2001 Regal Commodore 3780

Testers Notebook: Regal Commodore 3780 Location: West coast Florida, Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway near St. Petersberg. Test load: Moderate cruising load, with half water, waste and fuel, four adults. Test day conditions: Winds easterly, 15-20 knots. Synopsis: With two full days on board, we had plenty of time to try out the 3780's performance and accommodation. It's a winner on all counts, with inboard diesels for powerful cruising, a spacious salon and two staterooms for overnight guests.

By: Ted Rankine
     Every once in a while I have the opportunity for a dream test. The most recent came last fall when I took the new Regal 3780 for a trip up the west coast of Florida, from St. Petersberg to Tarpon Springs. A full two days were planned; one for shooting an episode of  PowerBoat Television and the second for a destination cruise.
     Regal Marine Industries has been around for a long time and has won plenty of accolades, but the 3780 is a first for Regal, best-known for its sport boats and express-style sport yachts. The 3780 is Regal's first foray into the sedan bridge market. 
     Joining me for this trip were the PowerBoat Television camera crew and Capt Skip Sheppard from Regal.
     With a brisk easterly wind, we left St. Petersberg and headed south down Tampa Bay.   The seas were running a little better than three feet, but up on the bridge there was the feeling of solid comfort. With the port side trimmed a little into the wind and waves, I felt no pounding as we cruised down the bay towards the Intracoastal Waterway, at an easy 20 knots.
     En route, I had  plenty of time to check out the bridge. There's comfortable seating for six with identical helm and companion chairs, a bench seat with reclining cushion to starboard and a full aft bench seat.
     The helm was superb in layout and design, with a modern aluminum dash and complimented with a stainless steel wheel. Keeping with a clean, uncluttered look, the breakers had been cleverly hidden behind the recliner cushion; out of sight and out of the weather. Aft, the double sunpad extends over the rear cockpit; a railing allows passengers to catch a few rays and still be part of the action "up top." 
     Entering into the Intracoastal just south of Clearwater, Fla., and heading north, I turned the helm over to Capt. Skip and wandered around the boat. Although the overall length of the 3780 is just 2 inches shy of 40 feet, it felt like a much bigger boat. Part of that came from the wide moulded-in fiberglass steps from the flybridge to the rear cockpit. They reminded me of my porch at home; you could descend or ascend in complete comfort and safety. 
     The rear cockpit features safe, high coamings and a large walk-through transom to a truly enormous swim platform. Shelter over the rear cockpit is provided by the extended bridge and it's here that Regal has built in some clever storage.  Two overhead areas are built into the underside of the extended bridge, large enough to hold life jackets, scrub brushes and almost anything else that normally seems to end up on the deck, in everyone's way.
     Wide side walkway and secure stainless steel rails facilitated an easy stroll forward to another twin sunpad on the foredeck. 
     Heading out into the Gulf, I took the helm again. The 3780 test boat was equipped with Cummins Turbo 370B diesel engines, each developing 370 hp, so there's plenty of torque-rich power on tap.
     When it comes to handling, the 3780 really shines. Its weight, at 17,500 lbs (7,938 kg.), is testament to Regal's quest to use light but strong and durable hull materials. With a deadrise of 18 degrees the hull is very stable and comfortable in all sea conditions.
     Regal calls the 3780 one of its sport yachts, and handling bears that out. Turns were solid and the boat was a delight to drive in all power ranges. We topped out at 32 mph at 3,000 rpm and the Cummins delivered a solid 26 mph cruise at 2,650 rpm.
     After arriving in Tarpon Springs, the crew headed ashore for some Greek food. I stayed aboard to check on cabin amenities.
     Entering through the curved, sliding glass door you are greeted by a full open view of the main salon and galley.   A mix of amber pearwood cabinetry, good choice of colours, full six- foot five-inch headroom and a design that flows from one space to another, gives the boat  a spaciousness and cohesive feeling. There is a complete entertainment center in the main salon, two barrel chairs to starboard and a convertible U-shaped couch to port. 
     Forward and down a few steps is a well-appointed galley with built in microwave, coffee maker, hidden two-burner stove and side-by-side refrigerator-freezer. But what really sets this boat apart are the two staterooms. The mid-cabin is a private space with a solid door and twin beds, convertible to a queen-sized berth. My two daughters loved it.
     If you are looking for a little more "head-room" in your boat, the head in the 3780 seems to have it solved. It features a circular shower complete with clever swiveling door.
     Forward, the main stateroom features a queen-sized island berth and plenty of storage space.  This space is very private as well, once again with a solid wood door. My daughters loved this one too.
     There is no doubt that my two-day test of the 3780 was truly a dream. But for boaters who are looking for a well-thought-out sedan bridge cruiser with great features, performance and design, the Regal 3780 is a reality.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Regal Marine Industries Inc.,
2300 Jetport Drive, Orlando, Fla. U.S.A. 32809. (407) 851-4360
Take the Factory Tour and earn up to $1000 off the purchase of a new Regal at:
http://www.regalboats.com/

Dealers:
For the Regal dealer nearest you visit Regal's dealer locator

Test boat supplied by Crate Marine Sales Ltd.,
290 The Queensway South, Keswick, Ont. L4P 2B3.
(905) 476-9992 or http://www.crates.com/