2001 Regal 2960

[John12]

Hi,
I have a 2001 Regal 2960 on my shortlist.Powerd by T VP 5.0L Gi/SX(single Prop-250hp). Is this a good powerpackage for this model? What is speed and minimum rpm on plane?
(Six adults and full gas and fresh water--Flat lake, no wind, 250Lbs. gier)
The shower-sump-pump has accelent access! Where is the fresh waterpump located?(presserize watertank).
I believe,the gas-tank is aluminum and is good accessable.
Same aluminum tanks only last 7-8 years, due to poor installation?(contact with bilge water).Should I be concernd.
The engine hutch is manual and large.
Are there any waterleaks from the hull/deck joints? (Railings).Are the wheeping drainage holes(stringers)
in the bilge accessable, to keep them free of debris?
I can't remember. Any other potential issues
to watch out for?

If I am wrong, please correct me.

We like the layout, fit and finish on both levels very much.

I am boating on Lake Huron, Ontario/Canada.

Thanks.

John

 

[Patrick Griffin]

I have the 292 model, which is the same boat different model number, with the VP 5.0Gi and SX drives. It performs great with this package. I have had a top speed of 49mph, I have had it still plane at 13-14mph with full tabs and drives tucked in. I usually cruise at about 3300-3400 which gives me anywhere from 26-32 mph depending on what body of water I'm on, Lake, ocean, river. The boat will preform great with your load. I have planed with eleven on board.
Gas tanks are aluminum. I haven't had any issues with mine except a new sending unit in the starboard tank. Yes good access to shower sump. I just replaced mine. The water pump is up under the front berth on the left side. Access under berth is pretty good. It is not a pressurized system. Engine access is great with the lift out of two large hatches. I haven't had any leaks but my boat is covered all the time on a trailer. I have not seen any leaks at the rub rail when I wash the boat. The ports leak a little bit. Bilge access is good after removing a few items. My weep holes have never clogged but then I vacuumed all the construction debris out of the boat when I bought it. The only other issues are minor that would go wrong even if it wasn't a Regal.

We love the layout and haven't found a boat that has a better layout and performance. That's why I still have my nine year old boat. You can't go wrong with this boat as long as you find one that has been taken care of. Good luck.

 

[Shenanigans]

Hi John,

ShenaniganS is a 2000 2960 with the same power package you have, twin Volvo 5.0s, that always planes smoothly no matter how many we've had on board. I usually go to 3000 -- 3500 RPMs to initially plane, and generally keep on plane 25-30 MPH, but she does keep the plane down to about 15-18. I have had her at 43 just to see how she handles, which was awesome (except I lost my hat, darn it!), but I didn't want to push her, so I never went WOT.

The aluminum tanks have been flawless, and the fuel controls are well laid out and easy to operate. I don't see how they could come into contact with any water you may have in the bilge. If you had that much water down there, I would think you would have a bigger problem.

I have had to replace the shower pump once, which took a couple minutes. The water heater element went out, so I paid someone to do that. The sensor in the waste tank was giving me a false reading, so it had to be cleaned out once -- yeccckk! The thermostats in the refrigerators went bad, so I replaced those in a matter of a few minutes. Oh, and I had to replace the horn. The microwave, coffee pot, and stove still perform like new. I know its silly to mention those, but it's the little things that make boating enjoyable.

The generator is worth its weight in gold in the hot Florida sun when we want to cool off with the AC in the cabin, and I've never had any problem with it.

We do love the layout of the boat, especially the dining table seating. Regal has not put that on any other boat that I have found, and discontinued that for some reason in the current 3060 models.

One other thing, I learned how to pilot a twin engine on this boat. It makes it so easy; the controls are very responsive.

Happy boating!

 

[John12]

Thanks Patrick Griffin and ShenaniganS. Very nuch aprecciated.
I have a few questions.

Did you have a two-part epoxy barrier coat applied, to prevent blisters?
Did you have to replace the "Engine Control Module" or the "Ignition Module?
I read somewhere, cant remember, Modules have a life expectency of 5-6 Years. (Moisture, Vibration).

Thanks
John

 

[Patrick Griffin]

John,

Can't help you with the bottom paint issue as I trailer my boat and have not painted it yet. It is still nice shining gelcoat.
I still have my original control modules but then again my boat is on the trailer and I keep a golden rod in-between the engines while stored. I am pretty anal about taking care of my boat so I may not be a good reference for a boat that has been stored in the water all it's life.

As you can see, the boat is in excellent condition for a 9 year old boat. Good luck with your decision, you won't be disappointed if you buy the 2960.

 

[John12]

Patrick Griffin; Shenanigans:

Are your engines carborated or efi. 250hp or 270hp. If the are carborated, are they difficult to start with hot engines.

Thanks. John

 

[Patrick Griffin]

John,

I have the EFI engines. Mine are rated at 250hp each. They have been good as far as performance for me. Mine have not had any issues with starting cold or hot.