REGENCY 254 DL3

August 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

A plush layout, smart and user-friendly innovations, as well as multi-use features are the focal point on this REGENCY.

Breakdown

At the elevated helm platform is a very attractive dash console that is centered around a Lowrance GPS/Depthfinder with easy-to-read multi-function Mercury SmartCraft gauges on each side. Below on the right of the dash are lighted switches and on the left is a Kenwood stereo remote with the actual stereo unit (that is Bluetooth capable) nicely protected under the helm that is easily accessible by using the side helm door. The dealer-provided optional PTM Edge mirror really helps the driver keep an eye out for other boats as well as those being pulled on water toys.

Behind the helm chair is a small galley area that includes plenty of counter space, another 12-volt outlet with courtesy lighting and a faucet and sink. The faucet actually doubles as a wash-down sprayer with a limited range, which we feel is perfect for keeping sand out of the boat. Below the entertainment center is some added storage, plus an integrated paper towel holder.

And now we’re really getting to the good part: the double-wide rear-facing lounge near the stern. There is plenty of room to get comfy and below we found an easy-to-use pop-up changing room with a unique mechanism that allows the curtain to stand nearly 6 feet tall when open. There is even a little flip-up bench inside, which is a great added touch.

Just outside the stern gate is a small area that gives you just enough room on the Infinity Seagrass flooring to towel off before coming aboard. (The majority of the boat is covered with sculpted marine-grade carpet) Also in the stern area is a tall ski/tow pylon and a four-step boarding ladder that drops over 4 feet below the deck for easy access.

One of our favorite new features is the QuickLift deployment system for the 11-foot Bimini top. Not only is it easy to use, but for most it’s a one-person job that can be done all by yourself. Also new is the lighted in-floor storage compartment that includes an automatic bilge pump.

Inspection

New for 2016, the three 26-inch diameter performance logs with lifting strakes and wave deflectors are powder coated. The multi-chambered tubes feature internal bracing for additional strength and the one-piece, full-length extruded M-bracket provides maximum floor support. Also, the 7-ply pressure-treated deck is secured to Z-bars with coated TEK deck fasteners. Up top, the rail height ranges from nearly 26 inches tall in the bow to an impressive family-friendly height of 29 inches for the majority of the boat. Overall our inspection crew gave this pontoon high marks for quality fit and finish work as well as for its safe design.

Handling

When you can go from zero to 20 miles per hour in less than five seconds, that says a lot about the boat’s performance. Thanks to the Mercury 300 Verado Pro and the performance logs, we reached a top speed of well over 40 mph and because it was so easy to steer it really was a lot of fun to drive.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those pontoons where we ran out of space and couldn’t expand on all the unique and innovative features we wanted to like the locking seat storage compartments, bumper storage in the armrest, well placed cupholders, etc. Just trust us when we tell you this REGENCY has a lot to offer.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 12

Maximum Speed 44.4 mph

Wild Ponies 300 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.96 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ 4” deep

Why we love this boat…While the loungers are high on our list, it’s features like the QuickLift Bimini frame and multi-use amenities that we love the most.

Just being picky…There are three shallow storage trays next to the L-shaped rear bench that don’t seem very practical, but we love the rest of the storage compartments.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

"It’s a great value for the price and I like the lounge and changing area the most."

"I love the powder-coated ‘toons, rear lounger and storage. It hits a good speed with a smooth ride."

NOTABLE STANDARDS

New lighted in-floor storage w/ automatic bilge pump, new fencing design w/ built-in Rail-Lock system for optional mooring cover, 3 powder-coated performance pontoon logs w/ lifting strakes and wave deflectors, 11-foot color-keyed Bimini top w/ new QuickLift deployment system, LED lights and storage pockets, deluxe helm station w/ illuminated switches and gauges, pop-up changing room w/ bench and storage below, in-console AM/FM Bluetooth-capable stereo w/ dash remote, refreshment center w/ sink, pull-out sprayer and 13.5 gal. freshwater tank, full-width swim platform w/ padded non-skid surface and fold-down boarding ladder and 7-ply pressure-treated deck w/ limited lifetime warranty.