STACER SEA MASTER 539SE BOAT REVIEW

Stacer offers its Sea Master range in seven sizes, ranging from 4.29m-5.89m. Configured in traditional runabout style, all models are built on the enormously successful Revolution hull, which offers maximum fishing space, soft, dry ride and a high level of comfort. This is one of Stacer’s most popular series, particularly with anglers looking for a roomy, stable platform that’s easy to tow and can handle a variety of conditions.

The Sea Master 539SE is the second largest in the range. It is big enough to take offshore on the right day to chase tuna, yet nimble enough to use in an estuary situation to tackle mulloway, bream and whatever else is lurking in areas like the Port River. Naturally, it makes a top shelf rig for whiting fishing and, if and when we ever get snapper back as a viable target species, the 539 Sea Master has to be right in the slot.

You won’t need a monster truck to tow the 539 safely and legally. A typical boat/motor/ trailer set-up weighs in at around 1250kg, so a mid-sized SUV or new generation ute will do the job on the highway comfortably. It’s also extremely easy to launch and retrieve – solo if desired – even from the beach with the right vehicle. I can see this set up slipping in and out nicely at locations like Pondalowie Bay, where beach launching is mandatory and the fishing is first class.

Most design aspects of this rig are right on the money. The Stacer team has obviously thought long and hard about delivering an angler-friendly product, and particularly on coming up with a fishing boat that provides maximum interior space. The transom configuration is a prime example. There’s a deeply padded coaming stretching right across the back that anglers will definitely appreciate while fishing for whiting. Beneath the transom is an elevated shelf that will accommodate buckets, tubs and a safety kit. A removable bait board slots into the transom, and the pod-mounted motor ensures fishing out back is very convenient.

As is the case with all Stacer boats these days, the Sea Masters come with an impressive list of standard features, most of which are designed to meet the needs of serious anglers and their families. The 539 comes direct from the factory with transom scuppers, a walk-through deck, comfortable aft lounge with back rest, dual transducer brackets and hydraulic steering.

Stacer is renowned for its optional extras catalogue, and I reckon an electric motor mounting bracket, berley bucket and transom door would all be worth considering – particularly so if fishing was to be the boat’s major use.

Walk-through to the bow

Sub-deck kill tank

Spacious cockpit

Merc’s 115 ProXS is ideal power

Stacer recommends outboards of between 90-140hp for the Sea Master 539, and engine choice naturally depends a lot on what you’ll be doing with it. Skiers would obviously opt for maximum power, while fishers and cruisers would likely be happy with a 115. Engines of up to 206kg can be fitted within manufacturer’s specifications, so most modern four strokes in that range can be considered.

Stacer uses 4mm on the bottom and transom, with 3mm on the topsides – pretty standard alloy gauge for boats in this category and size range. Fuel tank capacity is a modest 95 litres, which would be fine for most inshore/estuary situations, but a bit light on for a long day off Victor chasing the bluefin. It’s easy to throw on a 22 litre jerry can, of course, if you are concerned about needing a bit more juice for a tuna day.

Sports Marine had put the Stacer package together with a Mercury 115 ProXS four stroke, which is indeed a sweet choice. It’s an 8-valve, single overhead cam engine that weighs a respectable 163 kilos and has a displacement of 2.1 litres. Like all Mercury four strokes these days, fuel economy is exceptionally good.

Conditions outside of North Haven Marina were quite light for the afternoon of our test run. And while a lack of wind isn’t ideal for evaluating rough water performance, it does provide the opportunity for some drone shots, which definitely offer some unique angles. The last Stacer 539 model we tested was a Wild Rider (back in 2019), and I was keen to see how this runabout-configured boat performed with the same power and under similar sea conditions. Acceleration from rest was pretty much what I expected, and it took very little time to achieve top speed of 68kph. The Stacer Revolution hull provides increased buoyancy up forward, which is beneficial in a runabout where most of the weight will be up front.

This quite unique hull design offers several obvious benefits, particularly in terms of ride and general handling. Most experts agree it’s the most significant hull design improvement from Stacer in over a decade.

Throwing the hull from lock to lock at speed induces no cavitation whatsoever, and you always feel that you’re in control. It’s an extremely predictable rig to drive, and particularly responsive to trim adjustment. At rest it’s exceptionally stable, despite being relatively light in weight.

While Stacer’s Sea Master 539SE will suit the needs of the average family nicely, I still consider it a very capable and very serious fishing boat. It’s built the way Stacer builds all its boats – tough and extremely durable – and comes highly recommened for those who prefer the advantages of aluminium over ‘glass.