BOAT REVIEW- 2006 Regal 3350 Sport Cruiser

by Boatcan on 1 Nov 2011 Boat Shows are often excellent opportunities to see new boats and new products released by manufacturers. The Toronto International Boat Show is one of the pre-eminent shows to do just that. Although you are not able to actually drive the vessel, the staging that exhibitors provide, gives you the feeling that aboat is actually sterned into a dockage slip and except for the movement and a chance to hit the waves, the show allows reviewers to take the time to view new models and report their findings to readers who might not have been at the show or missed that particular boat when there. Shows can be overwhelming and not many people have the chance to be there for the whole show as Boatcan does, being a fellow exhibitor.

The 2006 3350 Sport Cruiser from Regal Marine moves quickly as an exciting new player into the high performance Sportboat market. This boat is visually exciting. Its lines, cockpit and interior grab you immediately as a boat in this segment that you want to learn more about. We boarded the boat easily, since it was backed into the exhibit staging space. Whether it would be across the large flat extended swim platform and through the sleekly slanted transom with ample storage, or over the side, Regal has provided safe and ample flat foot places to make getting on board simple and safe.

Often we board boats with our arms full of provisions or suitcases, and this task is made easy on the 3350 Sport Cruiser.
Having entered the boat and now in the cockpit there is certainly a lot to see and take in.

Aft of the helm seat and the matching forward facing companion seat is a large expanse of people friendly space. To starboard, there is a large U-shaped lounge that faces a large L-shaped lounge directly across the boat to port. The centre access is large enough to enter easily but not too large as to break up the ergonomics of this seating/conversation spot. In this area there is table space which sets securely into the floor of the cockpit. Immediately aft of the companion seat is a wetbar with refrigeration and an optional gas grill. These features make this boat an excellent choice as a day boat for family fun, or an elegant venue for an evening or sunset dinner party.

The helm and companion seats are extremely comfortable on their own. Add the bolster component and the seat makes the performance of this model a joy and treat to ride at speeds approaching 90 kmh (55+ mph) as the captain and passengers are always safe and controlled in the seats.

The centre companionway to the salon is uncomplicated and a sure footed area. This writer is always critical of entrances to the salon areas of boats but I could only praise what Regal has done to make the entry simple, safe and easy. Well done!

The large salon below sports a full head to port with a sink, vacu-flush head, Corian vanity, and a water heater with heat exchanger. This space is totally separate from the rest of the salon. The large cabin that is a large opulent cuddy has a very large V-shaped lounge with a dining table in the middle. The table lowers to provide the masters with a comfortable sleeping area and livable space for one or several nights of cruising.

The interior is bright and airy. An opening skylight overhead provides natural breezes when desired or extra light if that is your choice. The teak and cherry laminate floor is a great touch in that it really sets off the glossy wood trim and the leather covered lounge areas.

Another look around the cockpit and one sees the straightforward access to the engines and storage below the cockpit floor. In addition, one realizes that under all of the seats there is storage that would be much beyond what many other models in this class offer the buyers.

It is very important for the helm of any boat to feel like a second home. It must be this way since much of what the skipper does when operating a boat is automatic and instinctive. Although emergencies do not happen often, the captain must know where everything is and be able to use the controls immediately when one occurs.

The helm is well designed. All gauges are in clear view and easy to read. Toggle switches are properly placed and space is provided for extra electronics and equipment that might be wanted to make this boat function within the limits expected by the buyer.

The tilt wheel and the comfortable seat/bolster are all part of the comfort zone that the 3350 provides.

The 3350 Sport Cruiser is a beautiful blend of two worlds. It is a high speed, high end performance cruiser. Below she is a luxurious retreat that generously accommodates two people. The dinette is extra large and the optional microwave and refrigerator allow a simple day on the boat to be extended into a wonderful relaxing escape from daily stress. Add in all of the extras that this boat offers both inside and in the cockpit, mix this with the great twin engine power options and throw in the spacious cockpit area with all of its amenities and you have a boat that few other manufacturers can rival.

For more boat reviews like this, go to www.boatcan.com or www.canadianyachting.com.