I’ve always favored center consoles, but the new Stamas 390 Aegean makes an undeniable case for cabin boats. Fishing is clearly a top priority in the design, yet the boat’s configuration and a wealth of appointments provide a level of comfort bound to earn big points with the family and make overnight trips a pleasure.
Stamas certainly knows how to build tough boats, a virtue in big seas. Pressure-treated, kiln-dried Douglas fir fully encapsulated in glass is used for the stringer system. The grid is installed and allowed to cure in the mold for a true running surface. A vinylester-skin coat covers the solid fiberglass bottom and the cored sides and deck.
Anchor windlass and ground tackle, a 20-amp battery charger, high-pressure water system with heater, folding aft bench seat and a fiberglass hardtop with four rod holders and powder-coated spread lights are all standard. The extensive fishing amenities include additional rod storage in the gunwale racks and holders in the covering boards, a large bait-prep center to starboard equipped with a freshwater sink, cutting board, tool rack and locking tackle storage. A pair of boxes in the transom — 92 and 120 quarts, respectively — are plumbed as livewells, while an aft 210-quart fish box with overboard drain holds the day’s catch. Taco Grand Slam outriggers are an available add-on.
The combination port seating arrangement is the perfect spot to keep an eye on the baits or chat with the helmsman. The starboard helm seat offers unrestricted visibility, and it flips forward to access an insulated cooler with overboard drain. All system switches and gauges are easy to monitor, and the large electronics panel accommodates twin flush-mount displays.
A down-sliding hatch provides access to the bright and spacious air-conditioned cabin, with plenty of storage for extended trips. A dinette to port is balanced by a head compartment to starboard roomier than most studio apartments. The queen berth in the forepeak offers a relaxing respite, and the midberth under the helm deck — accented in classic teak and holly — goes beyond the usual catchall, accommodating two adults comfortably while offering additional rod storage on an aft bulkhead.
The entire cockpit deck raises for easy maintenance on electric lifts with hydraulic assists. A day hatch in the aft cockpit deck is handy for quick checks while underway. Teleflex power-assisted steering comes standard; a bow thruster and Teleflex joystick for docking are among the notable options.
Throttling out to the open gulf, it was evident the 390 Aegean is as solid as all other Stamas models I’ve tested. The boat punches through the waves effortlessly. Outboard strakes turn downward 10 degrees producing lift and a bone-dry ride. With its Euro transom and lengthy running surface, the 390 settles immediately upon acceleration, so the operator maintains a commanding view.
A pair of Yamaha F350 outboards is the standard setup, and a third F350 can be added for a maximum 1,050 ponies. Our test boat, however, was rigged with triple F300s, which provided more than enough horsepower and a clean wake for trolling. Top speed was just shy of 52 mph. Pulling back to a comfortable cruising pace, we got more than 1 mile to the gallon, which adds up to an impressive range with the standard 410-gallon fuel capacity.
Neither fishability nor performance need be sacrificed for comfort if you opt for a well-executed cabin boat. And with the new Stamas 390 Aegean, serious anglers don’t have to compromise.
Stamas 390 Aegean
HELM
CABIN
TACKLE CENTER
LIVEWELLS
