18 Jul
The waterways of Ft. Lauderdale are unlike anywhere else in the world, a labyrinth of winding canals, sun-soaked sandbars, and open ocean all within reach. And in the middle of it all, there’s a boat that feels as though it was designed specifically for this lifestyle: the 2021 Regal 26 XO.
With its thoughtful design, contemporary styling, and smart performance, the 26 XO stands out as a versatile coastal cruiser. Whether you’re navigating the New River, anchoring near Lake Sylvia, or chasing the horizon into Biscayne Bay, this Regal adapts seamlessly. It’s elegant without being ostentatious, capable without compromising comfort, an ideal companion for the South Florida boating enthusiast who values both form and function.
Designed for the Way You Boat
The 2021 Regal 26 XO strikes a rare balance between luxury and practicality. Its 26-foot frame feels agile enough to slip through the Intracoastal with ease, while offering the presence and amenities of a larger express cruiser.
Regal’s signature hull design and attention to craftsmanship are apparent in every line and angle. The aggressive bow profile and sweeping shear give the 26 XO a bold, athletic look on the water, complemented by premium gelcoat finishes and stainless accents. At first glance, it’s clear this is not a mass-market dayboat, it’s a thoughtfully engineered vessel made for people who spend re al time on the water.
Powered by a single Yamaha 300 horsepower outboard, the 26 XO delivers smooth, confident performance. The outboard configuration offers the added benefits of shallow water capability, reduced maintenance, and quieter cruising, a perfect fit for navigating the variable depths of areas like Whiskey Creek or Dania Cut-Off Canal.
A Cockpit Built Around Connection
Step aboard, and the 26 XO immediately feels inviting. The cockpit is intelligently laid out to encourage social connection and relaxation. Whether you’re entertaining guests or sharing the water with close family, the modular transom seating adapts effortlessly to different activities.
The aft lounge converts from forward-facing bench to sunpad or rear-facing recliner depending on your needs. Beneath the seating, there’s ample dry storage for life jackets, coolers, and water toys, everything you need for a day anchored near Haulover or drifting along Hillsboro Inlet.
The cockpit table, with its teak-style finish, provides a natural space for lunch or sundowners. At night, subtle blue LED lighting adds an atmospheric glow that elevates the onboard experience without overpowering it.
Helm Features That Feel Instinctive
At the helm, Regal’s attention to detail is unmistakable. The command center is clean, uncluttered, and ergonomically designed. Digital gauges and Garmin multifunction displays give the captain full control and real-time information, whether you’re plotting a route to Boca Chita or checking depth near the mangroves of Oleta River State Park.
Comfort isn’t overlooked here either. The double-wide helm seat features a flip-up bolster for standing visibility, and the entire layout promotes a natural line of sight in all directions. Everything from the steering wheel to the throttle is placed exactly where it should be, making operation feel intuitive, even in tight quarters or shifting tides.
Below Deck: Your On-Water Escape
Where the 26 XO truly surprises is in the cabin. While it may look like a sleek day cruiser from above, below deck it reveals itself as a capable overnight vessel designed for real-world use.
The interior is bright and welcoming, with warm finishes and modern accents that make the space feel more like a boutique hotel than a compact cruiser. Natural light pours in from overhead hatches and side windows, keeping the space open and airy.
The V-berth converts from dinette to full sleeping area, offering room for two to comfortably spend the night on the hook or at a transient slip in Bahia Mar or Pier 66. There’s a galley equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and sink, ideal for quick breakfasts or evening snacks.
A fully enclosed head includes a flushing toilet, vanity, and shower. Thoughtfully designed and surprisingly spacious, it adds a layer of comfort that turns this cruiser into a true weekend retreat.
Built for Florida Waters
Few boats handle South Florida like the 2021 Regal 26 XO. From its draft-friendly hull to its fuel-efficient engine, everything is optimized for the kind of boating that defines life here.
Cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway? The 26 XO’s size and draft make it well-suited for navigating narrow channels and bridge clearances. Heading offshore for a quick run? The hull is confident in coastal conditions and the outboard power gives you the freedom to explore beyond the reefs.
The extended swim platform provides easy water access for swimming, snorkeling, or boarding a tender. An integrated ladder and freshwater shower add practical touches that make time in and out of the water seamless.
This is a boat that doesn’t just survive Florida, it thrives in it.
Storage That Works for You
Boaters in Ft. Lauderdale often carry a little more onboard, extra gear for the sandbar, dive equipment for a stop at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or provisions for a sunset cruise past Millionaire’s Row. The 26 XO is ready.
Storage compartments are well-placed and plentiful, from under-seat lockers to dedicated anchor and fender spaces. Even the cabin includes overhead cabinetry and stowaway nooks designed for practicality. It’s all the capacity you need without sacrificing clean lines or usable space.
A Quiet Luxury
There’s a quiet confidence to the 26 XO. It doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it invites you in with its elegant detailing, smart layout, and premium finish. It’s a boat for people who know what they’re looking for, those who want to move through the water with both comfort and purpose.
Its beauty is more than skin deep. Regal has invested decades into refining their approach, and the 2021 model benefits from that legacy. The result is a vessel that delivers not only on performance, but also on presence, comfort, and longevity.
Thoughtful Touches Everywhere
Throughout the 26 XO, you’ll notice features that elevate the experience without feeling excessive. Fusion Bluetooth audio with multi-zone control ensures your soundtrack flows from cockpit to cabin. Stainless steel hardware, flush-mount cleats, and fiberglass components are built to withstand Florida’s harsh marine environment.
LED accent lighting sets the mood as the sun dips low over the western horizon, and a full canvas enclosure keeps you dry and comfortable should a sudden summer storm roll in.
Even the little things, USB ports, cup holders, grab rails, are placed exactly where they’re needed. It’s these details that transform time on the water from enjoyable to effortless.
Crafted for Your Next Chapter
What does boating mean to you? For some, it’s a way to decompress. For others, it’s about discovery, connection, and making memories with the people who matter most. However you define it, the 2021 Regal 26 XO is ready to be part of the journey.
From sunrise departures through Port Everglades to lazy afternoons anchored at Lake Boca, this boat doesn’t just take you to beautiful places, it helps you slow down, settle in, and appreciate the beauty already around you.
It’s a vessel for those who value balance. For those who don’t want to compromise between function and style, comfort and performance, simplicity and sophistication.
The 2021 Regal 26 XO is more than a stylish cruiser, it’s an invitation. An invitation to see South Florida from a different perspective. To take the long way home along the water. To drop anchor, share stories, and remember what weekends are really for.
It fits naturally into the rhythm of Ft. Lauderdale life: spontaneous, sun-drenched, and deeply connected to the sea.
If you’re ready to experience a boat that complements your lifestyle and enhances every outing, the 26 XO offers something rare, a refined yet accessible approach to coastal cruising. And once you’re aboard, it’s hard to imagine boating any other way.
