Stabicraft 2400 Supercab: Review

Stabicraft has added a 2400 model to its Supercab range, expanding the line-up of these best-selling hardtop models to nine different craft between 5.6 and 8.8m. The 2400 offers excellent performance with a single Yamaha 225hp four-stroke outboard, and can be easily towed behind large 4WD vehicles. Decked out with the latest electronics and fishing gear, you would be hard pressed to find a better trailerboat for bluewater fishing.

OVERVIEW
- Not too big, not too small
The 2400 is the most recent addition to Stabicraft’s Supercab range of hardtop, enclosed-cabin fishing craft. It follows the relatively recent launch of the 2050 and continues Stabicraft’s roll-out of new models equipped with the company’s sleeker looking 'Arrow' pontoon hull shape and 'Game Chaser' transom design.

The hull upgrades significantly improve the looks and performance of modern Stabicraft and the 2400 model is no exception. It is still no great beauty, but the 2400 has a tough, no-nonsense, utilitarian look about it that gives it presence on the boat ramp and great performance on the water.

In the Stabicraft Supercab boat range the 2400 falls between the 2100 model and the maxi-sized 2600 series craft. It neatly fills the gap between the two, and we see this craft as the perfect model for fishing wide offshore waters for billfish, yellowfin and bluefin tuna.

On the water, the 2400 is significantly more capable that the smaller 2100 Stabicraft, yet not as big, cumbersome – or as pricey as the 2600 Supercab.

The larger boat has more features and equipment, but if you want a cost effective, trailerable craft to fish the continental shelf and beyond, then the 2400 Supercab is our pick of the range.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Great entry price and plenty of standard gear
Our Stabicraft 2400 Supercab test package was supplied by leading Brisbane dealer, Northside Marine.

The test boat was set-up with a range of options, but it does come with an impressive amount of standard gear. We won’t go through all the inclusions, but some of the stand-outs include the Maxwell HRC-8 Capstan anchor winch, massive centre transom live-bait tank/work station, six built-in gunnel rod holders, eight cup holders, vee berth infill cushions, clever fold down rear seats, and helmsman windscreen wiper.

Powered with a Yamaha 225hp extra-longshaft (25") four-stroke outboard and riding on a Dunbier three-tonne rated Supa-Roller aluminium tandem-axle trailer, the 2400 Supercab is priced from $124,898.

While this price does not include paint (alloy boats don’t actually need to be painted) it is still great value – and does include boat and trailer registrations and open water safety gear for six adults.

The test boat package was priced a bit higher at $144,399 but this is still good value given the options fitted – which included the aforementioned paint (metallic to the topsides and cabin), Simrad NSS12 GPS/fish finder ($4.3K by itself), VHF radio, Sarca anchor with rope and chain, T-bar boarding ladder, pontoon foam flotation, Jabsco wash down pump kit with hose/gun, rubber tube floor matting (laid down over the fully welded checker-plate floor), and Softrider suspension pedestals for the helm chairs. 

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- It’s all about the cockpit
Experienced anglers believe you can catch fish from just about any type or style of boat given good planning and the right circumstances. However, they will also tell you it is much easier to catch fish from a boat that is designed for that purpose. Little wonder most anglers put the size and design of the cockpit above most other considerations – at least with regard to interior layout.

The Stabicraft 2400 is one of those craft that has been designed for the purpose of catching fish from the outset. Looking around the interior of the test rig, there is little that we would change. The transom layout is compact, efficient and functional.

For example, the rear jump seats flip up and out of the way so you can walk and fish into the transom corners.

The superb centre live-bait tank/bait station is elevated for comfort while standing at the stern, and also lifted well up off the floor so there is space for your feet underneath.

The batteries are neatly situated in a compartment beneath the live well.

Then there is the cockpit – which is a massive 3.2m from the helm back to the bait station. With regard to uncluttered space, you’ll find there is 2.5m of open space between the helm chairs and each transom corner. This presents an opportunity to fit a centre seat box/work station or a game chair – and still have ample space in the rear cockpit for three anglers to fish.

And if you just want open space, well there’s plenty of that.

You’ve also got to love the massive 220mm wide side coamings which have three rod holders and three cup holders flush-fitted down each side.

Storage space can be an issue with pontoon style boats, but Stabicraft has this issue covered with high, under-coaming side pockets stretching the full cockpit length, along with underberth lockers, cabin side pockets – and a big underfloor kill tank between the helm chairs.

Rod storage is taken care of with a total of eight rod holders in the side decks and rear bait station, along with an eight-rod rocket launcher on the trailing edge of the hardtop. More than enough we think – though you might need a couple of outward angled rod holders once you’ve fitted a set of outriggers.

In the rear of the Stabicraft, the only thing some anglers might have a problem with is the absence of any kind of toe/foot hold at floor level to help keep you braced and secure when fishing rough water. In theory, we thought this could be an issue, but in practice you don’t really even think about it. We put this down to the cockpit freeboard being so high (795mm) and the coamings so wide that you have plenty of upper-body support, and don’t really miss any toe/foot bracing.

The 2400 Supercab has an open plan interior layout stretching all the way to the forward cabin. Rear bi-fold glass doors to separate the helm/saloon from the rear cockpit are available as an option, but most buyers go for the open layout because it makes the interior feel larger, more spacious.

At the helm, the skipper has a plain but functional dash and fascia with room for engine instruments and the optional 12" Simrad NSS12 GPS/fish finder.

Level dash space has been limited on the port side to provide headroom access into the forward cabin and double berth. That said, there is enough dash panel space to flush-fit a VHF radio and a stereo head-unit, etc.

The sporty steering wheel and side-mount throttle are ideally positioned for both height and angle when seated or standing at the helm. We can’t fault the layout really as it works very well.

There is excellent vision through the front windows and sliding glass side windows – which also provide much needed ventilation on hot/stuffy days.

In the test boat, the deluxe and very comfortable bucket helm chairs were mounted on optional Softrider pedestal suspension bases. This simple seating configuration maximises the available cockpit and interior space, but given the cockpit is so large, we would consider fitting the passenger seat above a storage box with aft facing seat. With the rear jump seats this would boost interior seating to five.

The forward cabin is not a bad spot to shelter or to take nap as it is wide open to the cockpit and spacious. With the included infill vinyl upholstered berth cushions you can create one single massive double berth – or remove them for two 1.82m by roughly 550mm single berths.

The test rig was not fitted with a toilet, but you can order one as an option.

The easiest way to reach the foredeck for docking is to climb up through the clear acrylic hatch in the cabin and to then stand within the wide hatchway. The boat does come standard with a Maxwell anchor winch however, so you can drop the anchor at the flick of a switch at the helm.

ON THE WATER
- A surprisingly nimble, agile performer with a good turn of speed
When we tested the larger Stabicaft 2600 Supercab a while back, we headed this section 'A battleship of trailerboats'. Well, if the 2600 is a battleship, then this slightly smaller 2400 can be likened to a destroyer; it feels much more nimble, easier to manoeuvre and quicker to respond in most situations to both trim and throttle. 

The 2400 Supercab does not quite have the ride comfort of the larger (and deeper vee) 2600, but it is the equal to just about anything else out there in this size range. It is also very stable and surefooted and responds exceptionally well to even small changes in trim angle – which allows you to set the boat up for just about any sea state or condition.

Trim the bow down at cruising speeds and the sharp entry drops into the chop to soften the headsea ride. For economy and speed across the ground, you trim the bow up and the hull runs bow high, skimming across the top of the water.

The Yamaha 225hp extra-long shaft four-stroke outboard is ideal for the big Stabicraft. You could go as low as 175hp or as high as the 250hp maximum, but we believe 225hp to be close to perfect. The combination felt strong from idle through to the wide open throttle speed of 38.5 knots.

VERDICT
- Great value, excellent performance, functional fishing fit-out
If we were shopping for a new trailerable sport fisher capable of fishing the continental shelf and offshore canyons, the Stabicraft 2400 would be a certainty for our short list. It is great value at less than $150k (fully kitted), soundly built and outfitted, and it has been well designed for fishing right from the start. 

The big Stabicraft might not be the most conventional or prettiest sportfisher on the market, but it is one of the most adept – with a safe, seaworthy hull shape and excellent performance with Yamaha four-stroke outboard power.

LIKES
>> Agile, nimble performance
>> Smooth hydraulic steering
>> Excellent helm seats
>> Huge live-bait tank
>> Yamaha performance and reliability
>> Excellent trim range
>> Lots of rod holders

NOT SO MUCH
>> Exposed stern cleats
>> Cockpit not self-draining

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.74/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.7/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.8/5.0
On the water Performance: 4.8/5.0
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
X-factor: 4.6/5.0

PERFORMANCE
7.1kts (13.1km/h) @ 1500rpm
9.6kts (17.7km/h) @ 2000rpm
14.0kts (25.9km/h) @ 2500rpm
20.6kts (38.1km/h) @ 3000rpm
25.0kts (46.2km/h) @ 3500rpm
28.0kts (51.8km/h) @ 4000rpm
33.1kts (45km/h) @ 4500rpm
35.0kts (64.75km/h) @ 5000rpm
38.4kts (71.0km/h) @ 5300rpm (WOT)

Specifications:
Price: $144,399 including Yamaha 225hp extra-longshaft (25”) four-stroke outboard, Dunbier tandem-axle aluminium trailer (with electric/hydraulic break-away brake system), Uniden VHF radio, Simrad NSS12 GPS/fish finder, full hull paint (metallic), rear boarding ladder, wash-down pump kit, foam sound proofing inside pontoons, Sarca anchor with rope/chain pack, soft-rider seat pedestals, tube-floor matting, open-water safety gear pack (six persons) and boat and trailer registrations.

Priced from: $124,898 with Yamaha 225hp extra-longshaft (25”) four-stroke outboard, Dunbier tandem-axle aluminium trailer (with electric/hydraulic break-away brake system), open-water safety gear pack (six persons) and boat and trailer registrations.
Length: 7.3m
Maximum beam: 2.49m
Internal beam: 1.8m
Dry hull weight: Approx. 1180kg
Towing weight: Approx. 2500kg
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Bottom alloy: 6mm
Side Tube alloy: 4mm
Length on trailer: Approx 8.5m
Height on trailer: Approx 3.3m
Maximum power: 250hp
Engine as tested: Yamaha 225hp four-stroke
Fuel: 300 litres
Maximum Persons: Eight

Supplied by:
Northside Marine
2294 Sandgate Road
Boondall QLD 4034
Telephone: (07) 3265 8000
Website: www.nsmarine.com.au
Email: billh@nsmarine.com.au