With a focus on strength, durability and functionality rooted in its heritage, the evolution of Stamas’ design and construction has kept it among the heralded brands. And based on its popular Tarpon Series, the latest model, the 31T Aventura, checks all the boxes to quickly become a favorite.
The triangular space at the bow, level with the covering boards, serves as an elevated platform, perfect for cast-netting bait. There are two hatches on it, one to the anchor locker and windlass system, and a smaller one to access auxiliary anchor storage.
Removable backrests to port and starboard that permit lounging enhance U-shaped seating upfront, and a center panel doubles as a table or bridges the gap to create a full-width sun pad or casting deck. Recessed bow rails and all-around coaming bolsters increase safety and comfort in bumpy seas.
Forward-console seating with a backrest is integrated into a door that provides entry to the head compartment in the console, which offers standing room, a porcelain toilet with overboard discharge, sink with freshwater faucet, and a vanity mirror that opens to access electronics connections in back of the dash.
The entire center console and helm seating are shaded by a contoured hardtop, which, along with LED spreader lights, speaker pods and an electronics box, incorporates a full-height, three-sided glass windshield to keep wind and spray from the helm. The dash features a black glass panel that accommodates dual 16-inch multifunction displays and key instrumentation above a panel of waterproof switches, an outboard-monitoring display, AM/FM and satellite-radio-ready stereo with Bluetooth, and more. A wireless man-overboard kill-switch fob is also included, and dual angled cubbies serve as recessed footrests for the skipper and companion on the adjustable helm seats, which feature flip-down bolsters and armrests.
Standard fishing amenities include a bait-and-tackle prep center on the back of the helm-seating module, incorporating tackle storage, a sink with pull-out sprayer, and one of the boat’s two livewells: a 50-gallon aquarium-style—lighted and with a clear lid—augmented by the 18-gallon well on the port transom corner.
Rod storage includes four flush-mount holders on the covering boards and eight on the transom, horizontal racks for three rods on both gunwales, rocket launchers that hold six more upright and two angled (kingfish-style) on the hardtop frame, plus in-deck lockers to stash two rods to port and another two to starboard.
A trio of fish boxes, all with overboard drains, afford 217 gallons of capacity for the day’s catch. The aft box has twin opposing hatches for maximum access, and is located smack in the middle of the transom to easily put gaffed fish on ice without swinging them into the cockpit. Should the crew reel in a big tuna or wahoo, dragging it on board only requires opening the transom door, which also provides direct access to the integrated swim platform/outboard bracket.
The cockpit has plenty of elbow room, unobstructed paths to both livewells and all tackle and rod storage, a stowaway transom bench that seats two comfortably, plus raw- and freshwater washdowns to rinse off salt and fish slime from the decks and crew.
When it comes to performance, the 31T proved solid, efficient, and fast enough to get to the fishing grounds and back in a hurry without needing Ibuprofen and a full-body massage afterward.
With twin Yamaha F300s, the Stamas showed enough pep during our test to go from zero to 30 mph in 8.2 seconds and consistently flirt with 54 mph at wide-open throttle. A bit of trim on the outboards helped boost efficiency and speed, and moved the point of splash origination back about even with the helm seats, making it pretty hard for spray to come over the gunwales.
Cruising, the 31T is no slouch. It comfortably runs 31 mph while yielding 1.76 mpg, offering plenty of range for trips to offshore canyons or the Bahamas.
Maneuverability was as pleasing as the ride. The Stamas was responsive, and handled tight turns with precise tracking and minimal leaning. A strong outgoing tide clashing with an easterly wind at Port Everglades inlet roughed things up enough to highlight the boat’s solid build and wave-taming capability.
All told, the 31T Aventura is both rugged and surprisingly nimble, a great combination for an offshore fishing boat. With plenty of room, a smart layout, top-notch fit-and-finish, and numerous fishing features and family-friendly comforts, this boat is sure to put a grin on the face of anyone who hops aboard to spend a day out on the water.
Specifications
Length: 31′7″ | Beam: 10′4″ | Draft: 19″ | Deadrise: 18 degrees | Fuel: 276 gal. | Water: 20 gal. | Weight: 9,800 lb. (w/ power) | Max HP: 700 | Price: $285,000 w/ twin Yamaha F300s | Stamas Yachts: stamas.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Sunny, 81 degrees | Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Wind: East 8 mph | Sea State: 1 to 2 feet | Test Load: Two adults, 250 gallons of fuel, 20 gallons of water
