The Regulator 26C 2007 vs Regulator 29FS 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Regulator 29FS 2009 measures 29,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Regulator 26C 2007 at 25,0 feet (2007). At 5 lbs and 69 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 500 hp for the Regulator 26C 2007 and 500 hp for the Regulator 29FS 2009. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Regulator 29FS 2009 carries 285 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Regulator 26C 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Regulator 29FS 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Regulator 26C 2007 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Regulator 29FS 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Regulator 29FS 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Regulator 26C 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.