Regal 29 OBX

A bowrider made for big water.

by Craig Ritchie

Big, outboard-powered bowriders that offer generous seating capacity and open deck space, combined with a wave-taming hull and the ability to handle big power, have become especially popular on the Great Lakes, where day boating still respects the power of big water.

For those who like their boating flavored with a splash of luxury, Regal has just the answer in its astonishing 29 OBX.

Built on the company’s performance-proven FasTrac hull — which forces air under the hull to reduce drag and improve both top speed and fuel economy — the 29 OBX was designed with a focus on enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Twin doublewide stern seats with beautiful upholstery slide away at the push of a button to extend the cockpit floor space by 10 full inches. The seating in the bow is equally comfy and spacious, with a portside lounger, full-width bow seat and forward-facing seat to starboard. Amidship, both the doublewide, powered helm seat and the doublewide companion seat include full-width, flip-up bolsters.

The wraparound rear swim platform also speaks to the fact the 29 OBX was made for enjoying the water. Set low to the water for easy access, the platform includes a retractable stainless steel boarding ladder concealed under a neat lid on the port side. When it’s time to change out of wet swimwear, a spacious, enclosed, full-size head compartment — complete with overhead light, dark cherry cabinetry and a clear glass vessel sink — offers privacy and functionality. The standard chemical toilet can be upgraded to a silent flush electric head if desired.

While the 29 OBX comes with a long list of standard features, it also offers an enticing range of options, including luxuries like a gas grill, a cockpit refrigerator, a bow thruster, a hardtop and a Power Tower for those who enjoy watersports.

“With its shallow water capability, self-draining cockpit and the ease of flushing out saltwater that comes with outboard power, Regal’s 29 OBX is a perfect boat for summers on the Great Lakes and winters down south,” says Basa’s Marine’s Rich Gotlund.

With twin Yamaha F200s, the 29 OBX offers a legitimate top speed in excess of 50 mph. Throttle back to just under 30 mph and its 148-gallon fuel capacity provides a range of more than 320 miles. That’s truly impressive for a 29-foot boat.