The Regulator XO Series: A Complete Guide to the Crossover

Where the XO Came From

For years, boaters faced a binary choice: a shallow-water bay boat that pounded through inlet chop, or a deep-V center console that could not sneak into the creeks. Pick one and live with the tradeoff.

Regulator Marine built its name on the deep-V side of that equation. Since 1988, every hull has delivered The Legendary Ride, a term that describes the specific feeling of a properly weighted, deep-V hull engaging a head sea. It is a feeling of confidence in the boat's ability to command the water rather than bouncing across it. For decades, the lineup was strictly offshore: 24-degree deadrise at the transom, high gunwales, and a singular focus on conquering the Atlantic.

But the market shifted. Owners wanted one boat that could fish the nearshore reefs in the morning and anchor at the sandbar with the family after lunch, without maintaining two hulls to do it. That demand created the crossover category.

Regulator did not rush in. The engineering team waited until the design could deliver shallow-water access without diluting The Legendary Ride. The result was the XO Series: the 24XO, 26XO, and 30XO. These are not bay boats that can occasionally run outside. They are offshore boats engineered to go inside.

The Hull: Lou Codega’s Variable Deadrise Design

The hull design of every Regulator, including the XO Series, comes from naval architect Lou Codega. For the offshore fleet (models 23 through 41), Codega uses a consistent 24-degree transom deadrise to slice through open-ocean swells. The XO Series required a different approach to hit its shallow-water targets.

How It Works

Codega employed a variable deadrise that changes from bow to stern:

• 24XO: 17-degree deadrise at the transom, designed for the crossover goal with a draft that opens up skinny water.
• 26XO: 17-degree deadrise at the transom.
• 30XO: 15-degree deadrise at the transom.

Those numbers might suggest a flat, punishing ride compared to the 24-degree offshore models. They do not tell the full story. The Legendary Ride is preserved through the hull’s forward sections, which feature a sharp entry angle at the cutwater. The bow slices cleanly through chop without the blunt impact of a typical skiff. As the hull moves aft, the deadrise transitions to the shallower angles.

That transition serves two purposes:

1. Stability at rest. A flatter aft section provides strong initial stability. When the boat is sitting still or drifting, common scenarios for sight-casting or bottom fishing, it resists rolling. Anglers can walk the gunwales without the boat tipping.
2. Shallow draft. The reduced deadrise generates more lift at the stern, keeping the boat higher in the water column. The 26XO floats in roughly 20.5 inches of water with the outboard up. The 30XO, despite its size, floats in just 21 inches. That kind of access was previously impossible in a boat built to this offshore standard.

Structural-Wood-Free Construction and the Grillage System

If the hull shape determines how the boat moves through water, the internal structure determines how it feels. Lighter bay boats often transmit a shudder through the deck on wave impact, a phenomenon called oil-canning, where fiberglass panels flex under load. Regulator eliminates this through Structural-Wood-Free Construction and a proprietary Grillage System.

The Build Process

Regulator does not use wood in the structural construction of any hull. The grillage is a single-piece molded fiberglass stringer system that gets chemically bonded to the hull while it is still in the mold. That timing matters. By bonding the structure before the hull is demolded, the hull retains its precise intended shape without relaxing or warping.

Once the grillage is bonded, the voids within the stringers are filled using the Structural Fiberglass System. The fiberglass grillage provides the strength; the fill acts as sound deadening and provides positive buoyancy. The cockpit liner bonds to the top of the grillage, creating a unibody structure where hull, stringers, and deck act as a single unit. No gaps. No mechanical fasteners to work loose. No distinct panels to vibrate independently.

Proof of Concept: The Queen Bee

In August 2008, a 26-foot Regulator was lost at sea off Nantucket. It drifted across the Atlantic for four years, subjected to relentless oceanic punishment, before washing ashore in Spain in 2012. The hull was intact. The grillage system held. That is the kind of structural validation that no test tank can replicate.

Intentional Displacement: Why Weight Is a Feature

In an industry that chases speed through weight reduction, Regulator remains unapologetically substantial. The Engineered Mass of an XO hull is not a penalty. It is a design choice.

A lighter boat may be faster on flat water, but it gets tossed by wind and waves. A heavier boat has more inertia, allowing it to push through seas rather than being pushed around by them.

• Solid glass below the waterline. Unlike other builders that use cored composites below the waterline to save weight, Regulator hulls are solid fiberglass from the waterline down. That places the heaviest material as low as possible.
• Low center of gravity. The grillage system and fuel tanks sit low in the hull, reducing the pendulum effect of rolling in a seaway.
• Momentum through the trough. When a Regulator XO meets a wave, its mass carries it through the trough for a softer landing. Owners describe the sensation as “mashing” the water rather than slapping it. Combined with structural rigidity, this creates the quiet, solid ride that defines the brand.

The Regulator 26XO: Big Boat Feel in a Trailerable Package

The 26XO proved the concept. It demonstrated that a center console could straddle the line between shallow bays and offshore ledges without giving up either one.

Key Specifications

Feature: Specification

LOA: 26 feet, 9 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 3 inches

Deadrise: 17 degrees

Draft (outboard up): 20.5 inches

Dry Weight (with single outboard): 7,270 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 107 gallons

Power: Single Yamaha XTO 450

Deck Layout

Regulator maximizes the 122 square feet of deck space for dual-purpose use.

Forward: Split seating with 292 quarts of gasketed dry storage per side. Remove the cushions and the area becomes a non-skid casting deck. A centerline in-deck locker holds trolling motor batteries or cast nets, keeping heavy items low and central.

Cockpit: Integrated flush-folding rear seats provide high-backed seating for three adults when deployed and disappear completely when folded, creating an unobstructed casting platform to the transom. Comfort for the cruise; utility for the bite.

Helm: The console offers real protection. The integrated vented wraparound windshield uses tempered glass, not acrylic, for superior optical clarity and spray protection. The vented design allows airflow on hot days, preventing back-draft.

Power and Performance

The 26XO runs a single white Yamaha outboard.

• Yamaha XTO 450: The standard power. A V8 outboard known for reliability. The 26XO pops onto plane quickly and reaches the low-50s in top speed. Cruise efficiency at around 4,000 RPM delivers approximately 1.94 MPG, extending the 107-gallon tank for long days of exploring.

On the water, the 26XO does not behave like a bay boat. In a 2-foot chop where a flat-bottom skiff would force the captain to throttle back, the 26XO maintains a high cruise. The sharp entry does the work. Stability at rest is exceptional; the boat does not get tippy when an angler moves from the helm to the gunwale, a direct benefit of the 17-degree transom and the 9-foot, 3-inch beam.

Fishing Features

• 32-gallon livewell in the leaning post/tackle center. Central location reduces weight-shift effects as water sloshes.
• Locking rod storage in the forward seating for expensive fly rods and spinning gear, protected from salt spray and theft.
• Trolling motor integration at the bow for a Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra or Garmin Force Kraken. Essential for sight-fishing, holding position over structure, or creeping along a marsh bank.

The Regulator 30XO: Category-Defying Capability

If the 26XO bridged the gap, the 30XO erased it. This is a boat with the footprint and capability of a serious offshore center console and the draft of a large bay boat.

Key Specifications

Feature: Specification

LOA: 30 feet, 7 inches

Beam: 10 feet, 2 inches

Deadrise: 15 degrees

Draft (outboards up): 21 inches

Dry Weight (with twin outboards): 9,525 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 222 gallons

Power: Twin Yamaha F350s

At nearly 10,000 pounds ready to fish, the 30XO carries more Intentional Displacement than many “offshore” boats from other builders. Combined with a 10-foot, 2-inch beam, the result is a platform of exceptional stability.

The 15-degree deadrise is relatively flat for a boat this size, but the ride does not suffer. The hull is long enough to bridge typical bay and sound wave periods, and heavy enough to push through chop rather than bounce over it. That variable deadrise allows the 30XO to access 21 inches of water, opening up shallow flats to a boat that can also comfortably run 50 miles offshore.

Twin-Outboard Redundancy

The 30XO comes standard with twin white Yamaha F350s. Twin-outboard redundancy is a critical differentiator for the offshore-minded buyer. Losing an outboard 40 miles from the inlet is an inconvenience with twins and a potential emergency with a single.

• Performance: The twin F350s push the 30XO past 62 mph. Optimal cruise sits around 3,500 RPM, delivering roughly 34 mph at 1.82 MPG. Combined with the 222-gallon tank, that gives a theoretical range exceeding 400 miles. Canyon runs are feasible.
• Shallow water access: Hydraulic jack plates allow the captain to lift the outboards vertically, keeping props in clean water while reducing draft for navigating tidal creeks or crossing shallow bars.

Stabilization Technology

The 30XO showcases two distinct systems:

Seakeeper Ride (standard): This is a Vessel Attitude Control System, not trim tabs. Rotary blades deployed from the transom make 100 adjustments per second based on sensor data. The system controls pitch and roll underway, countering wave motion in real time. If the boat starts to roll from a wave impact, the system instantly deploys the appropriate blade to create lift and level the hull. It eliminates slamming, keeps the bow down during hole shot, and corrects listing from uneven weight or wind. The result is dramatically reduced crew fatigue.

Seakeeper Gyro (optional): A heavy flywheel spinning in a vacuum that eliminates roll at rest or at slow trolling speeds. For drift fishing in a beam sea or anchoring at a rolly sandbar, the gyro locks the boat level. It transforms the experience for anyone prone to seasickness.

How the XO Compares to Other Builders

The crossover market includes strong entries from other builders. The comparison highlights Regulator’s distinct engineering approach.

Construction Philosophy

Other builders in this segment offer excellent hulls with their own proven designs. The Regulator difference comes down to the bonded grillage and Structural-Wood-Free Construction. Owners consistently describe the Regulator ride as “dampened,” meaning less vibration and noise transmission through the hull. Other boats in the category ride well, but they can feel lighter in comparison.

Design Priority

Some crossover models from other builders lean toward the family cruiser end of the spectrum, with features like fold-down hull sides for swim access. Regulator prioritizes structural gunwale integrity on the XO. The result is an enclosed, secure cockpit with high gunwales that provide real security in rough seas. The 30XO does not have a fold-down side panel; it has a robust transom walkthrough. This reflects a design priority closer to the sportfishing tool end of the spectrum.

Bay Boat Heritage vs. Offshore Heritage

Some builders in the crossover space scaled up from flats boat DNA, building bigger bay boats that can handle moderate offshore seas. Regulator took the opposite approach, scaling down from offshore DNA to create a shallow-draft offshore boat. The distinction matters most on the ride home. When the forecast of 2-to-3-foot seas turns into a solid 4-foot chop, the Regulator’s Intentional Displacement and sharp bow entry provide a level of safety and comfort that lighter, bay-boat-derived hulls cannot match.

Living with the XO: Real-World Applications

Inshore

Despite its size, the XO is effective in shallow water. Deploy the trolling motor and the boat creeps silently along the marsh edge. The stability of the 10-foot beam on the 30XO means two anglers can cast from the bow and one from the stern without the boat rocking, even when someone shifts weight suddenly.

Offshore

This is where the Regulator DNA shows. When seas build beyond the forecast, the captain trims the bow down (aided by Seakeeper Ride on the 30XO), lets the sharp entry do the work, and the Engineered Mass keeps the boat moving forward rather than getting knocked backward. The crew stays dry behind the tempered glass windshield. The Legendary Ride turns a potential ordeal into a manageable run.

Family Days

The forward seating with flip-up backrests creates a lounge area that rivals a bowrider. The stand-up head compartment is spacious, finished with gelcoat, and features a sink and electric head, making all-day outings with children or guests comfortable. An optional removable watersports tow bar turns the fishing platform into a tow boat for tubing or wakeboarding. The Fusion Apollo stereo with DSP keeps the soundtrack clear at the sandbar or at speed.

Systems and Reliability

True luxury in a boat is turning the key and having everything work.

Digital Switching

The XO Series features the MyHelm interface, integrated into the Garmin navigation displays. Digital switching replaces physical fuses and mechanical switches, reducing the wiring complexity that is a common failure point in saltwater boats. All systems, including lighting, pumps, and batteries, are controlled from the touchscreen.

Yamaha Helm Master EX

Available on the XO Series, Helm Master EX offers joystick control for docking, autopilot integration, and SetPoint functions that hold the boat’s position and heading automatically using the outboards. For a solo captain, it is a game-changer.

Build Quality Details

• All hardware is 316-grade stainless steel, through-bolted with elastic stop nuts.
• Optional diamond-quilted upholstery uses marine-grade vinyls and foams engineered to resist mildew and UV degradation.
• Bilges are finished with gelcoat for easy cleaning and instant leak detection.
• These details support the strong resale values that Regulator boats consistently command.

The Bottom Line

The Regulator 24XO, 26XO, and 30XO are not bay boats with high gunwales, and they are not offshore boats with shallow drafts bolted on as an afterthought. They are a distinct class of boat engineered to eliminate the compromise that has historically forced multi-environment anglers to pick a lane.

The combination of Lou Codega’s hull design, Structural-Wood-Free Construction, Intentional Displacement, and active stabilization from Seakeeper Ride delivers what Regulator set out to build: a boat with the safety and confidence of a blue-water hull and the access of a backcountry skiff.

For the owner, that translates to confidence. Confidence to head out the inlet when the flags are snapping. Freedom to explore a shallow creek without hesitation. And the satisfaction of owning a boat that is properly built, properly weighted, and engineered without shortcuts. On a Regulator XO, The Offshore Life is not about choosing between inshore and offshore. It is about doing both, and doing both well.

Specifications Comparison

Table 1: 26XO vs. 30XO

Specification: Regulator 26XO

Length Overall: 26 feet, 9 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 3 inches

Dry Weight: 7,270 pounds (single outboard)

Deadrise (transom): 17 degrees

Draft (outboard up): 20.5 inches

Draft (outboard down): Approximately 30 inches

Fuel Capacity: 107 gallons

Freshwater Capacity: 20 gallons

Max Horsepower: 450 HP (single)

Standard Power: Single Yamaha XTO 450 (white)

Total Storage: 800+ quarts

Livewell: 32 gallons

Table 2: Performance Data (Yamaha Power)

Model: Outboard Configuration

26XO: Single Yamaha XTO 450

30XO: Twin Yamaha F350

Performance data derived from Yamaha Performance Bulletins. Real-world results vary by load, seas, and bottom condition.