Regal 252

[traderdavel]

I may take a look at a 1994 Regal 252. I sold my Monterey 276 a year ago and want to get back into boating. Couple of questions. I have heard Regal builds a quality boat. Is there anything in particular to this model to look for? It was repowered 2 yrs ago. Believe 5.7. Also has an alpha 1 drive. The old boat had a 7.4 and a Bravo 3. Will I notice the difference? Anything else you can think of please let me know.
Thank you.

 

[hog88]

Re: Regal 252

I don't know much about Regal, always heard they were good boats. You will see a night and day difference between the Alpha1 and Bravo 3. IMO you would need 2 power plants with single props to make up for the dual prop of a bravo 3.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Regal 252

I don't know much about Regal, always heard they were good boats. You will see a night and day difference between the Alpha1 and Bravo 3. IMO you would need 2 power plants with single props to make up for the dual prop of a bravo 3.

Ayuh,.... Ditto....

 

[Philster]

Re: Regal 252

Not to mention the engine!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Regal 252

IMO you would need 2 power plants with single props to make up for the dual prop of a bravo 3.

I wouldn't go quite that far. Still, I think the biggest difference other than the tracking would be the engine size. The 5.7L is probably okay, but I'd really want a Big Block in there for that size of boat. If you don't do anything other than cruise, with a light load, it's most likely okay. However, when you put 6+ people on that boat with gear and want to pull a skier up, it will become apparent why the big block is the better option. Just depends on what your needs are. Regal boats are good, solid boats. Not much to worry about in that regard, but maintenance will obviously be the bigger issue, not brand.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Regal 252

...Believe 5.7. Also has an alpha 1 drive. The old boat had a 7.4 and a Bravo 3. Will I notice the difference? ...

The 5.7 might be okay. But an Alpha drive is a mistake on that boat. You will notice a HUGE difference.

So the guy CHEAPED OUT when he needed to repower. To go from a 7.4 Bravo 3 to a 5.7 Alpha one is a HUGE downgrade. And a 5.7 and an Alpha would be less expensive, for sure. Except that in order to change from a Bravo to an Alpha, he had to change EVERYTHING. So all the cost savings went into buy new transom shield stuff. So the owner is cheap, but not real smart.

BUYER BEWARE.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Regal 252

I don't think the OP's refering to a repower. I think he's talking about his old boat compared to this new one.

My bet, you'll see a difference. Enough for you to walk away - that's up to you. Only way to tell is a sea trial.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Regal 252

I see what you mean Jon. I still say that an Alpha on that size boat is a mistake.

 

[Philster]

Re: Regal 252

With those boats of that size, I've decided to always dissuade people from considered the 5.7L engine. I just think it takes away far too much from the experience and it is barely passable with either the Alpha or Bravo.

They are a common configuration, but they are a common source of aggravation for many owners who wish they had more power. Since the odds are so good that the new owner will want something more than a 5.7, I just advise against getting anything less than a BBC.

Sometimes there is enough wiggle room when all things are considered to have me veto myself (B3 drive), but I'd rather everyone just protest the use of the 5.7L engine in these applications.

 

[oops!]

Re: Regal 252

a 5.7 and an alpha package is the bare minimum for a 25 footer.

yes you winn notice a big difference between the b3 and the alpha....

the boat will be harder to control around the docks. and hole will be slower due the single wheel instead of the counter rotating duo.

as far as regal it self....i have built a 3060 that was sunk in salt.....big holes in the hull...

so i got very framilliar with the building procedures and the quality of the boats.....keep in mind that it was an 05 not a 94.

the regal finish of the bot ...including upholstery and hardawre was all mid grade parts....(high end for today standards)
i was very happy with the fit and finish.

the construction was also very good, (reguardless of finding a set of fiberglassing sizzors in the hull !)
the hull was 3/4 inch thick.....the transom and stringers were a compostie material, and very little wood was found in the boat.
even with a massive impact that tore both drives off, and created serious holes in the hull (4) the boat stayed afloat for several hours as the pumps tried to keep up.
an interesting note here.....the cg was called to save the vessel....they tried to fire up thier pumps and tow it to shore....however thier pumps did not work.....so they shut off the boats pumps,,,,,took the passengers aboard the cg vessel and watched her go down !

if the cgs pumps would have worked......the vessel would have been saved....the 4 bilge pumps were just not enough to keep up....but gave 3 hours of life to the strickened craft.

i did a full re fit on the boat......every system....every wire, nut, bolt, drive, motor, gauge, and canvass was re done. this includes the hull damage, gellcoat and bottom paint, gen set air conditioning, galley.
everything that was on the boat was re done

i like regals

 

[traderdavel]

Re: Regal 252

Thanks for the replies. I did mean my old boat had the 7.4 and the bravo 3.