Marex has built its reputation on practical, family cruisers that work as well in a Norwegian fjord as they do in the Mediterranean. The company has a knack for refining familiar ideas, and the new Marex 390 is the latest step in that process, making it's world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.
It’s Marex’s first new model in this size for several years, a boat pitched right in the middle of its range, and one that the yard calls the “sweet spot.” On paper it promises everthing that Marex is known for, in a package that’s still manageable by a couple. But how does that actually translate once you step on board and head out to sea?
Marex 390 Key Facts
- LOA 39' 4"
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 30 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Cruiser
- Use Type Weekending
Test & Review Video
Around the Marina
The real test of what a boat is like at close quarters is a boat show, because they pack them in. The 390's on sterndrives with a joystick, and it’s also got the bow thruster option, which we’d always go for. Together they make it very predictable.
Looking aft, even if it the gate wasn’t open you’d still be able to see the end of the bathing platform because of the glass panel in the transom door. The view down the starboard side is clear too, the glazing drops low enough that you can see the pontoon alongside without standing up. There’s a camera looking aft, but we didn’t need it because the sightlines are already strong.
On the controls it reacts cleanly to small inputs. The joystick moves it sideways without fuss, and when you want to edge the bow across without swinging the whole boat, the thruster does the fine work. We slid it into a narrow gap without leaving the helm seat.
At Sea
Out on the water this boat showed really well, especially considering it’s hull number one. This one has the twin Volvo Penta D4-320s, and at 3,300rpm we were running 27-28 knots. Pin the throttles and it hit 30 knots on the nose. At that point the Humphree interceptors and trim assist were managing the running angle, and the hull gently romped over the swell with no rattles or creaks from the big glass panels or sliding roofs.
Cruising speed is in the mid to high 20s, and that’s probably where most owners will run it. With the D4s you’re burning about 120L/h across both engines at 25 knots, which feels like the sweet spot. Step up to the larger D6s and you’ll gain more torque - useful if you’re loaded or running into a bigger sea - and top speed will edge up towards 35 knots.
Handling is glorious for a cruiser like this - responsive and genuinely fun if you want to push it. It’s not how most owners will drive day to day, but it’s reassuring to know it can do it. Kind of like knowing your car has more in reserve than you’ll ever need. Day to day you’ll sit happily at that 25-knot cruise, but it does raise a smile when you lean on it.
The noise is well contained - with the back doors shut and the roof open you can still talk across the saloon without having to shout over engine noise.
The Marex 390 is a product of iteration rather than revolution. Marex pulled in VOM Creations for exterior/interior styling, NikL Design for naval architecture, and Alpha Engineering for the structural and systems work. Between them, they’ve delivered the fourth generation of Marex’s 12-metre cruiser - a size the yard are very accustomed with. The brief was to keep the Scandinavian practicality, sharpen the hull, and fold in the sort of small-scale refinements that come directly from owner feedback.
On the water that work shows. Even with this being hull number one, the boat felt tight. No rattles from the sliding roofs, no creaks in the glazing, no untidy flex at 30 knots. That points to good stiffness in the sub-structure and a factory process already tuned, rather than waiting for hull five or six to iron out the bugs.
The hull form itself is a warped variable V - sharp enough forward to keep it soft in chop, flatter aft for stability and efficiency. That geometry suits the engine menu: twin D4-320s for a clean 30-knot boat, or twin D6-440s if you want the extra torque for heavy loads. For those who prefer shafts, the V-drive option runs to either D4-320s or the larger D6-480s. The set-up doesn’t pretend to turn the 390 into a sportsboat; it’s about balance - usable performance, predictable handling, and efficiency at a fast cruise in the mid-20s.
For context, the boat sits in CE Category B, meaning it’s rated for offshore passages where conditions may reach Force 8 and waves up to 4m. And with a bridge clearance of 3.10m with the mast folded, the 390 is also built with rivers, canals and lower bridges in mind. It opens up routes like the Great Loop or inland waterways that would be off limits to taller flybridge boats.
Things like automatic reels for the shore power lead and the wash-down hose are usually kit you’d expect on something larger and are cleanly built into the mouldings. Rope lockers with cut-outs so lines can run with the lid shut. Storage lids that lift on gas rams so they stay open when you need two hands free. These aren’t flashy features, but they make a difference when you’re actually using the boat.
All told, the 390 reads like what it is - a carefully evolved design, put together in Marex’s Lithuanian factory where over 400 people turn out just six models, all sea-trialled before delivery. The focus is on getting the structure right, integrating practical systems, and layering in feedback from real owners. It isn’t radical, but it is confident.
Engine Room
Access is through a big hatch in the cockpit floor, with a ladder that drops you down into the space. You’re not going to be standing upright, but that’s expected on a boat of this size. The key thing is that everything you need is easy to get to. Marex has done their best to overcome this lack of standing headroom by grouping daily checks forward, keeping wiring looms and pipe runs tidy, and adding removable side panels.
This boat has the smaller D4s, so there’s plenty of room around them. Daily checks are grouped at the front, pipework and wiring are routed neatly, and there’s space to stow a few crates without them getting in the way. If you step up to the larger D6s, they’ll naturally take up more of the footprint, but the bay has been designed for that - access points remain clear, and the removable side sections mean you still have a defined route if you ever need to lift an engine out.
What’s impressive is how accessible it all feels for hull number one. The installation is tidy, nothing looks rushed, and for day-to-day use it’s straightforward - you climb down, do your checks, climb out again without having to contort yourself.
To starboard the galley runs the full length of the wheelhouse. There’s a line of drawers at different depths, twin fridges as standard with the option of a third, and the choice between induction cooking - supported by the generator - or a gas hob if you prefer. The sink has a split cover, and an oven tucks beneath the helm seat. Solar panels on the roof can keep the fridges and lights powered at anchor, so you’re not always tied to shore power.
Opposite, the dinette feels familiar but versatile. The table folds and drops down to make another berth if you need it, or it can turn into a sun pad when the roof is open and you add cushions. The forward end of the bench is reversible too, so it flips into a navigator’s seat when you’re under way. Beside it is a neat little platform on a gas ram - somewhere for an iPad, laptop or a couple of drinks - that folds away when you’re done.
The connection between cockpit and saloon works really well. The sliding glass door and drop-down window create a single open space when you want the flow, or you can keep them shut and run the two areas separately. Either way, it feels social and easy to use.
Lower Deck Accommodation
There are two cabins on the 390 - no three-cabin option like you get on the 440. Instead you have a large midships cabin that runs full beam and a good-sized owner’s cabin forward. They share a single bathroom, but it’s a really decent size for a boat of this length, with enough space for a proper separate shower cubicle. The finish is tidy, fittings feel solid, and natural light through the hull window stops it feeling tucked away. It’s closer to a home-style bathroom than the cramped wet rooms you often get at this size.
Owner's Cabin
Right forward you find the owner’s cabin, and in a lot of boats this size you step in and immediately feel squeezed by the bed, but on the 390 there’s enough room to move around, even with the door open. That means you can get changed easily and still have access to the storage without clambering over the mattress.
There’s a good mix of storage options. Drawers under the bed so you don’t have to lift the mattress, hanging lockers on both sides, and a tall locker with shelves for folded clothes. Mirrors are used cleverly too, so it feels brighter and more spacious than the footprint suggests.
Natural light comes in through the long hull windows that extend forward, plus the escape hatch above doubles as a skylight. There are opening ports on either side so you can get a breeze running through without relying on the air con. At the head of the bed there are reading lights and repeat switches for the main lighting, so you don’t have to crawl out to kill the lights at night.
There isn’t space here for full bedside tables, but the fiddled shelves on either side do the job. They’ve got charging points as well, so you can leave a phone or tablet there without it sliding around when the boat is moving.
Guest Cabin
In the guest cabin amidships, Marex has worked hard to make the space feel as open as possible. Headroom is naturally tighter under the cockpit, so they’ve carved out a lobby area where you can stand to get changed and move around each other without clashing elbows. A light well above brings in daylight, which makes a big difference, and mirrors on both sides help to open it up.
Storage is excellent. Three wide drawers run under the berth, each deep enough for bulky kit, and there’s hanging space behind the door. The berth itself is huge - 2m x 2m - so there’s room for two people to move around without disturbing each other. A small sofa runs along the side, useful as a place to sit that isn’t the bed, and it can drop to form a child’s berth when needed. There are opening ports, though not a full cross-breeze, so in warmer climates most owners will opt for air-conditioning.
The helm is set up very much with the driver in mind. You’ve got a single dedicated seat, and the position is excellent. The wheel adjusts on a gas ram so you can pull it right out to meet you, sit back in the chair with your arms supported, and everything falls to hand. The throttle is exactly where you want it, the screens are angled slightly towards you so there’s no glare, and the whole dash feels simple but effective.
It’s not a bolster seat, but you can push it back and stand easily enough, wedge yourself between the wheel and the chair, and you’re clear of the windscreen. On a hot day or when you’re coming into a marina it’s handy to get your head up, look around, and talk to the crew on the bow. But truthfully, it’s a helm designed to be driven sitting down, and it feels very comfortable like that.
Alongside the driver, the reversible bench works well as a navigator’s perch when you’re under way. It’s a proper two-person spot, so you’re not running alone at the helm. There’s also that little fold-out teak platform on a gas ram - somewhere for charts, a laptop, or a couple of drinks - which drops away when you don’t need it.
Ventilation is easy to control. There’s the sunroof above, which slides manually and pins into position, and you can lock it in different spots. Add the side door on starboard and you can get a good breeze running through, or use it for quick access to the deck when you’re short-handed.
The bathing platform on the 390 is fixed - there’s no hydraulic lift option here, that’s reserved for the 440 - but Marex has shaped it into a broad living space. A small table folds away into the locker when you’re under way, then comes out at anchor to create a lovely waterside spot where you can sit level with the sea.
Storage is where you see the thinking in the build. The platform hides a large locker - enough for paddleboards or a deflated tender - and every section of seating doubles as a locker. Gas rams hold lids up and the depth is enough to swallow fenders upright. A hose on an automatic reel is plumbed in here, so wash-down is a one-hand job, and there’s a matching reel for the shore power cable. That’s equipment normally seen on larger yachts, integrated neatly into a 39-footer.
Cleats are set both low and high for flexibility when mooring, rope lockers are built into the deck with proper cut-outs so lines can run with the lid closed, and the boarding ladder is a solid, stowable piece of kit. The transom door includes a transparent panel, so from the helm you can sight through to the pontoon when backing in. Small detail, but one that came directly from customer feedback.
The cockpit feels very familiar Marex territory. Cup holders tucked into the cushions, rails running all the way around, and woodwork that’s finished wonderfully. The side decks are edged with solid timber cappings, so it looks good but it’s also something solid to hold onto when you’re moving about.
Overhead, you’ve got the canvas roof that pulls back to expose the cockpit to the sun. Combine that with the Smart Canopy curtains that slide all the way around and you can go from wide open to fully protected in a minute or so.
The seating makes use of the 390’s extra beam compared with the older 375. You gain the starboard-side sofa and the storage that comes with it, alongside the big U-shape that runs across the transom and port side.
The storage here is seriously deep. Open a seat base with one hand and it lifts smoothly on twin gas rams. The bins drop down below deck level, so even tall fenders fit in without any faff. And right beneath your feet is the engine room hatch, so daily checks or full access are straightforward from the cockpit itself.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The side door really helps with the flow of the boat. If you’re crewing as a pair, or even handling it alone, being able to step straight out onto the deck makes a big difference. There’s no boarding gate here because the bulwarks are quite high, but Marex has cut the bulwark down so you can step off more easily when you’re side-to.
Up forward the quality comes through in the details. The stainless work feels solid, the teak capping along the bulwark is beautifully finished, and the handholds are exactly where you want them. Even something as simple as the water and diesel fillers are neatly executed - proper lids, drained compartments, and supported on gas rams so you’re not wrestling with panels.
The foredeck itself is a big flat space. It’s simple, but there are some clever touches. The sunpad is one of those floating cushions Marex first put on the 440 - pin it down here when you’re on board, or throw it in the water and it turns into a lilo. There’s a hatch cut into it as well, so the cabin below still gets natural light and ventilation.
Because this is a Norwegian design, the bow is arranged to work for island landings. The railings open out into a wide gap, the anchor locker is deep, and there’s a fold-out ladder built in so you can step on and off the bow safely. And when it’s all folded away, the windlass and gear sit flush so there’s nothing to trip over.
Marex hasn't published a price list as yet for the 390, so figures may vary. From what we know, a boat specced like the test model (with the Smart Canopy, generator, air conditioning and Humphree trim control) comes in at around €660,000. If you want the larger D6 engines, you’re adding close to another €100,000, but you’ll feel the extra torque in heavier seas and on longer trips.
The options list is long and lets you tailor the boat to very different kinds of use. Big-ticket items include a diesel generator, gyro stabiliser (Quick or Seakeeper), solar panels, extra cooling space, induction hob with electric oven, foldable mast, davits and teak packages. Systems can be scaled too, with inverters, upgraded batteries, or Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity. For most owners the real choices will be about how independent of the shore they want to be.
Our Verdict
The thing with Marex is they’ve nailed a formula. They’re not trying to build the biggest boats; what they want to do is focus on that 30-50 foot segment, and with each generation they get the chance to refine it. There’s nothing especially radical about the 390, it’s not doing anything wildly different to the rest of the range but it’s filling a space Marex hasn’t covered before.
What they also have is constant feedback from owners, and you can see that in the details. That little window in the transom, the table out on the platform, the way the canopy works - all of it comes straight from people who already use these boats.
So no, it isn’t the most glamorous, it isn’t the fastest, and it’s maybe not the most exciting to look at. But as an all-round package and without going up to the 440, it’s very hard to beat.
The YachtBuyer Score provides a clear, category-by-category assessment of how the yacht performs in the areas that matter most. In this review, the Marex 390 receives an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Reasons to Buy
- Solid build, even on hull one
- Cockpit and saloon link neatly
- Lots of storage points
- Joystick docking feels calm and predictable
Things to Consider
- Only one side door
- Manual sunroof heavy to slide
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Rivals to Consider
The obvious comparison is the Marex 440, the flagship and the boat that inspired much of the 390. At 13.7m long and 4.27m across the beam it’s a full size up, with space for two bathrooms and even a third cabin if you want it. The Gourmet version pushes the galley to the centre of the design, complete with full-size appliances, huge refrigeration and a hydraulic bathing platform that will take a tender. Power comes from twin Volvo D6s on sterndrives, pods or shafts, with top speeds around 36 knots. The 390 doesn’t try to match that scale - instead it delivers the same Marex stuff into a handier 12m hull with twin D4s or D6s, a fixed platform and lower running costs.
The Greenline 40 comes at the problem from a different angle. It’s 12m long but beamier than the 390 at 4.25m, which gives it a very roomy saloon and two good cabins. Propulsion is about efficiency: you can spec twin 250hp diesels with hybrid e-motors and almost 2kW of solar panels on the roof. That means silent electric cruising at 5-6 knots and ranges of 700nm at displacement speed, though flat out you’ll see only 20-22 knots. The 390 is the opposite - a planing boat happy at 25 knots and topping 30, burning 120L/hr at cruise. Both focus on family comfort, but Greenline majors on eco-cruising and extended time off-grid, while the Marex is about versatility and weather protection when you’re moving quickly between harbours.
The Aquador 400 HT is 12.1m long and almost 4m wide, so slightly bigger on paper than the 390. It crams three cabins into that footprint, sleeping six, though headroom is limited in the aft cabins. The trade-off is less space per berth compared to the Marex’s two-cabin set-up. Aquador offers either twin Volvo D4-320s on sterndrives or twin Mercury V8 300 outboards - unusual at this size - and both will push the boat to the high 30-knot bracket. Clever seating modules in the cockpit and saloon give it real day-boat flexibility, but the canopy is a more traditional affair. The Marex by contrast feels more traditional under the skin - inboard diesels only, that fast-deploying canopy, and a focus on comfort for four rather than a squeeze for six.
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Specifications
- Builder Marex Boats
- Model Marex 390
- Length Overall 39' 4"
- Beam 12' 3"
- Draft 3' 5"
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 2
- Yacht Type (Primary) Cruiser
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 230 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 156 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-320
- Engine max range (speed type) 200 (nm)
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