I am now boatless (just sold the Chap), and am looking for a runabout in the 22' range. At the moment, I am focusing on the Regal 2200, and would like to hear from current owners. How do you like your 2200? How does it handle choppy or rough water? What is the good, bad, and ugly?

Thanks in advance.

Congrats on the sale, especially these days! I'm no help about 22'ers, but I AM interested myself...

I test drove one last year before we bought baby blue. It ran good for the little bit I drove it. I believe it was a little softer ride than the Four Winns 220 that I drove the same day. I couldn't really push it as it was a customer's new boat and I wasn't going to go out there and be mean to it when it was going to someone else. The dealer had received permission from the customer to take me out before the customer took delivery.

It was the top boat on my list before Baby Blue came along.

Are you looking new or used?

If you are open to both, I would look at the Cobalts as well. Find a 226 a few years old and I don't think you will want anything else in that size range.

Looking for either lightly used, or a dealer leftover/non-current- and at a bargain price.

Just food for thought, but I would add Bryant's new 233 to your short list

I was looking seriously at the 2000 and 2200 before getting a used 2400. My take on the 2200:

Likes: styling (well-appointed without being too flashy or "Cadillac-y"); quality components and construction; ride; performance with the 5.7; good interior space for its size.

Dislikes: didn't care for the plain metallic air intake vents; bow has little droop, which is good for heading into rough waters but not so good for visibility when getting on plane; engine compartment cover angles into the swim platform.

Overall it was my favorite 22' bowrider out there (still is), but that's just me. You may also try the Regal owners forum and see whether some 2200 owners will share what they love/hate about the boat.

We started looking at the 1900, then stepped up to the 2000 then 2200. We've only had our 2200 for about 2 months but so far we are very happy with the way the boat performs and handles. Ours has the 5.0 MPI and I was very happy with the overall performance with the original prop, not so much with the Solas however.

I will say that the transom walk-thru doesn't have any sort of barrier or "step-up" like many other boats do, so if you stop abruptly from cruising speed you get a decent amount of water into the cockpit. That's really my only complaint due to any design aspect of the boat, the others are just options I wish I had, but you can't always get everything with a used boat.

Ours is a 2003 and it had white plastic or fiberglass panels instead of the stainless vent covers, I like this look much better. I'm not sure when they made the switch to stainless.

I would check out the four winns 220H. It has the most seating room out of the 3 bowriders we looked at. They were the Sea Ray 220, Rinker 226, and Four Winns 220. But in the end we ended up with a 23' wakeboarding boat.

When we were looking the Regal 2200 was at the top of the list until we went to the local dealer.

Regal builds a very nice boat.

Threads are always better with pictures. Especially when you don't know the boat, like me. So here it is.

Congrats on selling your cruiser Dock. No personal experience with the 2200, but is one of my favorites in that size and style.

If you are so inclined to like a Four Winns, this guy is ready to unload his 200SS for a decent price. I like orange.

2008 200 SS

I don't have any experience with the 2200, but it's the prettiest boat of its size. I find it stunning in either yellow and white, or navy blue with a yellow boot stripe.

Great input, thanks. Good to know I am not the only one enamored with the 2200.

Scott L - Thanks for suggestion on the new Bryant 233 - darn nice looking boat. In searching for 233 models for sale, most seem to have powered by a 5.0. Is that enough motor? I am thinking a 5.7 would be preferable.

PhatBoyC - Great pic!

Capn - Thanks for the link. Smaller than I was targeting, but it should go like a scalded cat with a 5.7. Any idea why this guy is selling after only 12 hours?


All - I am not loyal/dedicated/committed to any particular brand. I just need to limit the choices to keep the search manageable. So, if you know of any good deals on nice bow riders.....

That particular size happens to be a lot more "target rich" than any other size for bowriders. In addition to Regal, I think Bryant, Chaparral, Crownline, Four Winns, Larson, and Monterey all have nice boats in that range.

Enjoy, nice problem to have!
Kelly

Dock, no idea why he is selling so soon. It's a good price for that boat. Good luck in your search, it's fun boat shopping, isn't it?