Regal 36 Grande Coupe is 'home away from home' for lazy days spent on Kentucky's waterways
Marine Sales and Service Inc. on River Road has been owned by the same family for nearly 80 years. Today, president and partner Doug Peege brings all things boat-related to Louisvillians — and of course, he is an avid boater himself.
Every summer, his family takes a couple of new boats up to their lake house. They've spent quite a bit of time on a Regal 36 Grande Coupe, and he has lots of great things to say about the 2023 model.
Fully functional
"Even though (the boat) is just 36 feet," Peege told The Courier Journal, "(every foot) is functional space."
The joystick control allows everyone, even novice users, to easily maneuver their way through the water, and an optional pan and tilt thermal camera improves safety by revealing vessels or other obstacles at night.
Peege adds that the Regal Grande Coupe's walk-through windshield — a feature that is relatively new in the marine industry — can be closed for privacy separation or opened to allow passengers to walk around the boat freely. This provides quick and easy access to the open-air salon, which boasts a retractable hardtop and optional glass enclosure doors.
"The neat thing about this boat is (this) time of year," Peege said, “we can close the hardtop (and the) windshield." Isinglass plastic then drops down from the top and snaps at the bottom, creating a fully enclosed space.
“If we had the boat in the water right now, we could turn the heat on and we could be cruising down the river at 75 degrees," he added.
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He explains that everything on the boat is climate controlled and runs on a diesel generator. Heat, air conditioning, and everything else that requires power can run at any time, regardless of the outside temperature. And in the galley, boaters will find everything they need to cook and entertain.
"(The boat also has) manufactured seats (and) sun loungers," Peege added. "And if you want to overnight on it, you can sleep four people on here extremely comfortably."
Comfy cabin
The cabin boasts a plethora of features one might find in a typical abode. Numerous electrical outlets are conveniently spread throughout, providing multiple places to keep phones and other devices charged. The space also holds one of the boat's three flatscreen TVs, and there's even a full-size microwave for easily reheating snacks without needing to head to the galley.
A full-sized queen bed is built at an ideal height for easily getting in and out of bed, and features storage underneath for safely storing valuables. Twin berths with innerspring mattresses can convert into a second queen-sized bed, providing room for additional passengers to lounge or sleep.
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“(The boat) would sleep four comfortably," Peege emphasized, "(but) you could sleep six (if you needed to)."
Fun in the sun
For parties or day trips, the Regal 36 Grande Coupe can easily accommodate eight to 10 people.
"One of the nicest features," Peege exclaimed, "is the size of the swim platform. You could have six people (on it), having a conversation."
There's also a hydraulic swim platform that juts out from underneath and can drop down 12 inches into the water.
"You could have your swimsuit on, sitting on that swim platform, and have the water hit your waistline," Peege said.
It can also be used as a step to get in and out of the boat. Built-in safety features prevent the engine from starting when the hydraulic platform is in use, preventing accidents while on the water.
Though Peege says up to 10 guests could comfortably traverse around the boat during a full day of water activities, the Regal Grande Coupe can accommodate people more if everyone remains seated.
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"If you were just leaving the marina one evening … and you wanted to put 14 to 16 people on it just to take a little sunset cruise," he explained, "it’s got plenty of seating for that."
With so many features and advanced tech elements, the Regal 36 Grande Coupe is an innovative option for a home on the water.
"It’s the SUV of the boating world," Peege said. "It does a little bit of everything; for a 36-foot boat, it packs a very powerful punch."
Marine Sales and Service Inc. will have the Regal 36 Grande Coupe, as well as other boats, on display at the 2023 Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow on Jan. 25-29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.
nuts & bolts
Home: This is a 2023 Regal 36 Grande Coupe. It is 37.4 feet long and weighs 18,600 pounds. It is available at Marine Sales and Service Inc. It is $714,500.
Distinctive elements: Windshield walk-through; open-air salon; multi-position bow seating; seamless galley; handcrafted head and shower; spacious cabin.
Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow
WHAT: This annual five-day event provides attendees with the opportunity to browse, board, order, and purchase from among the newest-model RVs, boats, and outdoor accessories while enjoying family-friendly activities and jumpstarting outdoor summer adventures.
WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, South Wings A, B, and C
WHEN: 5-9 p.m., Jan. 25; noon to 9 p.m., Jan. 26-27; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 28; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 29
TICKETS: Tickets are $14 for adults and children ages 13 and older; children ages 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Each ticket is valid for one day only. LouisvilleBoatRVShow.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Boat & RV show: See inside Regal 36 Grande Coupe
