[flyingfrizzle]

I am a big fan of Regulator and even a bigger fan of the old SeaCrafts, but talking newer boats 2000 year and up it would be hard to say. I don't normally get evolved in the seacraft vs other brand post but here it goes for what it is worth. If he was wanting something larger I would say the 26 Regulator hands down due to the seacraft 25 is just mainly a 23 with a intergraded bracket on it. The 26 is a larger boat and is what put reg on the map. That's model is what made them so popular and well known. They are very good built boats and are made near where I live here in NC. A friend of mine worked there doing paint work for them and said that in the last few years the fit and finish has fell off some and they are not building them as good as they used to. Better materials but the craftsmanship has fell off. I wouldn't mind getting one of the earlier 26 classics with out the forward seating, but talking about the 23' boats I would say there are pro's and con's to both. The Reg has a 24 deg dead rise that makes them great running in ruff water but makes them roll at rest bad. The seacraft bottom with the VDH is much better at rest. Both boats handle white water well and both have good rides but I think the seacraft is a little softer riding boat. Far as build quality I don't think you will have problems with either brand. The older 23' regs have a transom mount motor or bracket where the 24' reg is basically a 23 with a euro transom. I think you can get the seacraft either way as well in the 2000 year up boats. I don't like the step up in the regulators either but that will give you more storage space forward by having the raised deck forward. If storage is not a big deal some make them flat when they replace the decks on the older models. I know if you run twins regulator dose not like the weight of 4 strokes on the rear. It would need a floatation bracket to help with the weight. I think it all comes down to what type of boating you do and what would fit your use the best.