Marex 390: Youngest cruiser of the new generation in the BOOTE test

With the Marex 390, the Norwegian shipyard is presenting its latest cruiser of the new generation. It will join the older Marex 375, which will remain in the programme. At around twelve metres in length, the 390 combines Scandinavian design, great suitability for everyday use and a clear focus on comfort for the whole family. The shipyard claims to have paid great attention to customer feedback on previous models during development.

Even at first glance, the Marex 390 impresses with its harmonious, modern lines. From a distance, it is immediately clear: this is a Marex. Owner Espen Aalrud explains: "It is very important to us that we remain true to our design philosophy. Everyone should immediately recognise a Marex." His father, Eyvin Aalrud, founded the company in 1973, and brothers Espen and Thomas Aalrud took over the shipyard in 1989. The boats have long enjoyed a high reputation not only in Norway, but also in Germany and throughout Europe. In 2024, the Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser won the title of European Powerboat of the Year; the 330 Scandinavia and the 310 Sun Cruiser had previously been honoured.

Highlight on board the Marex 390

The Marex 390 is moored on one of the last jetties in Asker Marina near Oslo. Large windows characterise the profile and ensure not only a contemporary appearance, but also plenty of light in the interior. We board via the stern and stand on the spacious bathing platform. The forecastle boxes themselves are particularly well designed: They are designed deep enough to easily accommodate eight fenders plus one or two additional ones. And upright! The mooring lines are also stowed here and can be hung up using a simple device. There is a real highlight on the starboard side: the shore power cable is rolled up automatically. Similar to a garden hose reel. This saves space and avoids cable clutter, but costs an extra €2,388.

Teak is laid on the test boat, although Aalrud says that around half of customers now prefer a synthetic covering to the precious wood, a clear trend. The next area is an integral part of the Marex DNA: the enclosed seating area in the stern. As with all models, this can be completely closed through the rear door, giving a feeling of safety. The benches are an important point for Marex. They must be sufficiently deep and, above all, long so that you can lie down comfortably. There are generously dimensioned cup holders in all four corners, plus an outlet for the Webasto heater. With the roof and soft top closed, the area can also be used in cold temperatures. We tried this out at an outside temperature of 3 degrees. After a short time, we measured around 17 degrees here. The tried-and-tested Marex canopy system makes it possible to quickly close the cockpit to make it weatherproof.

Marex comes with plenty of storage space

There are two separate areas under the starboard bench: storage space for up to three rubbish bins and a locker that is lower than the saloon floor. Marex has been implementing this concept for some time and developed it from discussions with customers. The result is more usable storage space. Anyone wanting to transport water sports equipment or bulky items will find a large storage space on the port side measuring 2.30 metres long, 51 centimetres wide and 46 centimetres high. There is further storage space under the other benches, which is generally not lacking on board the 390.

The large wooden table can be folded out and adjusted in height. There is a special feature in the transverse direction: as the table would not cover the entire width when folded out, it can be moved sideways on rails. This means that all seats have equal access to the table - good thinking. Access to the engine compartment is also located at the rear. This is pleasantly large and very neatly organised. All cables are laid evenly and professionally, fuse boxes are labelled and the two engines are also easily accessible for servicing.

We enter the saloon through the rear door. The window pane in the rear can be lowered electrically and opens up the space even further. There is a U-shaped sofa on the port side, the front backrest of which can be folded down to create a passenger seat. As the backrest cushion is continuous, you can sit very comfortably here and enjoy the armrest. A fold-out wooden table provides space for drinks. Two additional stools can be folded out if required, so that up to 18 people can be seated inside and out. Curtains or roller blinds provide darkening, and a TV can be folded out from the ceiling if required. Opposite is the pantry with two fridges, a hob and an oven. There is plenty of storage space, supplemented by a wall cupboard and an optional extractor bonnet.

The driving position

The driving position is also located in the saloon. Two large plotters are easily aligned with each other and give the driver the feeling of a clearly defined workplace, almost like in a car. All displays, switches and controls are within easy reach. The driver's seat is very comfortable and can be adjusted in many ways. A sliding door provides direct access to the outside. Particularly practical: there is a hatch on the side deck that can be reached from the driver's seat while seated and in which a mooring line can be stowed. The roof can be opened manually for fresh air. The self-developed mechanism runs on rake rails from sailing and can be operated with one finger thanks to ball bearings.

Marex 390 flooded with light

Below deck, three steps lower, the bright and high-quality impression continues. Two full cabins offer comfortable sleeping space for four people. The owner's cabin in the foredeck impresses with good headroom, plenty of storage space and a generous bed measuring two metres in length and just as wide in the shoulder area. The guest cabin amidships is also comfortably sized and offers plenty of light and good ventilation thanks to the hull windows. A chest of drawers is rare on boats, but is very practical here, even if it cannot be fully pulled out when the door is open. The bed also measures two by two metres.

The overall build quality is of a very high standard. The floorboards are even fitted with foam seals to prevent noise. The bathroom is generously proportioned and has a separate shower with concealed drainage and an electric toilet.

Marex offers various twin installations with Volvo Penta D4 or D6 engines. Depending on the configuration, the boat reaches top speeds of between around 33 and over 42 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of around 22 to 26 knots. The hull is well balanced, runs smoothly through short waves and provides a safe driving experience even at higher speeds. Despite an unladen weight of around 13 tonnes, the boat feels surprisingly light at the helm - exactly what you want from a family cruiser. In combination with the bow thruster and optional joystick steering, harbour manoeuvres are also precise and stress-free.

Technical data

The boat

• CE design category: B / 10
• Total length: 12,00 m
• Width: 3,73 m
• Depth: 1,03 m
• Clearance height: 3,10 m
• Weight: 12,900 kg
• Motorisation: min. 2 x Volvo Penta D4 with 320 hp
• Motorisation: max. 2 x Volvo Penta D6 with 480 hp
• Fuel tank: 870 l
• Water tank: 590 l
• Holding tank: 360 l
• Hot water: 60 l
• Batteries: 10 x 95 Ah
• Berths: 4
• kilograms per hp: 14,65
• Rear dimensions: Length 2.30 m; width: 2.67 m; height: 2.10 m
• Running deck: Side deck 0.29 m high; railing: 0.82 m; deck covering: teak
• Price: from € 781,659x
• Distribution test boat: aquamarin-boats.com
• Shipyard: marex.no

The motor

• Manufacturer: Volvo Penta
• Type: D6 - 440
• Quantity: 2
• Performance: 880 HP
• Full load speed: 3,700 rpm
• Cylinder: 6-cylinder in-line engine
• cubic capacity: 5,500 cm³
• Fuel: Diesel

Standard equipment

• 24 V electrics
• Antifouling
• Soft top
• Corian worktop
• Battery charger with 25 m cable
• 5.5 kW heating system
• Outdoor shower
• Fusion music system
• Gas cooker
• 230 V boiler
• Humphree L450 trimming aid
• Teak on coaming
• USB sockets

Surcharge for comfort equipment

• Auto-trim system: 2.632 €
• Electric windlass: 9.975 €
• Bow thruster: incl.
• Cockpit coating: incl.
• Soft top: incl.
• VHF radio: incl.
• Autopilot: incl.
• Chartplotter: incl.
• Charger: incl.
• Land connection: incl.
• 230 volt socket: incl.
• Heating: incl.
• Pressurised water system: incl.
• Hot water boiler: incl.
• Shower WC room: incl.
• Outdoor shower: incl.
• Comfort price: 794.266 €

Manoeuvring aids

A joystick system or just the bow thruster helps in the harbour on the Marex 390. A stern thruster with remote control is also available as an option for 8,988 euros. Adjustable backrest, two armrests and a sliding position ensure a high level of comfort during the journey.

Pantry

The galley is first-class equipped. A refrigerator capacity of 182 litres is not often seen on boats of this size. The kitchen appliances and worktop are almost household standard.

Sound pressure

At a cruising speed of 1,000 revolutions per minute and a speed of 6.2 knots, the boat is quieter than average. Just 63 decibels were measured at the helm.

Measurement data

BOOTE rating

The Marex 390 does not rely on the latest design trends, but on what the shipyard has been doing successfully for years - and is well received by owners. The handling and build quality are impressive, the boat is understated but stylish. Below deck, it scores points with spacious beds in both cabins, making a long trip or a weekend trip a pleasure, even with children.

Design and concept

Solid construction

A real family boat

Relatively high unladen weight

Driving and steering

Good cornering ability

Easy handling

Living and finishing quality

Very high quality

Many small details

Chest of drawers in the guest cabin cannot be fully pulled out with the door open

Equipment and technology

High-quality catches for all drawers and cupboards

Modern wood and alternatives to teak

Good standard equipment

The competition

Aquador 400 HT

The Aquador was launched at the beginning of 2025. It is slightly larger and lighter than the new Marex 390, but it is not sportier in terms of driving values, as smaller engines are installed. Price: 551.510 €

Jeanneau DB/43 IB

balcony doors and therefore more space in the stern. In terms of design, the French boat has a much more Mediterranean look. Price: 749.462 €

Bavaria SR41 Coupe

The Bavaria SR41 Coupe heralded the start of the new design line from Bavaria Yachts. It is also twelve metres long, has two cabins and is positioned between the Marex and Aquador. Price: 435.421 €