28 cruiser yacht

Articles and Guides

Regal 28 Express Review, An Elegant and Robust Pocket Sports Cruiser

January 31, 2024 by samantha wilson.

The first Regal 28 Express was launched by the U.S. brand Regal in 2012 to great acclaim. In a competitive express cruiser market, it managed to do things a bit differently while retaining the classic, angular styling beloved of sport cruisers.

Fast forward to the mid-2020s and family-run Regal is still manufacturing the 28 Express thanks to its unabated popularity. It manages to be good looking and elegant, as well as highly practical and decidedly robust all at the same time. It’s perhaps this balance that is the key to its success. The very competitive price certainly helps too.

Designed for a comfortable weekend getaway, the 28 Express is packed with features and amenities you’d expect on a much larger model including a head with 6-foot standing room, queen-sized berth, and well-equipped galley. On deck, the rear lounge has four different seating configurations ranging from dining area to expansive sun loungers.

Over 20 years of tweaks and adaptations of this hugely popular model Regal has created a tough, speedy, and practical sport cruiser that is bursting with accessories and high-end appliances. And it most certainly turns heads.

Regal 28 Express. Regal Boats photo.

Regal 28 Express Key Features

The Regal 28 Express packs the features into its classically styled sport cruiser body. It begins with a roomy swim platform and sun pad, and continues on deck to the lounge seating area which can be changed into four different configurations, as well as a deck refreshment area. The cockpit has seating for two and a simple yet elegant dashboard complete with dual 9” Garmin displays.

The interior is spacious, with the largest head in its class, and a galley that features an electric burner, refrigerator, microwave, and sink. There is a full queen-sized bed in the mid-cabin, and a lounge dinette which converts to sleeping for two more people.

Regal’s current 28 Express is highly customizable, and that includes a choice of six engines (Volvo and MerCruiser) including the Volvo V8 380 EVC2 DP CAT. Choose everything from the color of the hull and bootstripe to the countertop finish, deck accessories, flooring choices, entertainment and navigation extras, or choose a fiberglass tower and air conditioning.

Interior cabin of Regal 28 Express. Regal Boats photo.

Regal 28 Express Performance

The handling of the Regal 28 Express is pleasantly responsive, and it offers a comfortable feel even in bigger seas. With a 15-degree bow rise, visibility from the cockpit is good even on acceleration, and it planes comfortably. Depending on the engine installed, testers have found max speeds up to 35 knots at 5000rpm and 1.5+ mpg, but a more realistic cruising speed to expect is in the mid-20s.

The Regal 28 Express has a versatile layout and seating. Regal Boats photo.

Regal 28 Express Why Buy It

New models are highly customizable
Packed with amenities, storage, and features you’d expect on a much larger cruiser
Lounge seating can be converted into four different positions
Spacious interior with accommodation for four and a large head
Queen-sized berth in mid-cabin
Tower can be lowered at the touch of a button
Buying Used? Check specifications and extras closely as all models were customizable. For other tips when buying used, read our Boat Inspection Checklist

There are well thought out amenities and comforts on the Regal 28 Express. Regal Boats photo.

Regal 28 Express Technical Specifications

Length: 28' 9"
Beam: 8' 6"
Max people capacity: 8
Max horsepower: 380 hp
Fuel capacity: 73 gallons
Fuel type: Gas/petrol
Deadrise at transom: 18 degrees
Approx weight with standard engine: 7700 lbs
Hull material: Fiberglass

Check out all the Regal boats for sale

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.