26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

[bigtone]

I am considering the purchase of this new boat - a Regal Valanti 1993 for 22K. Looks to be in excellent shape inside and out. I will have it surveyed, etc.<br /><br />To start, I am a total rookie novice and this is my first boat.<br /><br />On input on this selection? I intend to spend weekends on it (4 of us - two kids) hopefully in New Buffalo Michigan. It's a bit tight, but I'm a little nervous about buying anything much bigger than this. I am looking forward to doing mini cruises over to Chicago - up to Saugatuck, South Haven - eventually farther once I figure out what the heck I'm doing.<br /><br />Again, any input as to this boat and/or boating on the big lake and/or life on a small boat in a slip would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Regal valanti

 

[Bondo]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Well,<br />1st off,<br />Welcome to the iboats forums.........<br /><br />That's a Beautiful Boat......<br /><br />I'd suggest that you hunt down a Coast Guard approved Boater Safety Course.....<br />Even Before you board the boat for the 1st time......<br /><br />I also think that that's ALOT of Boat, for a Total Newbie......<br /><br />Good Luck...<br />Have Fun.....<br />And,<br />Be Safe.............

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Thanks a lot Bondo.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Are you going to keep it in a marina? I'd only say it's a lot of boat for trailering......<br /><br />You may want one with 2 engines, not sure if this does, as they're a lot easier to manure around the docks......<br /><br />Ask more questions, you'll enjoy, like the rest of us.....

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

I plan to keep at in a marina (probably St Joe or New Buffalo) and then cruise up there on the weekends. I've been daydreaming about this for years and hopefully, this is the year we do it. The boat has one engine. I have been told by someone that it's best to have twin engines on the big lake in case the engine fails. Are there like portable emergency type motors or do you just call for a tow on the radio? Anyway, thanks for the input.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Go with the dream I say! <br /><br />Just get towing insurance, even with 2 motors you'd want that, don't bother with backup/auxiliary motor, for now anyways.<br /><br />The 2 engines helps most when docking, spins boat like tractor, one forward one reverse, spins on dime. With my old single screw I used to ask marina for slip that was easy to dock in, end, ect. And you don't want million dollar boat next to you either. At a minimum, single screws tend to wander when in reverse, think mine always went to the right, so find a slip that will favor the way the boat goes in reverse. You'll understand this soon enough..... Good luck Cap!

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Wow. Ok, maybe I'll keep searching for that twin. Thanks for input.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Well, nothing to panic about, but to describe it a bit clearer....<br /><br />My boat, single screw, when backing up, either cuts hard right, or just right. No matter where I put the wheel, it goes to the right. If you understand this, you'll just learn to position the boat for a backdown. This is a result of the prop rotation.<br /><br />Now these 2 single screw boat's I've had were straight inboards, the prop is fixed. The boat you're looking at is an inboard/outboard. The whole unit turns, which means the prop turns, I don't believe you'll have as much of a problem. Someone else can fill in where I left off......<br /><br />Just keep asking..........

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Ok thanks. I figure as soon as I get set up, I plan on doing a lot of practicing parking, sharp turns, reverse etc. And, yes, I hope I'm not next to a very expensive boat or? <br />I really like the Regal, but I'm constantly on the look-out for others. This boat seems like a pretty good deal at least based on what I've seen at boats.com).<br />I'm also looking maybe to hire some boater for a few hours my first time out just to get started so I'm not smashing into to stuff and all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

I realize this isn't exactly what Luna Sea is talking about,<br />But, It's along the Same Lines............<br /><br />Boats Don't have Brakes...... That's because water is a Dynamic Surface.... Always Moving.....<br /><br />Unlike your car,+ the road, which is a Static surface, Boats Don't always go where you Think you're pointing it,+ you Can't Stomp on the Brake to avoid Collisions..................<br /><br />Considering that it's January,+ You won't be going to the boat at the slip till Atleast May or June............<br />Maybe, You should find that Boater Safety,+ Handling Course I was talking about....<br />Then take a Vacation to Fla. or somewhere warm,+ Rent a 20'/22' runabout..........<br /><br />That way you could get the "Feel" of a boat,+ Not worry about Dock Rash or other Issues.........<br />And, Have some Fun doing it...........

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Damn, no brakes?<br /><br />Yep, that's a good idea. I still have time to do some homework and get some practice.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

A couple of thoughts - - There is nothing wrong with a single screw so long as you learn how to pilot it. With a boat of that size you should consider an auxiliary. Usually they are long shaft outboards that hang off the stern or are clamped to a special bracket that attachés to the transom.<br /><br />Capt'n Mile has some good points on twins from a handling point of view. They also provide the same "get home" function as an auxiliary should one motor go south. On the other hand you will have two motors to feed and take care of and repair/maintenance ain't cheap on anything marine.<br /><br />If you go the single motor route you have to be sure that the I/O combination is sufficient for the boat. Many boats of that size are underpowered and I'm thinking you would not want anything less than a 5.7 L small block. A 5.0 L will probably not get you up on plane with a full gas tank, family, friend & gear without working it's guts out.<br /><br />If you are thinking of trailering it make sure that you have a big enough truck and trailer to pull it safely.<br /><br />I speak from having had a 27 1/2' underpowered fly bridge cruiser sitting on a triple axle trailer. It had a single 5.7 L Chebby & Volvo out drive. I pulled it with a full size Bronco. The boat was grossly underpowered and was outright scary to pull down the road. I sold it six weeks before hurricane Andrew paid us a visit.

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Specs say the boat has a Mercruiser 7.4 Bravo 330HP.<br /><br />On the aux motor, about how much do these guys run for?<br /><br />We're not planning on any trailering at this time. Thanks for the input!!

 

[bigtone]

Re: 26' Regal Valanti - New to Boating

Hey SoLittle<br />What do you usually do witht the boats down there when you know a hurricane is coming? Do people usually pull all the boats from the water - or do you tie 'em up tight and hope for the best? Just curious.