Trying to find the right boat for your lifestyle can be difficult, considering all the different available options. But the reputation of Regulator boats speaks for itself. Regulators have been a prized purchase for years among aficionados thanks to their versatility and overall build quality.

But of course, boats this well-made come at a high price point. Regulators come in a few different forms, but even the lowest price point for one of these boats is a considerable amount of money. 

Regulator boats are known for their quality

The ocean can be an unpredictable beast, a fact that informs the design of every Regulator boat. Since the company began in 1988, they have been working to build boats that provide comfort and security even when the sea turns rough. 

What differentiates their work from other boatmakers is how they create each boat’s core components. Rather than making separate pieces, each part is built as one solid piece without using any mechanical or chemical fasteners, then bonded together to lessen the stress on the deck, liner, and hull joints. 

Regulator bases their entire design philosophy around the stringer. It is made from one solid piece of fiberglass instead of wood, then bonded to the hull with a high-strength poly-blend adhesive system with bi-axial fiberglass added to the edges. Foam is injected into the stringer to add strength and reduce noise. This process ends with the stringer and hull as one solid unit to maximize performance. 

“The power of one solid hull is ultimately felt offshore,” said Regulator co-founder Owen Maxwell on the company website. “When nothing is moving beneath your feet, you know you are on a boat built to handle the high seas.”

Their reputation comes with a high price

This level of craftsmanship results in a lofty price for Regulator boats. The company sells six offshore boats: the Regulator 23, 28, 31, 34, 37, and 41. 

The 23 is the most affordable boat at a mere $199,695. It is powered by two Yamaha F150s engines that produce 300 horsepower and includes several features for fishermen to enjoy. The 23 has a transom tuna door, a 46-gallon livewell, a 350-quart in-deck fishbox, and a rigging station.  

On the high end, you’ll find the Regular 41 boat with a price of over $1.2 million. Equipped with four Yamaha 450s with a max horsepower of 1,800, the 41’s biggest selling point is its Offshore Command Center, which provides access to several features through a proprietary digital interface. The cabin includes a galley kitchen and an enclosed head with a shower to help people relax during their day on the water. 

Regulator also has a separate collection of boats called the XO Series, a line of center console crossovers better suited for lakes and bays. The series is comprised of three boats, the 24XO ($170,795), 26XO ($195,795), and the 30XO ($370,995).

Most Regulator boat owners think the price is worth it

These sums are beyond the budgets of most people, but it takes a lot of time and resources to make Regulator parts in the unique way that they do, as well as add the other high-level features that each boat has. 

And the prohibitive price hasn’t stopped Regulator from building up a strong reputation. The company boasts of a 95% customer satisfaction score and that fewer than 0.5% of sales result in customer warranty claims. 

Regulator’s strong standing in the industry is not a new phenomenon. “REGULATOR BOATS – ARE THEY WORTH THE MONEY?” is the title of a 2002 forum thread on The Hull Truth and the response from commenters was mostly positive.

A few users reported minor issues with the hand-made parts not being in the best condition, but the positives made the boat more than worth the MSRP. One comment summed it up succinctly by saying “I have never met an unhappy Regulator owner.”