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Regulator 30XO Custom Review Featured Image

The Regulator 30XO Hits the Sweet Spot for this Seasoned Fisherman

Oct 11, 2024 | Magazine, Regulator Boats | 0 comments

With the incredible variety of fishing boats available on the market today, it’s always reaffirming to have a deeply experienced owner keep coming back to your brands for more. After forty years of owning many boats of various sizes, Wayne Enroughty has (proverbially speaking) seen and ridden them all… but lately he’s built an affinity for Regulator Marine center consoles commissioned new through Bluewater Yacht Sales.

Wayne Enroughty and a friend driving from the second helm station of his Regulator 30XO, enjoying a day of fishing under clear skies
Front view of the Regulator 30XO gliding through calm waters with two passengers, highlighting its sleek design and performance
A rear angle of the Regulator 30XO powered by twin Yamaha V6 outboards, showcasing its spacious deck and fishing setup
Most notably in his relationship with Bluewater, Mr. Enroughty has bought three Regulators in particular: first came a 2013 Regulator 34, then a 31-footer in 2017, and most recently a 2023 30XO. He’s owned many center console and express sport fishing boats from top quality brands and for a time has been a part-owner in a 59’ custom sportfish. It’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about quality boats and has some clear ideas on what he wants and how he plans to fish and use them.

While the new Regulators he’s bought have been getting slightly smaller each time, their capabilities have actually been expanding. That’s because the ‘XO’ in Regulator’s new series stands for crossover, broadcasting the intent of the model’s design to excel in both offshore and inshore conditions.

“I love the versatility of the 30XO. It has lots of room for the family, but it also fishes well with plenty of room for four to five fishermen,” says Wayne.

He also notes the “hybrid” nature of the hull design enables it to handle the rougher stuff offshore in addition to being able to fish in shallow inshore waters: the latter being something his other Regulators could not attempt as confidently. “The power poles, upper station, and the trolling motor open so many options,” for a greater variety of fishing strategies, Wayne points out.

One of those standout features of the 30XO is the second helm station perched above the T-top and offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding waters. “We have thoroughly enjoyed the second station and have had a lot of fun sight casting for Cobia while slow trolling up and down the Bay.” he remarks. “The upper vantage point is a big benefit, and the grandkids also enjoy the ride up there!” he muses.

From their home in Irvington, Virginia, Wayne says they often venture back and forth from the Bay Bridge Tunnel fishing for rockfish, redfish, and cobia. “The wide beam is also a great advantage,” Enroughty adds, noting the vessel’s capacity and stability during travels to restaurants and other waterfront attractions. They’ve enjoyed many such family outings in their new Regulator, including pleasure cruises to Cape Charles, Urbanna, Yorktown and Reedville, all along the Lower Chesapeake. These trips typically include friends and family, including his children and their young families.

Wayne Enroughty's family on the second helm station of the Regulator 30XO, enjoying the elevated view and bonding time
Helm view from inside the Regulator 30XO, showcasing the forward visibility and control setup for navigating open waters
Overhead view from the second helm station of the Regulator 30XO, illustrating the vessel’s expansive bow and clear water conditions
Whether up or down, the 30XO has the sight lines to help the Enroughtys land more Cobia.

Whether fishing or day-tripping, propelled by a total of 600 horsepower provided by twin Yamaha V6 outboards, it’s safe to say they can get up and go—and reach their destination fast and reliably. Additionally, the HelmMaster Joystick upgrade can make docking and close quarters maneuvering a breeze at both ends of the trip.

Central to the Enroughtys’ four decades of boating experience is a long-standing relationship with Bluewater Yacht Sales, working closely with Hank Sibley and Jud Black for nearly twenty years. “The process is easy, and they have always treated us fairly with pricing and recommendations,” Wayne attests. He notes that Sales Manager Baxter Lusink, as well as Safe Harbor Bluewater marina and service managers Dave Farlow and Craig Messick have all been wonderful to work with over those many years.

Far beyond the details of the transactions and boat maintenance, he reveals a genuine friendship with Hank and Jud, “We are close friends and fish together frequently. I trust their knowledge and they love the fact that we enjoy our boat and get out on the water to show the boat off to others,” says Wayne.

As a repeat customer who has commissioned three new Regulators and counting, as well as owned many other boat brands, Bluewater’s relationship with the Enroughty family is truly one to be valued and deeply appreciated.