2002 Regal Commodore 2960

Testers Notebook: 2002 Regal Commodore 2960/3060 Location: Caloosahatchee River, Florida, U.S.A. Test load: Four adults, half-tank fuel, safety and test equipment. Test day conditions: Calm water, wind calm or variable, 0-5 mph, temperature 85° F. Synopsis: Renamed the Commodore 3060 for 2002, Regal's Commodore 2960 remains an accommodating and stylish 30-foot express cruiser.

By: Peter Wilson
     One of the hazards of testing an established and continuing model in any boat line - especially from a boatbuilder such as Regal with a wide range of cruisers, runabouts and deckboats - is the late-season shuffle. After the PowerBoat Television show tested Regal's Commodore 2960 last summer near Captiva Island, Florida, it was relabeled as the 3060 as the Florida-based boatbuilder's made room in its 2002 lineup for some new express cruisers.
     The name-change, however, has no affect on the boat's ability to satisfy express cruiser fans who know what they want in a 30-footer.
     A well-laid-out cockpit, an accommodating cabin, and stellar performance are the traits that all builders of express cruisers strive for. Finding all three qualities in one boat means somebody has done their homework.
     The Regal Commodore 3060's two-level cockpit offers passengers two seating options. The rear U-shaped lounge is low and well out of the wind. With the cockpit table in place the U-shaped lounge becomes a dinette with seating for up to 6 adults. If more cockpit space is required, the rear bench seat is easily folded and stored in the transom. Alternatively, passengers can sit on the port side of the upper cockpit level, opposite the driver, on the curved companion seat.
     Located conveniently between the two cockpit levels on the starboard side is a refreshment centre with sink and storage that can be equipped with an optional 12-volt refrigerator or icemaker.
     With the rear bench seat folded into the transom, the engine hatch lifts high, revealing an engine compartment that allows easy access for fluid checks and servicing. There is even enough space between the engines to use a spark plug wrench without skinning your knuckles. Like other quality builders, Regal uses colour-coded water lines, a real asset for those who like to do their own water system maintenance.
     Set in dark burlwood, the two levels of gauges at the helm are high and in clear view. By locating most of the 12-volt accessory switches in the driver's armrest, Regal leaves more space in the dash panels to let the owner install additional electronics. Although the Commodore 3060 has walkaround side decks, the easiest and safest route to the foredeck is up the wide moulded steps built into the helm and through the wide opening centre section of the windshield.
     Forward of the passenger seat and protected by the windshield, navigators will find a chartholder with a clear acrylic cover that will keep paper charts dry and secure.
     Belowdecks, Regal has stayed with the traditional mid-cabin express cruiser layout with galley to port and dinette to starboard, and has wisely concentrated on the elements that go together to make the interior user-friendly, light and bright. In the galley the stainless-steel sink is deep enough to actually hold more than one plate at a time and counter space is augmented when the two-burner stove is covered with the hideaway Corian top.
     Headroom is over six feet between the galley and dinette, in the stand-up dressing area of the forward cabin and even in the shower compartment. Fresh-air ventilation in the cabin is no problem due to the large deck hatch over the forward berth, and several opening screened portholes throughout.
     The icing on the cake for the Commodore 3060 is the solid ride and performance. Although the boat can be powered by a pair of smaller V-6s or by larger twin 5.7s, the twin 5.0 litre 250-hp Volvo Pentas are well-suited for the  solid hull. With a relatively light load aboard, the Volvo V-8s had no problem pushing the boat up on plane in under seven seconds.
     We were able to hold the 3060 on plane at just over 2,800 rpm, which translated to just under 18 mph. With the throttles pushed to 3,500 rpm, the fuel-injected Volvos accelerated the crioser smoothly to an impressive 33.2 mph. We saw a top speed of 43.4 mph at 4,500 rpm; however, the test boat's port engine was having a hard time turning the recommended rpm and was actually holding the starboard engine back. Regal performance data on this engine/hull combination shows a more realistic top speed of 48 mph. More important, however, is how easy the Commodore 3060 is to drive. It requires very few trim adjustments and handles confidently in the turns.
     When it comes time for Regal to replace the 3060 with a new and improved model, it's hard to imagine they will be able to create a more balanced blend of accommodations and performance.
 

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Regal Marine Industries, Inc.,
2300 Jetport Drive, Orlando,
Florida 32809 U.S.A.
(407) 851-4360
www.RegalBoats.com