Regal 38 XO

The Regal 38 XO is a 38-foot triple-outboard sport cruiser that bridges Regal's luxury cruiser line and its outboard express boats. Triple Yamaha outboards — 300s or 350s — push it to a roughly 49–53 mph top end while two private cabins, a full galley, and an enclosed head with separate shower give it genuine two-couple or family overnight capability. The extended swim platform wraps the engines for easy boarding, and the enclosable helm lets owners run climate-controlled in changing weather or open it up for true outdoor boating. Its main compromise is running cost: three outboards and 360 gallons of fuel mean it drinks more than smaller hulls. Buyers choose it for the blend of sport-yacht comfort, outboard simplicity, and real accommodations without stepping up to an inboard.

From my experience, the Regal 38 XO is an excellent choice for couples or families of up to four who want the performance of an outboard-powered cruiser with a more substantial, yacht-like interior.

One of the biggest advantages of the 38 XO is its larger galley and expanded service area. The layout provides plenty of room for preparing meals, serving guests, and spending extended weekends aboard. While the convertible roof and opening windows allow the salon to feel open and connected to the outdoors, the boat maintains the comfort and protection of a more permanently enclosed coupe.

The bow is accessed along the side decks and offers a large forward sun pad and comfortable lounging area. Although it does not have the center walkthrough found on the 36 XO, the 38 provides noticeably more interior space, storage, and galley functionality.

With available Seakeeper stabilization, generator power, strong outboard performance, and an impressive amount of storage, the 38 XO is well equipped for longer days on the water and comfortable weekend getaways.

In my opinion, this model is best suited for buyers who want a premium coupe-style cruiser with the power and serviceability of outboards, but who also want a more refined interior, greater entertaining capacity, and the overall feel of a larger yacht.

Best suited for: Couples and small families looking for an outboard-powered luxury cruiser with an enclosed salon, expansive galley, substantial storage, strong performance, and comfortable weekend accommodations.

Intended use

Day boating, entertaining, and coastal/offshore Gulf and Intracoastal running, plus real weekend cruising for two couples or a family. It works as an all-weather cruiser you can enclose and air-condition, or an open sport boat for a day on the water — equally at home running out of Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale, or cruising the broader Florida and coastal markets.

Layout

An extended swim platform wraps the triple outboards for safe side-to-side boarding. Topside: a bow sunpad and forward seating, twin helm seats, and a wraparound cockpit lounge that converts for dining or sunning, under an enclosable hardtop. Belowdecks: two private cabins (a forward cabin and a mid-ship cabin with a large berth), a full galley, and an enclosed head with a separate shower — genuine overnight accommodation for four.

Who it suits

Buyers who want sport-yacht comfort and two-cabin overnight capability with the maintenance simplicity and shallow draft of outboard power. Families and cruising couples who use the boat often and want climate-controlled comfort without moving up to an inboard sport yacht.

Introduced by Regal at the Miami International Boat Show as an outboard-powered sport yacht bridging their inboard cruiser line and outboard express boats. Offered with triple Yamaha 4.2L F300 or 5.3L F350 outboards — a crossover class of its own, delivering sport-yacht accommodations on an outboard platform. Later model years brought refinements in layout, electronics, and platform. Current production.

Model year; engine package (triple 350 commands a premium); engine hours; service history; generator; joystick control; Seakeeper; electronics generation; upholstery condition; survey result; storage and hurricane exposure; location; documentation completeness. Florida in-market hulls with clean records and desirable propulsion trade faster and closer to asking.

Areas buyers should inspect carefully:

• Outboard hours vs documented service across all three engines
• Hull gelcoat and any repair history
• Electronics generation and full functionality
• Steering, rigging, and joystick operation
• Generator function where equipped
• Air conditioning and climate system
• Upholstery condition
• Verification that listed options (generator, joystick, Seakeeper where fitted) are actually installed and working

Sea trial should confirm hole-shot, bow rise control via trim, top-end vs published numbers, and tracking at cruise.

Request full service records for all three engines. Compare engine packages — triple 300 vs triple 350; the 350s command a premium and deliver higher top-end and better resale. Weigh engine hours against maintenance quality. Options that materially move value: generator, joystick, upgraded electronics, Seakeeper. Survey and sea trial are strongly recommended on a triple-outboard boat. Consider geographic and storage history. Buyer representation matters on a boat with this much equipment variation.

Regal 36 XO — the next model down; the 38 adds a second cabin, full galley, and triple power, while the 36 offers lower running cost and a bow walkthrough. Boston Whaler 380 Realm — same triple-outboard sport-cruiser class; Regal leads on interior finish and value, Whaler on unsinkable-hull reputation and resale. Pursuit S 428 / Cobia offshore express class — outboard express overlap; Regal favors cruising comfort, the alternatives favor fishing pedigree.