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Stamas 308 Predator

The Stamas 308 Predator is a beamy offshore beast.
0809stamas_368

0809stamas_368

Family boating has always been a top priority at Stamas Yacht. For more than 50 years, craftsmen related by blood and Greek heritage have produced rugged, seaworthy vessels designed for fun on the water. That’s why the company’s newest boat, the 308 Predator, is different. Unlike the multipurpose approach of the Express line or even the refined Tarpon center consoles, the Predator is a hardcore, blood-and-guts fishing machine whose attributes will be more appreciated by your buddies than the wife and kids.

“The 308 is based on our proven 31 hull, but we made several changes for guys like tournament anglers or charter captains, who are serious about fishing,” company president John Stamas told me as we idled out the Anclote River toward the Gulf of Mexico. “It has a 48-degree entry at the stem that transitions to 18.5 degrees at the transom. There’s not much taper, so it’ll carry a lot of weight and plane easily. We also lowered the sheer to make it easier to handle fish.”

But even though it has a different focus, the Predator still shares the same proven Stamas qualities: overbuilt construction and a smooth, steady ride. Tipping the scales at nearly 8,200 pounds and sporting a 10-foot beam, it muscles through waves with ease. The choppy seas and confused boat wakes we encountered offshore didn’t affect performance a bit. Regardless of heading, the boat behaved predictably. It was quick to plane, dry as a bone and rock solid, without the slightest creak or shudder. I wouldn’t hesitate taking it anywhere, an assurance that comes from its considerable heft and build.

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Starting with premium materials, Stamas carefully hand-lays the solid glass hull to ensure the right resin-to-glass ratio. Stringers of kiln-dried, pressure-treated lumber encapsulated in glass are laminated into the hull, where they cure in the mold. Stamas laminates the continuously reinforced deck to the stringers, hull and transom for a unitized fit, and injects closed-cell foam into the voids for flotation and to deaden sound. All deck hardware is through-bolted, polished, 316-grade stainless steel. Add it all up and you have a boat that can withstand the demanding offshore environment for years.

Buyers can choose the level of performance and fuel economy to fit their own fishing style because Stamas designed the 308 to run well with several power packages. Our test boat came rigged with a pair of 300 hp Suzuki four-stroke outboards. They provided a snappy hole shot, good midrange power and a top speed of nearly 55 miles per hour. That’s pretty darn fast for boat not on a diet.

If your float plan will keep you closer to shore, a single 300 should push it along just fine. For the ultimate blend of economy and peace of mind, however, twin 175 hp Suzukis are an option. Projected top speed is in the mid-40s with these engines. The additional propeller surface of the twin 175s should have less slippage and better fuel economy than the single 300, Stamas predicts. Although the latest generation of four-stroke outboards are very dependable, it’s always nice to have that second backup to get you home when you’re 40 miles out and one decides to go on the fritz.

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As intended, the die-hard crowd will appreciate the 308’s many angling features. A level deck with the company’s traditional non-skid pattern from bow to stern ensures safe footing. In the bow sole, a 600-quart box will stash some big tuna or serve as dry storage. A second 288-quart fish box on the transom increases overall capacity.

The helm leaning post comes with a 60-gallon livewell and flip-back, bolster-style seating. The second 52-gallon well is located in the port transom corner. A freshwater sink for rigging and accessible tackle drawers are incorporated into the helm center. Our test boat had the optional T-top with all the bells and whistles. Upper station controls are also available, along with a bow coffin box and a Taco outrigger package.

The convertible bolster helm chairs let you comfortably run the boat from either a standing or sitting position without strain. Sightlines are good all around, thanks to the low-profile windshield. The wide console has a huge panel for mounting the electronics necessary for serious offshore action. In the one concession to comfort, the forward access door swings open to starboard to allow entry into the console compartment, which can be outfitted with a porcelain electric head. More likely this will serve as dry storage.

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There are plenty of center consoles on the market that are suitable for leisurely cruising and other sedate water activities: The Stamas 308 Predator is not one of them. Its no-nonsense design and solid performance will let you fish hard and get home comfortably when those other boats are tied to the dock.

STAMAS 308 PREDATOR
LOA……30’8″  
BEAM……10′  
**DRAFT……
1’8″
WEIGHT……8,170 lbs.  
MAX HP……600
FUEL……300 gals.  
PRICE……$178,690
**With twin 300 hp Suzuki four-strokes

_Stamas Yacht • 727-937-4118 • _www.stamas.com

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