2023 Regal LS9 Surf
At 29 feet length overall, the LS9 Surf is the largest model in Regal’s Surf series of watersports boats. Its displacement, a Yacht Certified passenger rating, and a 2,500-pound water ballast system alone virtually guarantee a sizable wave. Trim up the LS9 Surf’s Volvo Penta Forward Drive and you’ll mimic an additional 1,100 pounds of wave-making ballast. Switch that swell side to side using twin Surf Tabs installed at the transom. These also double as your trim tabs. Those latter two features also improve the everyday ride, with trim increasing top-end speed or compensating for load or conditions and Surf Tabs doubling as traditional trim tabs.
Surf variables are easily dialed in via Volvo Penta’s Water Sport Control integrated into the boat’s dual 12-inch-display Glass Dash. Tap icons to adjust speed, ballast and tabs, then save settings in individual rider presets. The Glass Dash is also where you can monitor all boat and engine vitals and, thanks to digital switching, activate everything from the RGB lighting to lowering the Power Hardtop, eliminating physical switches cluttering the dash.
Regal limits the interior bulk of the port and starboard sides to create one of the widest cockpits in this size range. Social-oriented helm and passenger backrests flip forward when it’s time to join in on cockpit conversation. Port and starboard couches flow into the Ultra Lounge, with backrests that likewise reposition for either cockpit or swim-platform focus. The mirror-image seating and center transom walk-over maintain access from bow to stern while naturally balancing the load. The near 3-foot-deep swim platform sits at water level, making it easy to get in and out of the boat.
When not cranking out waves, the LS9 Surf proves one sporty bowrider. Forward Drive not only repositions propellers to the front of the drive for safety, but it also shifts the pivot point of the hull, making the boat feel like it responds directly below the driver. The FasTrac hull also generates more speed with less horsepower and increases fuel efficiency. We burned 12 gph at 28 mph and averaged a top speed of 46.5 mph (with a one-way top speed of 47.5 mph).
High Points
- Standard power hardtop lowers for bridges and provides run-in-the-rain protection.
- Standards include dual 12-inch helm displays, a bow thruster, a Power Platform swim step and a head.
- Underseat stowage for multiple boards.
How We Tested
- Engine: Volvo Penta V8-380-CE
- Drive/Props: Volvo Penta Forward Drive/Volvo Penta K4 propset
- Gear Ratio: 2.32:1 Fuel Load: 108 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | Not available (at press time) |
| LOA: | 28’11” |
| Draft (max): | 3’11” |
| Dry Weight: | 7,600 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 108 gal. |
Regal Boats – Orlando, Florida; 800-US-Regal; regalboats.com
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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-regal-ls9-surf-bbg/
