A Whole Lot of Buzz

There is a lot of buzz out there in the center console market comparing offshore center consoles with bay boats. For many boaters, the choice is obvious - offshore center console for the ocean or other big bodies of water, and bay boat for smaller bays, lakes, sounds, or other types of skinny water. 

But what about the in-between? That’s where the center console hybrid or crossover comes in. While serious offshore anglers and boaters may still call this a “bay boat,” center console hybrids are actually designed to do it all.

Before we get into the benefits of center console hybrid boats, let’s take a step back to the original categories - bay boats vs. offshore center consoles. Each has its benefits.  

Offshore Style Center Console 

• The Steeper the Deadrise (24 degrees in Regulator's case), the better the ride in rough water.  

• More Freeboard! Freeboard, also known as the height of the vessel’s hull above the waterline, delivers a deeper base. Many boaters feel more secure with greater freeboard.

• Extra weight. When you are looking to separate waves and crush offshore seas, you need the weight of a serious center console. In most cases, the heavier the boat, the better the ride, or as we say: there’s no replacement for displacement. This means that when your boat takes up more surface area, in addition to its weight and length overall - you have a better ride every time..

Bay Boat Style Center Console 

• Lighter and Faster, which can give you better performance and fuel economy in calmer seas.

• Less rocking. Bay Boats tend to drift with less rocking, creating a more stable platform to fish in rougher water and beam seas.

• Draws less water. This is a great feature for shallow or back water fishing.

• Different price range. With less building materials used in construction, the bay boat is often attainable at a lower price point, but of course engines and options come into play!

So what about the in-between?

A center console hybrid, also called a center console crossover. Basically - the best of both worlds.

How do you know if a center console hybrid is right for you? 

First, consider your geography, waterway and docking. 

How shallow is the water during both high tide and low tide in your marina or the location you dock?

Do you do most of your boating in a bay, sound, calm lake, or other inshore waterway - but also like to feel confident in rougher conditions and/or have access to offshore waters? Then a center console hybrid may be for you.

Regulator’s XO Series does a great job of highlighting the hot points of both the offshore and bay boat styles. The 24XO, 26XO and 30XO are amazing vessels for skinny water - plus they all ride great in rougher water.

Second, if you're an angler, think about how and where you fish. The XO Series can go into the flats and backcountry, and also offshore drift fish extremely well. 

Regulator XOs also have more available options. Dual power poles and more give you great ability to fish and boat in various waters and conditions - with plenty of power, weight and deadrise to make the most of rough conditions and offshore days.

Finally, consider the other amenities you need and how you like to use your boat. If you and your friends or family will be doing a lot of "beaching" the boat and day swimming in addition to fishing and cruising, then the XO might be the hull for you.

Regulator 28 Offshore vs. Regulator 30XO

As we start this very specific comparison, it’s worth taking a look at Regulator’s heritage.

Regulator boats were originally built for the offshore environment. Slice through any wave, handle confidently in any condition and always deliver an unbeatable ride - these are the tenets of the Regulator brand, and you see them come alive in the offshore and XO Series. 

So if you’ve already determined that Regulator is the brand for you, and you are considering Offshore vs. XO, let’s take a look at the options by comparing the Regulator 28 Offshore to the Regulator 30XO, which could be considered a bay boat but is actually designed for skinny waters with the capability to head offshore when the conditions are right.

Both the 28 and the 30XO have a similar starting price, are close in length, and are within 45 pounds of each other. But they offer slightly different experiences and benefits  - let’s take a look.

The Regulator 30XO has larger motors, allowing it to top out a few miles per hour quicker, but the Regulator 28 will handle the big waves like no other 28 on the water today.

As of the 2025 model year, the Regulator 30XO comes standard with twin F350 Yamaha’s, Twin Garmin 8616’s, white Powder Coated T-Top and a host of other features that many other brands charge extra for - plus you have a Seakeeper 1 Gyro and Seakeeper Ride among the available options. 

Having spent a few days on the 30XO - and countless years of my life on center consoles in Lake Erie, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, and well beyond - I can tell you that the Regulator 30XO is the real deal. It will handle rough water well and has more freeboard than other bay boats.  It is truly worth a ride to feel the difference of what I am talking about here. 

 

And now, on to the Regulator 28 Offshore…

The 28 had big shoes to fill! It replaced the legendary 26 that put Regulator on the map.  and quickly became the top selling model. It is a staple in the Regulator lineup and what we often call the heart of the line.  

Since Regulator produced the first 28 in 2011, they have built more 28s than any other boat in the lineup (besides the original 26). The Regulator 28 is fast, nimble, and can take on rough water with ease. This powerhouse also has a slew of standard features including White Powder Coating, Custom-built T-Top, Tackle Center and Seakeeper Ride! 

The 28 continually stands the test of time and is highly sought-after as both a new boat and within the used boat market. The transom walkthrough and tuna door makes it easier to enter and leave, plus land a larger fish. It also has a larger in-deck fish box - plus more height in the head than the XO Series.

Taking cues from the original and the modern, as well as its bigger and smaller siblings, the Regulator 28 is a true expression of what makes a Regulator a Regulator.  Performance, Fishability, Resale and that Legendary Ride. Just ride a 28 and see for yourself!

For more information on the Regulator 28, 30XO or any other model in the lineup, click the Boats or Boat Builder dropdowns - contact your local dealer to tour and trial!