The 33T Aventura heralds a new era in design for Stamas Yacht, the oldest family-owned boatbuilder in the United States. The Tarpon Springs, Florida-based company was founded in 1938, and in recent years, its Aegean express series and Tarpon center-console line have served as rock-solid pillars in a heretofore seven-model stable of saltwater fishing boats that stretches from 28 feet, 9 inches to 39 feet in length.
I have run a number of Stamas models, and have always admired the top-quality construction and abundant fishing features of this tried-and-true lineup. So I was anxious to get aboard the new model. That opportunity arrived on a sunny day in early April at Thunder Marine in St. Petersburg, Florida. Even from afar, I recognized that the Aventura represented a new approach for Stamas.
Fresh Lines For one, the hull lines are racier. I like the way the rub rail takes a quick dip amidships, giving this boat a sassy flare. Gone is the integral bow pulpit found on the Aegean and Tarpon models. Instead, I noticed that the 33T features in an in-stem anchor chute and roller, further streamlining its look.
The center-console and hardtop designs also help set this boat apart from most of its siblings. The hardtop frame melds seamlessly with the console, and the three-sided windshield extends all the way to the top, a feature found on only one other Stamas model, the Tarpon 390.
I could not help but stare at the huge, stylized windows with integral, screened portholes on both sides of the console. These not only add design character, but also usher in plenty of daylight and fresh air (with the porthole open) to the console interior.
Console Interior One of the coolest aspects of the console is the companionway. I slid open the pocket door on the starboard side of the helm to reveal one of the largest console interiors on a boat of this size. As I stepped down inside, I found 6 feet of headroom, a settee and a triangular dining table. Lower the table and add a cushion to create a cozy forward berth that sleeps one comfortably, two in a pinch.
A mini galley to port includes a faux-marble counter, electric cooktop, sink and freshwater faucet, and fridge below. An enclosed head and shower reside in the aft port corner. A flat-screen TV lets you catch up on your favorite shows while seated at the dining table. For even more light, there’s a window in the forward bulkhead.
Seating Galore There are so many cool features aboard the 33T that it’s hard to cover them all in this short space. So I will hit the high points, starting in the bow, where the wraparound seating features fixed pods on each side that serve as angled backrests for forward-facing lounges. Both pods and the seats offer stowage inside.
A pedestal table quickly sets up to support snacks and beverages. You can also use the table as a platform, along with a filler cushion, to create a forward sun pad. There’s seating for two on the forward console. Astern, I found a foldout transom bench that accommodates three crewmembers.
The 33T grants anglers plenty of live-bait capacity. I discovered that a 40-gallon well is built into the seating module abaft the helm chairs, along with three drawers of tackle storage, a double-sided sink, freshwater faucet, and cutting board. A second 18-gallon well resides in the port quarter.
A 147-quart fish box nestles into the transom between the livewell and the door in the starboard quarter, leading to the integral swim platform and swim ladder. There are two additional 6-foot-long insulated fish boxes/cooler under the bow deck. I found a beefy side-entry door on the port side of the aft cockpit that simplifies boarding from floating docks, allows you to pull aboard big fish such as tuna and swordfish, and serves as a dive door.
Performance Testing My Aventura was powered by twin Suzuki 350 outboards, each featuring contra-rotating propellers. My boat also came equipped with an optional SeaStar Optimus 360 joystick low-speed steering system, which made short work of parking the 33T in the crowded confines of the Thunder Marine docks.
As I headed out into Boca Ciega Bay with Thunder Marine’s Luke Beggs to gather performance data, we set up the optional Garmin 22-inch multifunction display to show speed, as well as gallons per hour, in windows at the edge of the chart plotter. The helm seating is divided between an adjustable captain’s chair to port and a separate companion seat for two to starboard.
The 33T Aventura displayed a remarkably strong hole shot, rocketing to plane in 4 seconds and reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. Loaded with 284 gallons of fuel and two adult males, we reached a top speed of 50.6 mph at 6,000 rpm, where the twin Suzys burned 57.7 gph for 0.88 mpg.
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We found the most efficient cruising speed at 3,500 rpm and 25.9 mph, with a burn rate of 17.4 gph, resulting in 1.49 mpg. That translates to a range of more than 500 miles based on the 350-gallon fuel capacity. This boat also handles exceedingly well, carving turns at speed like a sports car.
If you haven’t checked out the Stamas lineup lately, it’s time for a revisit and a close look at the new 33T Aventura.
Performance
Power: Twin Suzuki 350 outboards Load: 284 gal. fuel, two crew Top Speed: 50.6 mph @ 6,000 rpm Time to 30 MPH: 6 sec. Best MPG: 1.49 @ 25.9 mph (3,500 rpm)
Hull
LOA: 33 ft. Beam: 11 ft. 2 in Deadrise: 21 deg. Dry Weight: 10,500 lb. (dry w/ power) Draft: 1 ft. 7 in. Fuel: 350 gal. Max Power: 850 hp MSRP: $269,900 (w/ twin Suzuki 350s and all options)
Standout Options • Air-conditioning system (for console interior) and inverter ($8,778) • SeaStar Solutions Optimus 360 joystick steering system ($15,540) • JL Marine Audio system upgrade ($2,527)
Stamas Yacht Tarpon Springs, Florida 727-937-4118 stamas.com
