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 is Regal's answer to a question the market has been asking for five years: can you build a legitimate overnight cruiser on an outboard platform without compromise. The answer is yes, but only if you're willing to rethink the layout. The single-level sole and convertible galley setup are the engineering decisions that make this boat work. The hull keeps it honest at cruise speeds, and the Yamaha 350s give you enough power to run offshore without feeling underpowered. Build quality is consistent with Regal's mid-tier offerings, which means solid but not bulletproof. The infusion hull construction keeps weight down, and the Deutsch connectors are a nice touch for long-term reliability.
This boat is for the owner who has run center consoles or large bowriders and wants overnighting capability without stepping into the inboard maintenance cycle. It is not for the buyer who wants a traditional express cruiser with a lower helm and separate salon. The 38 XO asks you to accept that outboards belong on a 39-foot yacht, and if you can make that mental shift, the rest of the package delivers. Families with kids will appreciate the aft stateroom layout. Couples will appreciate the range and draft. Solo operators will appreciate the joystick and bow thruster.
The resale market for outboard-powered yachts in this size range is still developing, but early indicators are positive. Yamaha reliability and the growing preference for outboards in South Florida and the Bahamas should support values better than comparable inboard models. Maintenance costs will run 30 to 40 percent lower than sterndrive or inboard equivalents over a five-year ownership period. Expect to budget $8,000 to $12,000 annually for routine service, bottom paint, and systems maintenance if you're keeping the boat in the water year-round. The generator and AC systems are the most common service items after the engines..
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.