By Andy Adams

A luxuriously equipped day boat for entertaining

Regal Boats’ new LS36 is what we call a day boat. Regal says the LS36 merges their luxury yacht series with their bowrider series and the result is the LS36. This comfortable bowrider is perfect for cruising the lake or hosting friends and family for the day on the weekend.

We feel the styling deserves mention right off the top. This is a big boat at over 37-feet on an 11’7” beam but the clean and almost traditional lines give the LS36 a timeless sporty look that we think, really sets it apart. It’s a Yacht-certified vessel. I counted approximately 21 places for people to sit! You would probably never take a crowd that big but it can certainly handle a gang.

Coming aboard

A deluxe feature is the starboard side dive door that gives access from the pier. From a higher pier, there is a non-skid finished section of decking at the stern where you can step in and onto the seats, but most people will prefer boarding by the swim platform and through the transom gate. 

The swim platform is simply huge; full beam and 56-inches deep. It’s like a separate living space! The LS36 test boat was a sterndrive version but Regal also offers the same hull as the LX36 with outboards. That would be an equally good performance choice, but the outboards would reduce the usable space on that grand swim platform.

Also, with the inboard engines you can order the optional powered step. This is under the centre of the swim platform and it deploys electrically to allow swimmers to step up, or to sit in the water and there is an enormous stainless steel rail the full width of the platform where you can comfortably hang on and float in the water. You reboard by a starboard side boarding ladder. Throughout our test boat, the flooring was all SeaDek that is soft and cool on our feet. Great access to the water is a real strength of the Regal LS36.

Overall layout

This boat knows its mission; maximum comfort and convenience for dayboat use. It's not compromised. Everything is spacious and gracious with no cramped quarters. The cockpit flows forward to the galley and helm areas then right through the windshield centre to the bow area, all at one floor level. People can move freely and comfortably.

The vast swim platform and cockpit entertaining area are impressive.

Even the head is roomy and has a vent fan, lights and an internal latch to open the sliding door. There is a sink, as well as the electric MSD plus, the cabinetry and sides are washable. There is storage and the stereo system controls are here too including USB and HDMI connections. The head is in the companion-side console and the whole dashboard section slides to starboard for access.

Seating surrounds the cockpit and includes a centre section that converts to a sun lounge, has aft-facing jump seats to supervise swimming and also converts to face forward to join the cockpit party. Two removable teak tables provide comfortable dining and the tables stow in a starboard side locker when you want the floor space clear. The aft seats offer handy line storage and the middle sections lift and have a backrest that can adjust to face aft. The seatback main part goes to three positions for sun lounger options.

There is storage under all the cockpit seats for items used frequently. A huge under-floor locker lifts to reveal an area for bigger things and this runs all the way up to the helm seat. Just aft of that hatch is a fish locker or cooler in the floor and at the transom is a port-side locker for long items like boathooks and brushes. The shore power connections are there too.

Galley wet bar

On the portside behind the companion seat is the galley with an available electric grill, sink with optional hot water, big trash bin and a beefy grab rail. Below that, doors open to reveal a Yeti 65 cooler that rolls out for access. All the counter covers are hinged and have gas struts. There is a standard cockpit refrigerator and options including a drawer unit that installs under the helm seat.

The cockpit is a spacious living area and there was an extendable shade over the entire space. Notice the armrest with drink holder and the side dive door on the starboard side.

Just above the galley unit is Regal’s ceiling-mounted drop-down TV that’s easily viewed from the cockpit. Our loaded test boat had the optional Regal Powershade with impressively solid stainless steel rams that shades all the way back to the aft seats for those hot summer days, or when you are watching the game on TV.

Bow accommodations

The bow is accessed through the windshield walk-through and the large glass section slides to port for easy access and no chance of it slamming shut – very smart!

The bow seats include fold-down armrests, seating for five or six adults, a removable table, speakers, numerous drink holders and a filler section to make the forward-facing seats into a sun lounge. In-floor storage is useful for lines and fenders and there is an anchor locker with power windlass. An optional sunshade can be set up over the whole bow for added summer comfort.

There is also a quarter berth under the helm console. It’s airconditioned and can be used as shelter for children during the day when equipped with a cushion to serve as a berth. Many owners will just use this as flexible storage for items as large as lawn chairs.

Regal calls this the wet bar and there are a number of options you can choosebut this shows the optional electric grill, sink, storage, trash locker and the two doors reveal the Yeti cooler that slides out on a rack.

Helm and performance

A massive roof section can slide open for sunny day cruising or close down at will.

The test boat had the Twin Volvo V8 380 EVC2 DP CAT Coastal Series Joystick power option with Duo-prop drives, electric steering and Joystick docking. The control box and the Joystick controls were positioned where we could rest our arm and the power adjustable double helm seat with footrest accommodates everyone. The glass areas are vast and the outward vision is excellent.

The elegant dashboard featured twin Garmin 8616 16-inch screens and the unusual feature of a third 16-inch screen at the companion position for navigation, controlling the AV systems or even watching TV if you order a receiver system. Other cool features include Dometic cockpit air conditioning and four drink holders at the helm.

The Volvo-Penta V8 380 engines were very responsive. These fire up instantly and deliver smooth abundant power. We felt the engines wanted to run and in fact, they returned the best fuel economy of 1.12 mpg at 4,500 rpm doing 35.9 mph. The Regal LS36 will take you through the Gulf Islands or Georgian Bay at a pace that will bring great destinations into range for a day trip.  Also, with the Joystick docking and easy cockpit access, an owner could single-hand this yacht like a sport runabout.

The bow area is a large separate living area. It's deep and feels safe as well as spacious.

With great features and timeless styling, a Regal LS 36 could be your long-term partner in family boating enjoyment.

Boat Regal LS36 Specifications

Engine(s) Twin Volvo V8 380 EVC2 DP CAT Coastal Series Joystick, twin 6.2 L V8 engines, 380 hp each, All aluminum cylinder block, closed freshwater cooling system, direct-injected engine with catalyst.

RPM MPH

1000 5.5

1500 7.5

2000 9.5

2500 10.5

3000 12.5

3500 20.0

4000 29.4

4500 35.9

5000 40.8

5500 46.8

5850 50.0

0-30 MPH 10.8

Length Overall 37' 4"

Beam 11' 7"

Dry Weight 16,050 Lbs

Fuel Capacity 209 Gal

Generator diesel fuel capacity: 31 gal

Water Capacity: 62 gal

Waste Capacity: 31 gal

Weight as Tested 17040 Lbs

Price:

Boat and price supplied by Crates Lake Country Boats, https://www.cratesboats.com/