Regal 38 Surf Reviewed in 2025

Surfing with the Regal 38 Surf

Surfing enthusiasts know that just because a boat is branded as a surf machine does not necessarily make it so. Many boatmakers focus more on accommodations and features than surfing capabilities, but this is not the case with the Regal Surf System.

While the boat is huge and loaded with awesome amenities, it’s also fantastic at surfing by wake customization.

The twin Volvo Penta forward-facing sterndrives are at the heart of the system. Everything is controlled by one of the two 22-inch touchscreens at the helm. Adjustability and optimization for each surfer is done quickly and clearly.

You can set it up for precise speed control and customize the size and shape of the wave you want. The second and third swells are equally ridable, making a foil board even more fun.

Professional riders praise the large and predictable wave that a boat this size makes, noting that it’s exceptionally easy for beginners and provides plenty of power for advanced jumps and tricks. On a boat that’s so much bigger than other ski & wake boats, it does this as well, if not better, than most.

Entertaining Onboard the Regal 38 Surf

The 38 Surf is built on the much-loved Regal 38 SAV (Sports Activity Vessel) hull. These boats take the amazingly versatile outboard-powered center console and add all the onboard amenities and social spaces. The result is a boat capable of about everything—but it truly excels at long days of playing in the water with lots of friends and family.

The Surf version converts the SAV from outboard to Volvo Penta forward-face sterndrive power.

There are effectively three social areas on the 38 Surf, but Regal manages the onboard flow so that the whole boat comes together beautifully. The forward bow is a spacious lounge area connected to the rest of the boat by a wide and safe walk-through to port.

The helm area features four bucket sets, the outermost two of which can swivel to face aft. When not in use, all four chairs fold into tables.

The boat’s center features a large island refreshment center or prep galley. It comes with two refrigerators, a sink, and an electric grill. The central location means the chef is right in the center of the action.

Behind the galley is an aft-facing bench with storage below. Aft of that is Regal’s unique Ultralounge, a three-position sun pad. With the push of a button, this can be a sun pad, forward-facing bench, or aft-facing lounger.

The entire Ultralounge slides aft to increase space in the cockpit when at sandbar or anchor. Experiencing this makes one think the 38 Surf feels more like a plus-40-footer. It’s the beam and moveable furniture effect.

The interior cool-touch vinyl is completely customizable, with ample storage spaces under all seating. All-around RGBW LED lighting, including underwater lights, is controlled via the helm touchscreens.

You’ll find high-quality, smart yacht entertainment features throughout all these spaces that set the Regal apart.

The JL Audio system features hardtop, forward, rear, and swim platform speakers, and two sub-woofers for amazing sounds even while surfing. Controls can be found at helm, above the wet bar and in the bow lounge.

Overnighting on the Regal 38 Surf

A boat like the 38 Surf is clearly all about being out in the sun and waves for as long as possible. But the benefit of having a boat this size is the option of overnight boating. The 38 Surf has a forward v-berth and a queen-sized center cabin, allowing it to sleep up to four. The standing headroom in the main cabin area is over six feet. There’s also a full-appointed head and a walk-in shower.

Pretty impressive accommodations on a boat that can be trailered on a 3500-pounder (trailer).

One of the most clever features of these luxury cabins is how they’ve been set up for multiple uses. Both beds have settees built in that fold or convert with filler cushions to become bunks. This means the cabin is equally usable as an air-conditioned social space should it start raining or you just need a break from the sun or wind.

The accommodation includes a convenience center with a microwave, a flat-screen TV, and plenty of storage. While the cabin space is limited, it does make overnight boating possible and opens up longer trips, such as cruising down the Keys or crossing to The Bahamas.

Cruising Performance of the Regal 38 Surf

With its twin Volvo Penta drives, the 38 Surf is a smooth cruising boat that’s fun to surf and drive. We already mentioned the trim tabs and the digital controls that instantly adjust the experience. We watched this demonstrated and were left with the impression that this is an amazing thing for both the driver and the surfer.

At the helm, you’ll find easy-to-manage engine controls, a joystick controller for docking along with a bow thruster, those amazing trim tabs for cruising, and cameras that allow you to see the cockpit and the surfer in addition to directly ahead of the boat in the moments before planing for extra help at the dock on windy days.

We experienced the Seakeeper 6 in action, how normal waves in the Gulf of Mexico toss boats about, and how it stops with the push of a button. What’s also great is that this gyro stabilizer works when fishing, cruising, or surfing.

Volvo Penta efficiency is well-known in the boating world. The Twin Forward Facing engines are reliable and run clean, needing very little maintenance over the years. There is a 7-year Coast Express coverage that also offers extensive service for additional peace of mind.

A corrosion protection package has been developed to deal with the saltwater abuse that has previously made inboard motors of yesteryear a worry. That includes switching out cast-iron for aluminum and titanium with ceramic coatings that aren’t susceptible to rust.

Conclusion

Similar boats that offer the same setup include the Sea Ray SLX 400 or the Tiara 43 LE, but of course, these big luxury day boats need the surfing features that this one does.

At a starting price well under $900,000, the 38 Surf punches above its weight. It has comfort and performance in one of the most versatile 40-foot platforms we’ve seen. Throw in all the adjustability and this is an ideal upgrade for boaters looking for something bigger or for a platform that will please a lot of people all at once.

All in all, the Regal 38 Surf is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for the ultimate big-boat surf machine. The forward drive Penta twins are more silent than the outboard 38 SAV and offer performance benefit on their own.

The Regal 38 Surf is, indeed, one of the best power boats inside the 40-foot category for warm-weather boating.