Spotlight: Stacer 519 Sea Runner SE
Stacer’s updated 519 Sea Runner is a terrific fishing/family cuddy cabin you can tow easily behind a family sedan or SUVAvailable with standard and deluxe special edition configurations, the Stacer Sea Runner has ample seating, storage, and deck space, along with excellent performance when paired with outboard engines from 90hp to 115hp.
The Stacer Sea Runner is also available in larger 539 and 589 model sizes, but it’s the entry 519 series boat that’s likely to prove the most popular.
The Stacer 519 Sea Runner is cheaper for starters, but this smaller model is also lighter, easier to haul about, yet still large enough to fish coastal offshore waters, and for family boating applications zipping about the bay or harbour.
Most Stacer Sea Runner buyers are likely to opt for the SE or “Special Edition” pack that Stacer has recently introduced. This pack effectively creates a deluxe version of the boat, adding a bunch of desirable features that are otherwise optional.
You can buy the SE inclusions separately for the base boat, but it will cost you more than just buying the SE model from the outset.
The Special Edition extras include a VHF radio; audio system with speakers; sport steering wheel with tilt-adjust steering; overhead bimini with storage envelope; cockpit lights; burley bucket; ski pole with incorporated bait board; upgraded Maritime sports helm seats; and a deluxe folding rear lounge.
The above features are also available for the base Sea Runner models in the form of bundled option packs that include the Angler’s Pack, Entertainer’s Pack, and the Travel Pack.
The Stacer 519 Sea Runner has a traditional cuddy cabin layout with a high, full-shelter V-berth cabin at the bow combined with a spacious aft cockpit and full-height transom.
The cabin is open plan with plenty of move-about space and headroom.
The two side berths are best for children as they are just 1.4 metres long and around 0.6 metres wide. Add the infill board and cushion, however, and this space converts into a double bed with vinyl upholstered cushions.
Other cabin features include two safety gear storage bins; upholstered side storage pockets that double as seat backrests; and a wide acrylic hatch in the forepeak providing access to the foredeck and anchor well.
Above decks, topping the standing-height helm station is a three-piece curved windshield and the included bimini shelter cover.
The dash and fascia design is dated by comparison to some rival craft as there is no provision to flush-mount an electronics display.
Multifunction displays will need to be bracket-mounted on the dashtop.
Over on the port side, the front passenger has a handy dash grab rail and a storage shelf that can double as a glovebox for stowing mobile phones, keys and other small items.
Fronting the dash and helm, the Stacer Sea Runner SE has two deluxe swivelling pedestal chairs with fore and aft sliding bases and flip-up front bolsters for maximum adjustment.
Behind the helm chairs, the carpeted (over plywood) cockpit stretches 1.5 metres back to the transom wall. The overall cockpit length is 2.26 metres by 1.95 metres.
To either side, 240mm wide side coamings flank the cockpit to provide flat side deck space for flush-fitting extra rod holders and downrigger plates.
Elevated cockpit side pockets provide storage space for fishing gear, deck lines, nets and more, while fenders can stow in the storage/fish box under the cockpit floor.
As noted earlier, the Stacer Sea Runner SE model has a full-width folding rear lounge with a wrap-around padded backrest.
The 2022-23 model Stacers are equipped with the upgraded Stacer Revolution hull. This flared, concave-shaped hull bottom is smoother and softer riding than a conventional pressed alloy hull bottom, but equally stable at rest.
The Revolution hull works a treat beneath the Stacer 519 Sea Runner. We trialled the boat on the Gold Coast and were impressed with its balance, composure, and excellent ride into choppy water.
We also found the hull to be stable at rest and underway, and dry in blustery conditions.
With the maximum-power 115hp Mercury outboard engine on the transom, the Stacer 519 Sea Runner achieves a top speed of 36.7 knots.
In light of this excellent performance, budget boaters could easily drop back to a 90hp to 100hp engine and still retain 30-knot-plus performance.
Either way, the 519 Sea Runner has the features, fit-out and performance to excel as a coastal fishing and family boat.
Specifications
Model: Stacer 519 Sea Runner SE
Length overall: 5.24m
Beam: 2.21m
Weight: 678kg (hull only)
Alloy: 4.0mm (bottom, transom)/3.0mm (topsides)
Deadrise: Variable
Engine: 115hp (max)
Engine weight: 195kg (max)
Fuel: 95L
Passengers: 6
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