1989 Regal Medallion 185

Slide into the cockpit and you’ll recognize that late-80s Regal feel immediately: deep, secure seating, tall windshield, and a bow that parts chop better than most 18-footers its age. The 3.0 sterndrive makes it economical to run, but still has enough punch to pull a tube or a beginner skier without drama. Visibility from the helm is excellent, and the simple analog gauges mean fewer gremlins to chase. Storage is better than you’d expect in an 18-footer, with room to stash lines, fenders, and that towable tube when you’re done. It’s the sort of straightforward, no-nonsense runabout that lets you spend your time cruising instead of tinkering.

This 18-foot Regal is a sweet spot for the mixed conditions you’ll find in this region—small enough to trailer easily on winding back roads, yet heavy and deep enough to feel solid when afternoon breeze kicks up a chop. The efficient 3.0 sterndrive keeps fuel stops infrequent, which matters when you’re running from ramp to quiet coves or sandbars. Its moderate draft lets you nose into shallower shoreline hangouts without worry, and the open cockpit layout is ideal for family runs, tubing sessions, or slow evening cruises. For local lakes and nearby waterways, it’s a practical, easy-to-own all-rounder.