Reg 26 vs CC 25

[Parapapam]

OK gang, I know this is a strange comparison and I also know that these two boats are fundamentally different. But I would like to get everyone’s opinion on a Regulator 26 FS vs a Carolina Classic 25.

Ultimately I would have to decide on the basic trade off of a cuddy cabin vs. a CC…. In my family, this translates into passenger space of a CC (my preference) vs. warmth of the enclosed bridge (my wife’s preference)…

But in the mean time I would like to compare a few of the more esoteric areas of these two hard core rough water mini-battle wagons.

If you have first hand experience, please compare the two boats on:

1. Rough water handling
2. Fuel efficiency
3. Fish-ability
4. Range
5. Overall cost of ownership (yearly expenses since they are both in the same ballpark in price on the used market)

This is a future planning exercise for me unless someone wants to trade my Reg 23 for a newer model, less hours, better electronics version of either of these boats above…

Mike

[Holy Smoke]

Here is something to consider, If its too rough to fish in your 23 regulator,its going to
be to rough to fish the 26 Regulator or Carolina Classic 99% of the time.

[Sleeper]

Mike-

Questions #2 and 4 depend on power options which the CC25 has several to choose from. Stern drive gas or diesel, straight inboard gas or diesel (CC no longer make a stern drive 25). The diesel boats have tremendous range. The inboard boats are significantly slower than the stern drive versions. There are several CC 25's for sale on the CC owner's forum, someone may want to trade. A 23 Regulator is a good trade to have.

[Parapapam]

Thanks guys....

On short trips, my 23 can cetainly hadle anything these two boasts can handle... but when you are running
140 miles round trip, then the bigger boats make a long run much more comfortable... not safer, but more
comfortable.

Sleeper, I would prefer a "faster" and more fuel effieceint diesel... I guees I'll have to spend some time on
the CC user group forum (that I'd get in trouble spelling out here) and then ride in one.... Thanks for the assistance
though. This is a long term idea for me. I am not going to make any big changes in the short term.

Mike

[Nomans]

I sold my 23 Regulator back in 1999 and bought a 25 CC with a Yanmar Diesel and sterndrive. Having spent many hours on 26 Regulators, I have a fair amount of direct experience with these three boats in the same waters as you run your boat.

My view is that the 23 Regulator has just as good a ride as the 25 CC in rough water. The big difference is that you will always be dry and warm on the CC25 and your passengers especially will be much more comfortable. As one of the earlier posts noted, there would not be many days when the CC25 would allow you to go out when you would not have gone with your 23 Regulator.

What a 26 Regulator gets you versus either the 23 Regulator (with a single) or the CC25 is speed. You will be able to maintain a considerably higher cruise speed. Again you will have the center console versus express trade-off on comfort.

So I think the real choice is between the express and the center console style and between a boat that can maintain a decent cruise speed in 3 foot seas versus one that can maintain a pretty fast cruise in 3 foot seas (26 Reg).

I think you would find the cruise speed of a CC25 straight inboard disappointing after the 23 Regulator. By contrast a jackshaft/IO version will post similar numbers to a 23 Regulator with a single 250. I had a 300 hp (now called 315) Yanmar Diesel and could cruise at 29 kts but that is the fastest Diesel CC25 model ever built. The range was so great that I only filled my tank all the way to run down to Block Canyon and even then had lots left when I returned. I would not get that setup, however, because the Mercury Bravo III outdrives self-destruct with regularity due to the torque of the Diesel. The Volvo ones are fine but slower. Not sure when the factory stopped building the jackshaft 25 but if you could find one with a Volvo D4-260 and a Duoprop, that would be the ticket for speed, efficiency, and range. But they may have stopped building jackshaft versions before the introduction of the D4 series motors. A KAMD 300 would be okay too and I know there are lots of those around used.


The gas jackshaft boats are a little faster still but burn tons of fuel.

The market is so weak you might find a good deal on a 28 Carolina Classic, which would be a major uptick in ride quality and comfort.

[bluefinblues]

I've been considering both of these boats for a while as well. I just bought a smaller, older boat for now but long term will be considering a cc 25. I know there are no "perfect" boats for all conditions but have always thought a cc 25 with a walkaround doghouse would be about perfect for Cape waters and long runs to the canyons once in a while. The boat would need to be chopped up a bit and you would lose some cabin but the trade off would be 360 degree fishability. I think the '07's were the last jackshafted cc's also. Nothing wrong with finding a solid mid '90's version and making these mods...even drop in a new engine at the same time (cummins 5.9 w/Konrad Sterndrive). Anyone have ideas of feasability and cost of this concept? And it's trailerable.

[bens2]

Parapapam - 3/27/2008 9:54 AM

OK gang, I know this is a strange comparison and I also know that these two boats are fundamentally different. But I would like to get everyone’s opinion on a Regulator 26 FS vs a Carolina Classic 25.

Ultimately I would have to decide on the basic trade off of a cuddy cabin vs. a CC…. In my family, this translates into passenger space of a CC (my preference) vs. warmth of the enclosed bridge (my wife’s preference)…

But in the mean time I would like to compare a few of the more esoteric areas of these two hard core rough water mini-battle wagons.

If you have first hand experience, please compare the two boats on:

1. Rough water handling
2. Fuel efficiency
3. Fish-ability
4. Range
5. Overall cost of ownership (yearly expenses since they are both in the same ballpark in price on the used market)

This is a future planning exercise for me unless someone wants to trade my Reg 23 for a newer model, less hours, better electronics version of either of these boats above…

Mike

Both are wonderful boats built within a few miles of each other....

I own a 26 Reg and looked carefully at a 25CC diesel inboard even to the point of having a test ride in the Albemarle sound with Mac Privott himself. It was a nasty day with winds to 15 to 20 kts.

Cuddy vs center.......you decide.

Both are great for trolling but Regulator wins for fish storage and livewell. Classic wins for gear storage. This is probably one of the biggest weaknesses for the Classic IMO.

Are you comfortable way offshore with one engine or two? Both can have fuel or electrical issues (new diesels are electronically controlled) and if you eat a rope on the Classic you are going for a swim to fix it....if you can.

Maintenance...it is probablycheaper to maintain a single diesel vs twin outboards per year. Costs me about 200 to 250dollars per 100 hrs of twin outboard engine service...oil/oil filter/ fuel filter/water separator/ gear lube with me doing the labor.

Regulator may be a more versatile platform depending on how you fish but I would rather be taking water over the bow in a Classic.

Shallow water......Regulator

Fuel efficiency...hands down the diesel Classic. Gas.....probably very close with the inboard configuration. My best cruise and efficiency is around 30 kts and 1.7 or 1.8 mpg with Powertech 4 blades and twin Yamaha 250 4strokes. 6 kt troll maybe 2.0 to 2.5 mpg.

Cruise speed...Regulator 25 to 32 kts. Diesel Classic Inboard....25 to 27 ktsis probably about right. If you get in the mood to run in fast Reg can make 50 mph fully loaded with fuel and people and make 1.5 mpg.

Easier to deal with in the winter if you fish all year round...a pair of outboards...unless you have access to electricity and an engine room heater.

Manueverability around the dock...twin outboards. This is overrated IMO as most of your time around the dock is very small in the overall picture and yes the inboard Classic is easily put on the trailer.

Both are legally trailerable in most states 8' 6" beam and heavy requiring a 3/4 or 1 ton truck to tow.

Ride quality. I believe this has to go to Regulator at least partly because with the Classic you are sitting farther forward at the helm. However I think the Regulator just rides better anyway.

Factory service and support....Carolina Classic. Although my own experiences with Regulator have been good stories abound about the Privotts helping Classic owners who have purchased their boats second or third hand and that cannot be overstated.

I love the Carolina Classics but ultimately went with the Regulator and there are some days when I wish I had a cabin and could sit at the helm. Most days I'm happy with my choice.

Ben

[Parapapam]

Great replies Guys!!!!

Thanks a ton. It gives me a lot to think about....

Mike