2001 Regal Commodore 2660

Testers Notebook: Testers Notebook - Regal Commodore 2660 Location: Lake Simcoe, Ontario Test load: Light cruising load, quarter fuel, quarter water, three adults. Test day conditions: Winds 2-5 knots variable. Synopsis: With Regal's FasTrac hull and a pair of Volvo Penta V-6 sterndrives, the Regal Commodore 2660 is an express cruiser that delivers top performance and tight handling along with a more than 50 mph top speed and compact family accommodations.

By: Peter Wilson
     The Regal Commodore 2660, when powered by optional twin V-6 sterndrives really puts the express in express cruiser.
     We recorded a top speed of 51.9 mph with the Volvo Penta 4.3 Gi's turning 4,500 rpm, and a very quick cruising speed of 31.2mph at 3,200 rpm. Regal's own performance testing shows an increase of almost 10 mph at top end between twin fuel-injected V-6 sterndrives and a single 7.4 L fuel-injected sterndrive.
     As expected with an eight-foot beam and the additional weight of twin engines in the stern, the Commodore 2660 planed in 9.65 seconds, respectable but not overly fast. The bow seemed to stay up longer than anticipated, but once it dropped the Regal 2660 exhibited midrange acceleration better than some 23-foot sport boats. We saw 30 mph in 14.19 seconds and 40 mph in a very impressive 19.37 seconds.
     The Regal 2660's fast cruising and top-end speeds can be attributed to Regal's unique FasTrac hull, essentially a stepped hull that induces air below the aft running surface in order to reduce drag. Once the Regal 2660 reaches about 30 mph, the FasTrac hull literally picks the back of the boat up to a point where it feels as if it is riding perfectly level or almost downhill. 
     When you get used to the Regal's positive straight-line tracking, it's time to experience its sportboat-like cornering, where again the hull tracks very confidently and stays very level.  Whether you are an experienced boater or not, you should find that the FasTrac hull inspires a safe, controlled ride with excellent visibility once on plane.
     We were fortunate enough to run the Regal 2660 in both calm and rough water. Typical of express cruisers with an eight- foot beam, we found the Regal easy to drive and trim in calm conditions, but found the boat required more trim tab adjustments in order to get the hull properly riding in the rough stuff.
      Beyond the impressive speed and handling, the 2660 is a trailerable cruiser.  Step down into the cabin and, if you are a six-footer, be prepared for a surprise -- you don't have to duck!   The cabin carpets are protected with removable runners, the galley includes a built-in microwave, a 120-volt ground fault outlet, a Corian countertop and a waste/water level gauge in the 12/120V panel comes as standard equipment.  Although our test boat was equipped with optional 7,000-BTU reverse cycle heat/air conditioning, many will find the Regal 2660's six opening screened portholes, three deck hatches and sliding hatch in the mid-cabin sufficient sources for ventilation.
     Topsides, the single-level cockpit is easy to get around in and features moulded steps to the walk-through windshield, cockpit wet bar with portable cooler and easy access to the large swim platform. On the swim platform you find a hot/cold transom shower, concealed stainless steel swim ladder, a storage locker, a well-placed handrail and a storage rack that can hold two fenders or two dive tanks.
     Overall we found the Regal Commodore 2660 to be a modern-looking, well-built, easy-to-drive family express cruiser. It's capable of speeds over 50 mph, but pull the throttles back to a comfortable 3,200 rpm, cruise at over 30 mph, arrive at your favourite anchorage early and stay longer.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Regal Marine Industries Inc.,
2300 Jetport Drive, Orlando, Fla. U.S.A. 32809.
(407) 851-4360 http://www.regalboats.com/