit becomes an intimate gathering and conversational area.

To the stern of the cockpit, the transom seat has a flip seatback allowing a conversion from cockpit seating to an aft facing chaise lounge, and then, with the seatback lying flat where the pedestal would be, converts further to a full-sized sun pad. Regal calls this an Ultra-lounge and it still leaves room for the portside seating.

Helm

Regal is no stranger to creating an uncluttered and functional helm console and did not disappoint with the 26 Express. The panel is glare-resistant and populated with Faria anti-fog gauges. We’re happy to see that Regal includes a digital depth gauge. Lenco trim tabs are also included as standard as is the panel mounted stereo remote. The actual head unit is in a protected location in the main cabin.  This boat is head and shoulders above its competition with an optional bow thruster that makes docking a breeze when everyone else is struggling in the breeze…..

Bow

Managing the bow lines or ground tackle is made easier by the molded in steps integrated into the sliding cabin door that lead to the walkthrough windshield. Rather than bring the trunk cabin right down to the bow, Regal integrates a flat portion of the bow for use as a working area. A dedicated anchor locker and bow roller eases the anchoring procedure. The boat has the optional remote windlass.

Garmin 7" touchscreen Chartplotter/GPS

VHF radio

Stereo w/ speakers in and out

Compass