Thoughts.. 3880 SB

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Prospective

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After having just returned from a 9 day cruise with my family of 6 in our 28ft express, my thoughts have turned to a much bigger boat.

One under consideration is the circa 2002 Regal 3880 Sedan Bridge. It is attractive to me for several reasons. I like the Sedan Bridge Layout in general, the price is right (about 200k) and it looks like it could sleep 6 without too much difficulty (convertible dinette?) I am curious to hear from current regal owners about the merrits of this boat.

Of particular interest would be how it might ride in the constant 2-4ft chop/slop that is common here where I boat.

Thanks,
Prospective
 
Having just returned from 3 weeks out your way I can say the boat handles your conditions swimmingly! We experienced LOTS of waves from wind blown chop to some nasty 6-8's. The 5 hours in fog between MV and Montauk wasn't a lot of fun thou. Being a sedan bridge the wind driven spray rarely makes it up to the bridge unlike an express.

But she is a great boat. It does in fact sleep 6 without problem as the salon table turns into a large sleeping area. Ours has 440 Yanmars and runs great.
 
rommer, thanks for the input. We were in the same conditions. I would never consider a run from MV to Montauk. The prevailing sea condtions would beat me up. Interesting to hear that you can do such a ride in your boat. I had a run from Hyannis to Cuttyhunk that was in 4ft chop and the pounding drove me nuts. And going at trawler speed was no picnic either. I also got pretty wet from the wind driven spray. I like to keep my eisenglass up for visablility but the price is heavy spray in my face on any course short of downwind.

I also got in some pretty heavy fog between Newport and Cuttyhunk on my way out. Figure I had about 100ft visability. But that's scary in any size boat I guess.
 
We owned a 2001 3860 and just downsized to a 3360 windows express (empty nesters). If you buy one, make sure you at least get the 8.1 engines or diesel and w/o the diesels, make sure you put in your budget a bow thruster. My only complaint when I owned mine is it was underpowered (7.4's with no thruster) at the dock with not enough torque to get the boat moving when you needed it. Good Luck,
Dan
 
Hi dcharna,

We have a 1989 Regal 280 Commodore at Cedar Point.. our favorite Regal at the Cleveland Show was the 3880. Not sure that we would ever afford a new one, but a trade option on one like yours could work in the future for us.. So I appreciate your input..

Another consideration for us has been a 322/3260 which we really like as well. I'm not 100% sure about a fly bridge boat just yet. :)

Just curious, where do you keep your 3360? Other than the boat show, I really have yet to see any around the Sandusky Bay Area.

Regards,
 
We just bought a 4080 (same boat) a few months ago and are very pleased. Since we are now on a lake, haven't had a chance to experience any sustained waves of any size other than boat wakes but it seems to handle them well. We're planning to start the Great Loop in Fall 2008 so we're practicing now.

I agree with the 8.1's and bow thruster. We have both and it's a good combination. Handles extremely well, especially in close quarters.

Fit and finish is quite good and you will be pleased with it should you decide to get one.

Good luck.
 
I have owned my 3780 (3880,4080) since new in 2001 and have logged well over 600hrs and have yet to find a situation where I felt the 7.4L Horizons were not enough power. I cruise at 22-25mph at 3200-3500rpm and can attain top end of 37mph at wot (pending sea conditions). With the assistance of trim tabs, the boat planes out extemely well and will stay on plane down to 8-9mph. This can be a real plus in various sea conditions.

With regard to the boats capabilities around the dock, the 8.1L engines offer no improvement over the 7.4L in my opinion. I have driven numerous Regal bridge boats throughout the years and base my opinion on my findings only. Both boats require an increase in engine idle to around 1000rpm to alter the effects of wind and current. This is due to the extemely deep prop pockets. The only marked improvement is noticed with diesel engines, due to the increased torque at low rpm. I also installed and aftermarket bowthruster to assist on those severe days in close docking situations.

The boats handling characteristics are certainly much different than those of an express cruiser, it does take time to adjust to the change in motion. I would highly recommend you to sea trial the boat in various sea conditions and allow you to come to your own conclusions. What some people interpret rough seas along with smooth ride, others might think differently.

Advantages of boat:
1. Extremely good access to engines and mechanical equipment (gas engines).
2. Cockpit fold down transom seating along with extra chairs allows seating for 7-8.
3. Great utilization of space under the cockpit overhang for life jackets, boat hooks etc.
4. Bridge seating allows for 6 adults with 2-3 more on the oversized bridge sunpad.
5. Great galley countertop space due in part to hide-away stove top. Note all Corian counter surfaces.
6. Open airy feeling in the salon along with excellent headroom (6'6").
7. Quality and attention to detail is excellent. Even after 7 seasons of use, while living aboard during summer months, the boat
still shows as new.

Good luck with your search and keep us posted.
 
Have a 2006 3880 dark blue hull with 8.1L engines and bow thrusters - Got it in June 2006

IMHO - This boat is the best looking boat in the marina - Have taken 6 adults (Son and daughter in laws and their spouses) on 100 mile trip (from Murrells Inlet SC to Charleston SC) sleeping 6 on board with the main salon table making into an extremely comfortable bed - would eat breakfast each morning on board before going out - and there was pleanty of room for the family to enjoy -

When rafting up with others - the party seems to gravitate to our boat due to space available and Flybridge view

The bow thrusters made me look like an experienced Captain on day one - The room aboard with the fly bridge and cushions on the bow - folks can get by themslves if they desire

We took a party of 12 out yesterday - for a 2 hour river ride - all had a blast and plenty of space

I can not say enough good things about this boat and the excellent service that the Regal dealer in Charleston provides -

2 to 4 ft seas are a piece of cake - however above 3 feet you need to come off of plane or you beat your passengers to death

You can not go wrong with this decision
 
We have a 2001 3780 with volvo 8.1s and I would agree with all of the post so far.We bought our 2001 a year in half ago and are now in the process of updating to a 3880 2006 leftover.The new one has 440 Yanmar and a thruster. We would agree this is one of the best boats out their. We are able to cruise in comfort, sleep, entertain, and fish. It is really the perfect all around boat.
 
Folks, thanks for the replies. Just went to Block Island this weekend with my Family. Every time we spend a night on the boat we have a geat time but I find myself wishing for something a little more substantial than what we have. More sleeping space, more indoor living space, and a better ride in a sea (the ride out was in 4-5ft swells. My boat did fine but you start to feel very small out there).

This looks like a great candidate as 2002 ish models can be had under 200k, it provides a lot of space and the flybridge layout that I find myself attracted to. I will try to get a ride on one at some point. Not really ready to request a sea trial of a dealer.

What I do find interesting is that I have yet to actually see one of these in person. Lots of Pics but have not seen any, and I do keep an eye out. Hoping to take a peak at a 4080 at the Newport Boat Show in a couple of weeks.

Also, I placed this same question in the Sea Ray Forumn regarding the 400 Sedan Bridge. Very few comments there from owners. But I see lots of them on the water.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Prospective

Also, I placed this same question in the Sea Ray Forumn regarding the 400 Sedan Bridge. Very few comments there from owners. But I see lots of them on the water.

Click to expand...


Regal owners are just nicer overall! ;)
 
Guys - I'm looking at a couple of 3880s right now in the Cleveland area and was looking for info to help in the buying decision. This thread has been great. Note that I'm looking at boats with 8.1 Mercs. I think the boat gives you a ton of value for the money - and with the Regal quality. I have one significant concern about the boat though and couple of minor ones.

The major concern is that I've heard from two dealers (both of whom had 3880s for sale), that the boat tends to ride with a bow high attitude on plane and needs tabs to level it off. They attribute it to the relatively aft location of the engines. The one dealer said that it otherwise performed nicely on the water. Obviously, my concern is for rider comfort primarily and the need to use a lot tabs to get the bow down and sacrifice fuel economy in the process.

The other minor issues are around the diagonal orientation of the master bunk in the foreward berth and the relatively narrow beam and lighter displacement of the boat relative to others in its class.

Any comments you have to address these concerns would be appreciated.
 
As far as "bow high" check out this boattest video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRvkDAAm3U

Even with it's v-drive setup, it just isn't an issue IMHO. Fuel economy is very good. (OK, it's a boat so very good for a boat!)

Not sure what issue you see with the diagonal orientation but plenty of room for us. If you're ever out east I'd be happy to take you for a spin!

If you can find a 3880 with Yanmars I'd go for that over the gassers although a lot of people have the gas engines and are very happy with it. My fuel burn is better than 1mpg at a 26-27 knot cruise.
 
As I mentioned earlier, I currently have a 2001 3780 with gas engines. Cruising at 22-24mph, the boat does need quite a bit of trim to level out in order to achieve best economy and ride. As speed increases, the need for tabs also decreases considerably, as would be the situation with diesels. If I were to cruise at 26-27 knots as Rommer, I would also need very little tab, but unfortunately with gas, that is out of the question.

In the earlier models, Regal did have issues with the boat riding bow high, they sort of corrected this issue by placing a hook in the hull, thus reducing bow height. I recently drove a 2007 with gas and did notice I did not have to use the tabs as much as on my boat.
 
Reagarding the trim tab issue -

I had the Bennett automatic trim tabs installed about a year ago - After setting proper angle for us the first time - each time I go out I forget about messing with the tabs and just turn on the auto tab function -

Trim tabs then have become a non-issue

I am still thinking of getting a longer base pole for the captain's chair as I need to sit on the bolster to see comfortably over the bow
 
Guys - thanks for the responses.

Rommer - I sure would prefer the Yanmars thats for sure but the ones available around our area are gassers. Its tough to justify the extra money for diesel with a 50 hour boating season. I also appreciate the offer of a ride, I may take you up on that. I get out your way periodically but would make a special trip for test drive if we get closer. Is your boat winterized yet?

Kelly - since your boat is more like what I"m looking at, can you tell me if you feel the bow high attitude with the lower cruise speeds of gassers is an issue in your mind? Specifically, can you get the bow down using tabs enough to have a comfortable ride and are you compromising fuel economy in the process of dragging the tabs so much?

Scarlett - Thanks for the comments on the auto tabs - I'm sure that is nice not having to worry about setting the tabs each time.

Since none of you mentioned it while commenting on the boat in the initial thread, can I assume you don't see this as a significant drawback?

Thanks again for the comments.
 
bsteven43

The use of tabs can actually INCREASE fuel economy in many cases. If you visit Bennett's webpage they explain it better than I can. Granted if you use too much tab that you're burying the bow then fuel burn goes up. I've had several boats where you get a boat on plane, leave the throttles alone and trim the tabs a bit and speed increases a knot or so.

Sorry, just winterized the engines and genny this weekend. Boat stays in the water but no rides till March/April...
 
We had a 2003 3860 with the 8.1s. we also had a fuel flow meter. We needed almost full tabs to achieve best fuel economy and speed at 3400RPMs. I am sure it is the same for the 4080. This is true for all 40 foot gassers, you are just at the limit for gas engines. Just not enough speed at an economical RPM tp overcome your own bow wake. Aside of that it is not an issue, apply the tabs and the boat rides fine. People who tell you the boat rides bow-high and do not apply tabs should not captain any vessel.
The engines on this boat are not further back then say on a Cruiser or Sea Ray of the same size with gas engines and they have the same issue.
 
bsteven43

To begin with, I would absolutely not let this affect your decision on this boat. I have driven many other brand boats of this size with v-drive configuration and they all needed tabs to achieve the most comfortable and fuel efficient ride.

Rommer is correct in his statement regarding increased fuel economy when tabs are used properly. I have never identified it as a problem utilizing tabs at cruise speed and as stated will drastically increase fuel economy.
If I drive my boat at 28-35mph, the boat requires little to no use of tabs at all to achieve peak performance along with a comfortable ride. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Good Luck,
Gary
 
Thanks guys - I feel better knowing the ride characteristics are more a function of a forty footer with gassers and v-drives than it is a function of the 3880 in particular. I was under the impression that applying tabs was bound to reduce fuel economy due solely to the resistance they create in the water - but it sounds like if they are applied to create a more level ride (at lower speeds) they will actually improve ride and speed at the lower RPMs.

Thanks again, I'll be taking a close look at them and will be looking to do something between now and the Cleveland boat show in January.
 
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