March 15, 2026
Regal 38 XO Review: The Outboard Sport Yacht That Rewrites the Rules
Regal's 38 XO redefines the express cruiser: a two-stateroom, single-level layout with triple Yamaha outboards that delivers a 230-mile rang…
Read the articleRegal 38 XO
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 39' 3" |
| Beam | 11' 11" |
| Draft | 26" (drives up) / 38" (drives down) |
| Displacement | 22,000 lbs |
| Engines | Triple Yamaha F300 (900 hp) or triple Yamaha F350 (1,050 hp) outboards |
| Fuel Capacity | 360 US gallons |
| Water Capacity | 55 US gallons |
| Cabins / Heads | 2 cabins (forward Olympic Queen, aft twins convertible to King); 1 head with walk-in shower |
| Max Speed | 53.4 mph @ 6,050 RPM (triple Yamaha F350) |
| Cruise Speed | 33.0 mph @ 4,000 RPM (best economy, triple Yamaha F350) |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Regal. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 11, 2026.
Part of the Regal XO series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Triple outboard configuration delivers a 53.4 mph top speed and a 230-mile range while maintaining a 26-inch draft with drives up, accessing water most 38-footers cannot reach
- Single-level cockpit sole with drop-down salon window creates 20 feet of continuous entertaining space from helm to transom, eliminating the typical express cruiser step-down barrier
- Two full staterooms with privacy doors and walk-in shower outclass competitors like Sea Ray Sundancer 350 and Formula 380 SSC in overnight accommodations without sacrificing cockpit space
Our Take
The 38 XO represents Regal's clearest thinking in the outboard express category. The vacuum-infused hull construction keeps weight down without sacrificing rigidity, and the running surface is explicitly designed for outboard thrust geometry. The Helm Master EX integration is seamless, the single-level cockpit sole actually works in practice, and the wraparound swim platform solves the access problem that kills most outboard transoms. Build quality is consistent with Regal's mid-tier positioning. This is not a Pershing, but it's not trying to be.
This boat is for the operator who runs 75-150 hours per year, splits time between offshore fishing and weekend cruising, and values serviceability over brand prestige. It is not for the buyer who wants a flybridge, needs crew quarters, or prioritizes top-end speed over range. The 38 XO works best in the hands of an experienced owner-operator who understands trim, sea state, and fuel management. If you're new to outboards or express boats, start smaller.
The resale market for outboard express cruisers in the 38-40 foot range remains strong because supply is limited and demand is growing. Regal's dealer network provides solid support, and Yamaha's service infrastructure is the best in the outboard segment. Maintenance costs are predictable and lower than comparable sterndrive platforms. The 38 XO will hold 60-70 percent of its value after five years if maintained properly. That's better than most express boats in this class and reflects real market demand for this configuration..
Watch Our Regal 38 XO Reviews
Official Regal Premiere: Inside the Regal 38 XO
Video courtesy of Regal.
Regal 38 XO Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Regal.
Regal 38 XO Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Regal 38 XO?
About 230 statute miles at its best-economy cruise of 33.0 mph, from a 360-gallon tank with a ten percent reserve and the 0.72 miles per gallon Regal records for the triple F350s. That is enough for Fort Lauderdale to Key West with margin to spare, and it puts a Bahamas crossing inside a single leg.
Why does the Regal 38 XO carry more fuel than the 38 Grande Coupe?
Because the outboards are on the transom rather than under the sole. The 38 XO carries 360 gallons against the 38 Grande Coupe's 260 on the same 11-foot-11-inch beam, and the difference is very close to the volume a sterndrive engine room would occupy. The same trade also gives the XO a full-height lazarette and puts routine engine service at the transom.
How fast is the Regal 38 XO?
On triple Yamaha F350 outboards, Regal's performance test report records 53.4 mph at 6,050 RPM, with best economy at 33.0 mph at 4,000 RPM burning 45.6 gallons an hour. On the base triple Yamaha F300 package the boat reaches 49.3 mph. That makes the 38 XO the second-fastest Regal we review, behind only the 50 SAV.
How many cabins does the Regal 38 XO have?
Two, both behind solid privacy doors rather than curtains. Forward there is a centreline Olympic queen with storage beneath; aft there is a king that converts to twins, with walk-around space and an upholstered settee. There is one head, with a walk-in shower. The cockpit sole is level with the salon floor, so there is no step between the two.