Sealine C390 Review (2022 Edition)

For newcomers to the boating world, the idea of buying a boat may seem like a purely emotional decision. However, seasoned boat owners understand that there's truth to this sentiment. While boats undoubtedly bring joy and enhance well-being, they're not typically considered essential expenses in a family budget. Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing a boat, there's room for both emotion and practicality, especially when considering the Sealine C390.

Available in two hardtop versions — the C coupe and the sportier, more open S model — the Sealine C390 features an asymmetric deck, planing hull, and pod or sterndrive engines. The C390 stands out as the ideal choice for those seeking to maximize onboard space and versatility. Its spacious and bright deck salon fully utilizes the unique asymmetric design, making it the sensible option for buyers looking for both comfort and functionality.

Sub-12m Benefits 

Before delving into its design, let's consider some practical advantages that come with the Sealine C390. Firstly, its length of 11.99m (39 feet) allows it to comfortably fit within the 12m berthing limit often imposed by marinas. This not only broadens your options for moorings but also tends to result in lower berthing fees, both at home and when visiting other ports.

These cost-saving benefits extend to fuel consumption as well. The Sealine C390's smaller and lighter hull can accommodate a pair of Volvo Penta Aquamatic Sterndrive D4-DPH engines, offering efficient cruising speeds of over 30 knots, all at a relatively low installation cost. For those seeking even more power, the optional upgrade to D6 engines, albeit at an extra £25,000, promises a claimed top speed of 36 knots. Additionally, the optional sterndrive joystick system, though priced at £15,000, offers enhanced maneuverability.

However, the most significant savings come at the point of purchase. Despite being a three-cabin model, the Sealine C390 doesn't lag far behind its larger counterpart, the C430, in terms of cabin space. Yet, it comes with a price tag that's approximately £200,000 lower, making it a compelling choice for savvy buyers looking to maximize value without compromising on quality.

Extra Considerations

While there are many desirable features we'll discuss in this review, it's important to note that a significant portion of them are optional extras, which can substantially increase the base price. However, many Sealine dealers, such as Thames Boat Sales, simplify the purchasing process by bundling key options together, ensuring a transparent and still enticing on-the-water price.

For those inclined toward emotional purchases, there's the option to further elevate the boat's price by adding Volvo Penta IPS pod drives with joystick control. Beyond the luxurious appeal, this decision offers the practical advantage of facilitating easier close-quarter handling — a factor worth considering for those prioritizing convenience and maneuverability.

Crafted with a coupe design, the C390 offers a generously spacious enclosed deck salon enveloped in expansive sections of glass, providing an inviting environment whether at rest or underway. As standard, the boat features a cockpit door and a top-hinged window system, integrating the interior with the aft deck. A cleverly designed teak bar counter effortlessly connects the inside and outside spaces, while a sleek awning system ensures protection from the elements, be it sun, rain, or spray.

In its standard configuration, the boat features a slightly raised dinette opposite a long sideboard galley, with the sink and hob cleverly concealed beneath a folding countertop lid. The addition of a small oven enhances the galley's functionality, while its ample storage options, including drawers and cupboards spanning across to the dinette seat bases, ensure efficient organization.

Among the optional features, a few stand out as essential. The sunroof, combined with the three standard skylights, significantly enhances the salon's ambiance, while the expansive side deck door for the helm not only opens up the interior space but also facilitates easier handling, allowing the skipper to access the wider starboard deck swiftly.

While the dinette comes in a fixed J-shape as standard, an optional pull-out configuration creates a more convivial U-shape, adding to the onboard comfort. However, the flip-over navigator option opposite the helm poses a slight challenge. While it provides additional seating for two individuals alongside the skipper, the design, albeit simple to employ, positions the seat against the table, potentially causing damage to both components.

The Power of Three

The C390 we examined featured a three-cabin layout, comprising a twin and double cabin amidships, sharing a single toilet and shower compartment, and an owner’s ensuite cabin forward. This configuration optimally utilizes the available space, providing comfortable accommodation for guests. In contrast, the two-cabin option primarily offers additional space to the amidships cabin but lacks ensuite access, making it less preferable for those seeking enhanced privacy and convenience.

Each of the three cabins on the test boat showcases impressive features. Particularly noteworthy is the port-side twin cabin, which stands out for its excellent headroom, ample storage, and overall spaciousness. The thoughtful design of this cabin allows occupants to fully appreciate its layout, highlighted by a long section of hull-side glass, a portlight, a full-height locker, and reading lights, creating a cozy retreat. While the twin berths can easily convert into a double, the starboard cabin comes with a standard double bed. Despite being slightly smaller, the port cabin still offers standing headroom and generous storage, with additional illumination provided by another hull-side window and port.

The forward owner’s suite maintains the C390’s bright and welcoming atmosphere, boasting windows on three sides, overhead skylights, and ample storage, including convenient side pockets. However, the standout feature of the cabin may not be within its confines. The ensuite bathroom sets a new standard, featuring a spacious entranceway and skylight leading to a separate shower stall.

Before delving into the driving experience, let's take a stroll on deck. The asymmetric side decks significantly contribute to the helm's functionality, with the side door opening onto a spacious, secure deck. Here, a raised spring cleat is conveniently positioned for quick and easy berthing. The helm area allows for easy movement between the interior and exterior, thanks to the deep and tall opening, providing more maneuvering space compared to standard doorways.

The driving position from the bolstered bench seat offers good visibility. While the seat itself is fixed, the adjustable bolster, steering wheel, and throttles are well-positioned, with the optional joystick conveniently located near the steering wheel. Although the marketing images depict the seat as a double, it feels more like a spacious single. Nonetheless, the adjacent flip-up dinette seat proves to be a valuable addition, albeit requiring a better setup in driving mode.

The forward view from the helm is excellent, owing to Sealine's exceptional windscreens. Additionally, the view towards each stern quarter is equally impressive, thanks to the salon's expansive glass sections.

The helm console offers space for either two smaller multifunction displays (MFDs) or a single larger screen, with the latter being our preferred choice. A larger plotter screen provides enhanced visibility and usability, crucial for fast cruising vessels navigating rough seas. Additionally, opting for a single screen allows room for a yacht management display and two additional control heads positioned lower down.

The integration of the salon and decks is the hallmark of the C390's exterior design excellence. By opening the salon's aft doors, the entire main deck transforms into a magnificent living space. Sealine's ingenious canopy arm system facilitates the extension of the awning (optionally at the touch of a button), shielding the aft bench seat and table and completely altering the onboard ambiance. Adding the side canopies provides full protection for the aft deck, enhancing comfort and versatility. Notably, the aft seat's backrest is part of the transom, allowing it to convert into a sunpad, albeit exposing its upholstery to the elements.

The salon's side door and sunroof hold equal importance for both the interior and deck spaces. When opened, they infuse the salon with a different ambiance, inviting in the sky and surrounding seascape. The bulwarked starboard deck serves as the primary working area and pathway forward, while the port deck remains highly functional, boasting a raised design characteristic of a 12m yacht.

Moving forward, a step-up provides the necessary headroom for the owner's cabin below and features a convenient sunpad with flip-up backrests. Yet, the foredeck offers more than meets the eye, reflecting Sealine's thoughtful approach to boat design. A practical well creates a secure area for handling the anchor, while also doubling as a footwell for a seat carved into the foredeck — a secluded spot to relax in port or enjoy an adventurous perch while underway.

The Sealine C390 strikes a remarkable balance between space, finish, and cost, presenting buyers with an exceptional cruising package. However, there are a few potential pitfalls in the form of numerous optional extras. Fortunately, the Cruising, Comfort, and Navigation packages offer comprehensive bundles that maintain competitiveness in pricing, although some noteworthy inclusions are absent.

Our Options

Notably, the outstanding side door and electric cockpit awning fall outside of these packages, which may be frustrating as they feel like essential features. While the manual awning suffices, it's worth noting that nearly every C390 delivered includes the optional push-button control for added convenience.

Regarding engine options, the £25,000 investment for the 35-knot D6 engine upgrade may be perceived differently depending on one's cruising preferences. For those prioritizing speed and fast cruising, the 6-cylinder engines offer smoother performance and justify the expense. Alternatively, the D4 engines provide satisfactory performance, reaching close to 30 knots and comfortably cruising at 20-23 knots, which may suit the needs of many boaters.