Regal V Fletcher

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Warpa

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Always on the lookout for my upgrade i looked over a Regal at the moorings im at, looked a very good piece of kit and had the stepped hull to increase performance. This one was fitted with the volvo penta unit. It also had side mirrors built in which i thought was a very handy feature.


regalcuddy.jpg




How would a regal 1950 stack up against a fletcher 1950 or is it all down to layout preferance?

fletchegts.jpg
 
I wouldnt read too much into the increase performance on the Regal due to the stepped hull, but they are well built boats. Not up with Chaparral, but in the higher league. You need to watch where the rollers are placed on the trailer if you have rollers-in the wrong place and the boat can sort of get stuck on the rollers when launching on the step! The mirrors are supposed to be for watching the skier, but a big rear view mirror works better- and you should have a crew with you watching the tow while you drive anyway.
3 litre might just about do on 19ft, but 4.3 would be better. You wont need 5.00, but hey, you can have too much power.
5.7l will be bonkers.
Personally, I prefer the Regal, but then its going to be your boat!
 
Thought about it more, my choice would be the Fletcher. think you could get more social support with a fletcher, parts should be easy to get hold off, plus people say there are very good sea going boats.
 
You really need to go and have a look at both boats and see which one you prefer. For me (obviously) I prefer the layout of the Fletcher, as the rear seats have in-fill cushions to make a sunpad. The Regal has a permanent sunpad that takes up an awful lot of space:

19132400_5.JPG


On the Fletcher there is an in-fill that replaces the table and makes a huge lounging area that you are not going to roll off into the sea from:

ASH303


Have a look at this thread to see some of the differences between Volvo and Mercuiser (and why a Mercruiser drive is cheaper to maintain :D)

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244104
 
I do still prefer the layout of the fletcher, just was curious as i dont see any regals around here (that i have noticed) I am more than happy with my mercruiser setup and if the 5.7L came up at the right price i think i would have to give it a go:eek: though the 4.3 would be ideal.
I have the 3L and would say that would be too low powered for a boat that size, in my 17' with 5 adults and gear i notice the extra effort to get it on the plane.
 
Warpa said:
Always on the lookout for my upgrade i looked over a Regal at the moorings im at, looked a very good piece of kit and had the stepped hull to increase performance. This one was fitted with the volvo penta unit. It also had side mirrors built in which i thought was a very handy feature.


regalcuddy.jpg




How would a regal 1950 stack up against a fletcher 1950 or is it all down to layout preferance?

fletchegts.jpg
Click to expand...

The Regal is a very good boat! Surprised Brendan has not be on - he has tested them to max!!!

Fletcher went through a transition period and I don't think for the good. The word Panther springs to mind. However, there is a new company that now produces the Fletcher from the original moulds which are great. Check out Atlas Marine who now deal in Fletcher.

http://www.atlas-marine.co.uk/fletcher/

Alternatively - look at Sea Ray
 
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We have owned both in our family, so a few thoughts.

The Regal will have a better fit out, seats and fittings feel more luxurious. Sunpad is great on a nice day but as mentioned takes up a huge amout of room on a boat of that size. It will seat 5 people and the cuddy has a decent sized bed. Don't be fooled by the mirrors and stepped hull, they both look great but don't work! (Hull needs to be doing 60kts+ to work) It has a wider hull than the Fletcher and a decent deadrise for good seakeeping. Standard engine was 4.3L with a few 5.0L around.

Fletcher is a bit more basic, but has some good features. Its more of a pocket cruiser with porta potti, sink and cooker. It has a self draining cockpit and removable carpets (essential for watersports IMHO). Seating, infills and tables are well thought out and the cuddy is the biggest in class. Back up and owners are good and all parts are still available from Fletcher. Build and quality control is sketchy, quite a few boats around with either very light or very heavy layups. Engine choice is mainly 3.0L but a few 4.3L and oil burners around. I prefer the 4.3L but they carry a price premium and are a bit arse heavy. One small advantage is the sunpad which allows you to sleep 2+2, all be it in very cramped and basic conditions.

There's very little to choose between them, buy the one you (and SWIMBO) like. Look at condition rather than age, especially with the Fletcher. One last thing, Fletchers sell really well, great when selling, but a don't expect a great deal when buying.
 
does the sunpad really take up so much room? Doesnt it have a bench seat in front of it.. and something has to cover the engine bay!
Anyway, wont there will be a review on youtube of the Regal, being a USA boat.. Good Ol' Cap'n Bob, probably !
 
You can see from the pictures I posted, that where the sunpad is on the Regal, you have the rear seats on the Fletcher. With the in-fill you get a large sunpad on the Fletcher, so you get to choose the layout. You also have large storage bins underneath the side seats.

This is possible because the Fletcher is a taller boat and the engine lives under the rear seats.
 
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