2019 Regal 26 XO

Step aboard and you’ll notice how thoughtfully this 26-footer is laid out for real-world use. The elevated helm gives a commanding view when you’re threading tight fairways, while the companion seating flips and swivels so everyone stays part of the conversation underway or at anchor. The convertible aft lounge stretches into a sunpad where you can stretch out after a swim, and the wide swim platform makes climbing back aboard with gear or kids simple and safe. Below, the mid-cabin offers a surprisingly private berth, not just a token crawl space, with rich finishes that feel more like a small yacht than a weekender. Storage is abundant and intelligently placed, so the cockpit stays uncluttered even with toys and provisions for a long weekend.

For these sheltered, winding waterways and open stretches of bay, the 26 XO hits a sweet spot. The outboard power keeps draft modest, letting you tuck into skinny coves and shallower anchorages that deeper cruisers skip. When afternoon chop kicks up, the deep-V hull and weight distribution give a reassuring, dry ride back to the dock. The enclosed head and real cabin make overnighting on nearby islands or quiet moorings comfortable, not a compromise. With its mix of dayboat openness and true cruising amenities, this model suits everything from casual sandbar rafting to longer hops between harbors, all without needing a slip sized for a much bigger yacht.