277XL-280 Commodore

Introduced in 1982 as the Regal 277XL, this model went through more model upgrades and name changes than just about any other boat in the business. After five years of production as the 277XL, Regal redesigned the deckhouse and added a curved windshield in 1988 and reintroduced her as the 280 Commodore. In 1990, a new integral swim platform was added—a major styling improvement—and she became the 290 Commodore. In 1993 she was marketed as the 300 Commodore—basically the same boat as the 290, but with a new name to more accurately reflect her longer length with the swim platform. Aside from cosmetic and decor updates, the midcabin interior layout remained unchanged until 1994 (the last year of production) when a new midcabin floorplan was introduced for the 300 Commodore. Built on a solid fiberglass hull with moderate beam, several single and twin sterndrive power options were offered over the years. Among them, a pair of 5.0-liter 4-cylinder MerCruisers cruise at 18 knots (about 30 knots top), and the more popular 5.7-liter engines (Volvo or MerCruiser) will cruise around 23 knots (37–38 knots top).