On the Cover: Ready for Anything

Don’t compromise performance over comfort; the 50 SAV is prepared for any kind of day on the water.

The first time you step aboard the Regal 50 SAV, it is immediately clear that this is more than a large center console. At just over 50 feet with a beam close to 15 feet, it feels closer to a small motoryacht in terms of presence and layout, but it still keeps the openness and flexibility that people love about outboard-powered day boats.

SAV stands for “Sports Activity Vessel,” and that description fits. The 50 SAV is meant to handle several very different days on the water without feeling like a compromise: offshore fishing early in the morning, a long cruise in the afternoon, and a quiet anchorage or sandbar gathering before sunset.

A cockpit that opens up your options

The most striking feature of the 50 SAV is the pair of Terrace Doors that fold down from each side of the cockpit. When they are deployed, the usable space on the water feels completely different. You get a wide platform, that’s near the water, and works as a swim patio, a staging area for watersports, or simply a much larger social zone.

Along the transom, a bench seat folds away cleanly when you want more room to fish or move around the cockpit. When it is down, it becomes one of the best places on board to sit and take in the view while running or at anchor. If fishing is not your vibe and you prefer relaxing in the sun, Regal offers the ability to swap out the bench seat and livewells for a very large, multi-position sunlounge. That flexibility lets owners decide whether they want a cockpit that leans more toward fishing or more toward pure relaxation.

Just forward of that, Regal has created what we would call an “ultra mezzanine” seating area under the hardtop. It faces aft toward the action, and it is designed for people who will actually spend hours there. The seating is deep and supportive, there is storage everywhere, and refrigerated drawers and an ice maker are close at hand. Heating and air-conditioning in the seat’s backrest help extend the boating season and make long days much more comfortable.

Opposite the mezzanine, the outdoor island galley turns the cockpit into a usable kitchen, not just a token grill in the corner. There is real counter space, two grills, a sink, refrigeration, and room to serve food and drinks without leaving the conversation. It is all at one level with access all around the social area, so the person cooking is not tucked away or constantly stepping up and down.

Performance that feels confident, not intimidating

Power options on the 50 SAV include triple Mercury 600-hp V12s or quad Yamaha 450-hp V8s. In both cases, you end up with serious horsepower and the kind of performance that makes long runs feel much shorter.

With triple Mercury 600s, the boat has been reported to run nearly 57 miles per hour at wide open throttle, with a comfortable cruise in the 35-mph range. At that speed, it carries enough fuel capacity to make true offshore or island runs without constantly worrying about the next fuel stop. The hull uses Regal’s OceanTrac2 design with an 18-degree deadrise, aimed at balancing offshore comfort with efficiency and predictable handling.

Power management for modern boating

The systems behind the scenes matter just as much as the visible hardware. Regal’s LivePower setup combines lithium-ion batteries, an inverter, and a compact diesel generator in a way that focuses on smart, quiet, flexible power rather than a big generator droning all day.

In practice, that means you can run air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, and entertainment systems for meaningful stretches of time without relying on the generator. When the batteries reach 20 percent, the generator automatically starts to charge them and then shuts back off when they are topped up. It all happens automatically, without you giving it a thought, which makes boating easier and less stressful.

A helm that feels natural

At the helm, triple large Garmin displays span the dash, tie into the boat’s digital switching, and are supported by smaller displays built into the armrests. Regal calls these “GarmRests.” Controls for the engines, bow thruster, trim, and other systems are all within easy reach. Lighting, Terrace Door actuators, and other key functions can be managed right from the screens, which keeps system control simple and intuitive. For a boat this size, the layout goes a long way toward reducing stress for the operator.

Helm seats that adjust to the day

Just as important as the screens are the helm seats themselves. The 50 SAV features multi-position helm seats with individual flip-up bolsters and armrests. The two outboard helm seats rotate aft to watch the action behind the boat, and all four helm seats lie flat to create additional countertop space when entertaining.

Comfort forward in the bow

Forward, the bow seating continues the theme of flexibility. Wraparound lounges with backrests create a comfortable place to ride or to relax, with storage tucked underneath and a table that can be added for dining or equipped with filler cushions to form a large sunpad. 

A real cabin, not an afterthought

Below deck, the 50 SAV delivers more comfort than many people expect. The salon benefits from large hull windows and generous headroom, which keeps the space feeling open and airy.

Forward, a large sofa converts into a bed. Aft, there is a full-beam king berth with a spacious settee that gives owners a private, quiet place to sleep. The separate enclosed head with a proper walk-in shower makes weekend cruising realistic and enjoyable.

One boat, many roles

Every builder in this segment talks about versatility, but the 50 SAV delivers it in a way that feels genuine. For anglers, the open cockpit (with the bench seat folded away), fishboxes, livewells, rocket launchers, and gear storage create a workable fishing platform. Add outriggers and the right electronics, and it becomes a serious offshore boat.

For families and friends who are more interested in cruising and relaxing, the story is different but just as strong. The Terrace Doors, mezzanine seating, bow lounge, and multiple shaded areas give everyone a place to spread out. It is easy to imagine a day that starts with a comfortable, fast run, shifts into swimming and lounging in the cockpit with both terraces open, and ends with dinner cooked on the grill as the sun goes down.

The 50 SAV also speaks to owners who want the freedom to change their plans without changing their boat. It can do quick local runs, serious weekend trips, and special once-a-year adventures with equal confidence. That flexibility is a big part of the appeal of this style of boat, and Regal has leaned into it rather than chasing a single narrow mission.

A clear flag in the water for Regal

Flagship models tend to say a lot about where a brand is heading. With the 50 SAV, Regal is making a clear statement about large outboard boats that do not force a choice between performance and comfort, or between fishing and family time.

The boat combines a high level of finish with a very functional deck layout, strong performance with approachable handling, and an open, social topside with a cabin that truly works for overnights. For buyers looking for a boat that can grow with their interests and their family, the Regal 50 SAV is a compelling example of what a modern sports activity vessel can be.

For more information, visit www.regalboats.com.

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