2017 AGFB: Stabicraft 2400 Supercab
“Designed with offshore work in mind, the Stabicraft 2400 Supercab is certainly a big-game slayer.” That’s a mouthful of praise from experienced offshore warrior Kevin Smith. And it’s true – climb aboard this majestic maritime marauder and you’ll be brimming with confidence to take on the deep blue briny.
These popular Kiwis have featured heavily in AGB competitions over the years, their success reflective of their popularity across the boating scene. Stabicraft has enjoyed exceptional growth not only in the keen recreational boating market but in the commercial sector too, where the strength of character has featured prominently.
This year Stabicraft brought the big 2400 Supercab to the battle and impressed all. Jo Starling summed up the big Stabicraft 2400 Supercab beautifully, saying: “The Stabicraft makes fantastic use of space, almost feeling bigger than it is. It’s bold in its proud bulkiness. She’s not sleek, but she doesn’t want to be. She’s a sturdy, comfy workhorse, not a prancing pony.”
Never content to rest on its already great reputation Stabicraft boats has continued to improve its models. The new 2400 features the Arrow Pontoon design that has softened the hull’s shoulders yet retained the famous positive buoyancy from the full collar of compartmentalised flotation that surrounds the boat. This factor alone scores highly, with intrepid offshore explorers picking safety as a priority.
Yet this new hull features so much more. Stabicraft has perfected its Game Chaser Transom, the bottom plates extending to the back of the pod for greater lift and displacement. The new transom design is a ripper allowing you to back down on a rampaging pelagic at surprisingly
high speeds.
From a fishing or diving point of view the Stabicraft 2400 Supercab has it all. There are easily cleaned non-slip chequerplate floors melded with high freeboard, wide coamings and full-length side pocket storage. The central work station has been perfected too, with fully enclosed plumbing and electrical locker, a large fully plumbed livebait tank with viewing window above, and a well-proportioned hinged and split cutting board with rod holders and grab rails.
To either side a step-over transom with neat fold-down seats leads to the stern platform and a fin-friendly ladder that makes boarding a breeze. As editor Tim said: “Fantastic transom layout; probably the best on any trailer boat.”
The Stabicraft 2400 Supercab has a cabin layout to make you comfortable in any environment from deep Antarctic chills to an extended tropical adventure.
Starlo absolutely loved it, spouting: “For me, this is the boat to travel beyond the shelf in search of swordfish, or island-hop through the tropics. Great fit for purpose.”
You can’t deny the feeling of confidence that buoys you up at the helm of the Stabicraft, and the new hull has certainly lifted the attitude, the big boat jumping out of the hole with the mighty Yamaha 200hp outboard motor. She tracks flat, with very little bow lift, and performs like a stallion with the might of a draught horse.
Our judges also commented on her low-speed manoeuvrability and absolute stability, Tim noting: “Only a catamaran would be more stable.”
Value for money? You bet! Words of wisdom from Starlo: “It’s a lot of money in anyone’s language, but it’s certainly possible to spend a lot more and end up with a lot less – I rate this as good value.”
Jo backed him up: “It will see families through all the ages of the kids, and suit parents into older years. It’s fun, reliable, big, gutsy and tough, with a useable fit-out that felt like fishing from a life ring!”
And the all-important wow factor? “It’s the ride, handling and battle-readiness. It’s a serious fishing weapon with genuine overnight and short-term liveaboard capabilities,” said Kevin, who wanted to take it and “conquer the open oceans!”
Stabicraft 2400 Supercab specs
Stabicraft 2400 Supercab price: $147,813
Price as tested
OPTIONS FITTED
Full paint, rear boarding ladder, foam in pontoons, wash-down pump, portside windscreen wiper, rail seat base with Esky, portside box seat with fridge, cooker and tackle storage, safety gear, Garmin 7410 GPS/Fishfinder, GME GX750 VHF radio
GENERAL
MATERIAL Marine-grade alloy
TYPE Monohull pontoon hardtop
LENGTH 7.3m
BEAM 2.3m
BMT WEIGHT 2400kg (approx.)
FUEL 300L
ENGINE Yamaha F200XCA outboard motor