Ventura 8.3 SC

Sharing identical hulls and cockpit layouts, the Regal Ventura 8.3 SC and SE are a pair of well-designed sportboats whose classic styling has aged well over the years. The SC—the cuddy version—came out first in 1992, and the open-bow SE followed in 1994. Built on a deep-V hull, the Ventura’s 9'1" beam makes her trailerable, but only with an overwide permit. The popularity of these boats had much to do with the spacious cockpit. Horseshoe-shaped seating in the back runs from immediately aft of the driver’s seat all the way around to the portside wet bar, offering room for six to stretch out in comfort. A flip-up helm seat allows for standup driving, and the off-white dash reduces glare on the gauges. Below, the SC’s cuddy includes a convertible dinette/double berth forward and a tiny toilet compartment, while the open-bow SE model has seating for four forward. The Ventura’s roomy engine compartment—with its electrically raised seat/hatch assembly—offers outstanding service access. A single 7.4L 300hp MerCruiser Bravo III sterndrive will cruise the Ventura 8.3 SC and SE models in the high 20s and max out at over 40 knots.