Scout Boats

Scout Boats will be showing a fleet of boats including the new 357 LXF and 281 X Signature Edition. Also, they will be revealing more about the in-development 67 LX series (rendering shown). Lots to see and learn about at: Bahia Mar Dock C/D 45.

Aviara AV28

Aviara’s AV 28 is one unique dayboat. It is available in three versions, one with outboard power, one with conventional sterndrive power and one with a forward-facing sterndrive that allows this great-looking, high-performing dayboat to deliver its owners a wakesurfing experience, too. Bahia Mar F/G Dock.

Blackfin 400 CC

Wow! Our Tech Team was impressed by this Queen of the Blackfin fleet. It sports multiple outboard power, all the fishing features contemporary anglers demand, plus high-performance and a confidence-inspiring ride. See it at: Convention Center 2075.

Formula 457 Center Consoles

Formula is debuting the 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish at FLIBS 2023! Hot off the success of its 357 CC Sport and Fish version CC’s, the renown boatbuilder breaks out with these bigger sisters. See them! Bahia Mar Yachting Center, slips H818-H824.

Grady-White

Man, get yourself to the convention center if you are a fan of this storied, North Carolina boatbuilder. Grady-White will be debuting a brand new boat , so top-secret that even we could not get advance intel. Don’t miss it! Convention Center 2025.

Wellcraft 435

Looking for speed, style and seakeeping? Versatility and luxury combine aboard this newest Wellcraft. Its powered by over 1,000 horsepower. Check out the outboard-powered Wellcraft’s 435 at: Slip H821 in the North Basin of Bahia Mar.

Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top)

This is the boatbuilder responsible for the rise of the “adventure” or “ commuter” class of boats. Increasingly popular, these stepped-hull, straight-stemmed vessels offer great versatility and also quality, but without lots of frills. Axopar’s newest is the 45 ST Sun Top. See it: Bahia Mar F/G dock, booth 9. (Nautical Ventures)

Four Winns TH36

Is it the year of the cat? This 36 foot Four Winns dayboat rides twin hulls for ride comfort, efficiency and a completely different use of deck space, compared to monohull dayboats. See it at: Slip B214 in the South Basin of Bahia Mar.

Cruisers Yachts

Celebrating 70 years of boatbuilding, Cruisers Yachts will have a large fleet on display. So, why not see a large boat! It shows the open bow layout, the transforming aft cockpit and more. The 50 GLS evinces style and substance and innovation and you, “must-see” it at: Bahia Mar Dock GH, Slip 3.

Sea Ray SLX Outboard Series

Here’s twin engine bowriders/ dayboats up to 40 feet. They are built to the highest quality and with every feature oozing thoughtful detail. Luxury, a 55-mph top-speeds, touchscreen helm displays…. these Sea Rays are certainly a, “must-see.” Do just that at: Bahia Mar GH Dock.

Intrepid 51 Panacea

Sport Yachts are an elite segment of recreational boats. One of the most unique sport yachts must be the new Intrepid 51 Panacea. Naturally it runs on Intrepid’s vaunted transverse step hull form, delivering ride, handling and performance that is unrivaled. Learn more! See it at: Bahia Mar (on land and in water) at G Dock.

Tiara 48 LE

The 48 LE is a great blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities. The rotating lounge module has power actuation allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft, and anywhere in between. See more of the Tiara 48 LE! Bahia Mar C/D Dock.

Fountain 39 DX

Dual consoles are one hot boat segment, offering offshore hull, build and ride with the layout and comfort of a bowrider. Two consoles, three outboards, one great boat: Fountain’s 39 DX! See Fountain Powerboats in the Convention Center at Booth 2017!

Chaparral 280 OSX

Outboard dayboats are among the most popular on the water. Want to see a top-notch example? See the Chaparral 280 OSX in the Convention Center at booth 2072.

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Overview

Alchemy was the mythical medieval belief that you could turn a base metal, such as lead, into something rare, such as gold. And that’s exactly what Wellcraft has done with the introduction of its new 355.  

As a former Wellcraft Scarab owner, I can vouch that no Wellcraft was ever made of lead, but this boat has served notice that the new Wellcraft is pure gold.  

First, it is so striking in appearance that you don’t need thong-clad babes aboard to get attention at the local sandbar. You’ll draw eyes like iron filings to magnets, even with Aunt Edna in her flowered one-piece. Mosey up to the local waterfront pub, with three big Yammies or Mercs burbling on the transom, and you own the place.

Part of this fascination is the bow, which Wellcraft calls a plumb bow. This clearly draws on the Euro influence of builders such as Axopar. This boat is a modern classic, though, carving its own place among bows from Rybovich to Trumpy that once set the standard for what the pointy end should look like.

I spent an evening across a bottle of fine pinot grigio at the debut of the 355, talking to Chris Critchett of Michael Peters Yacht Design, which conjured the 355’s lines. Peters has a reputation for not just fast boats, but also fast, solid boats that track well and ride softly. Critchett explained to me that a great amount of time went into designing the 355’s bow section, with its cutaway forefoot that seems cribbed from Coast Guard icebreakers. But it wasn’t until our on-water testing that I was completely convinced.

Boating editor-at-large Randy Vance and I took the 355 out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration promising 2- to 3-foot waves—but the Gulf Stream winked and delivered 4 to 6s, with some bigger holes. Vance, God love him, is a closet ocean racer, and as we cleared the inlet, he grabbed a fistful of throttles and put the hammers down. It was an outing to put Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to shame, but the 355 was rock-solid with nary a squeak or groan. Sure, we had a few crash landings, but here’s the thing: The 355 steered arrow-straight. 

Engines

A criticism of some Euro-styled boats is that a plumb or ax bow can act as a forward rudder, steering the boat as it punches into a swell. But the 355 proved perfectly well-mannered. And fun. And fast too. In spite of the seas, we saw just shy of 50 mph with the triple Merc 350s, which is plenty quick enough to get you to Bimini or Nantucket for lunch, although you wouldn’t subject your family (or Aunt Edna) to our ride.

The overall styling is pure “commuter,” such as those 1920s yachts that carried the Gatsby-esque magnates from Long Island homes to Wall Street. With a slightly reversed sheer, the house can only be described as Early Perpendicular, with windows that don’t pretend to be tear-shaped or anything but are big. Even the forward windshield rakes forward like commercial fishing vessels. If the 355 was a guy we knew in high school, he would roll his cigarettes in his T-shirt sleeve and drive a chopped Chevy—there is a “don’t mess with me” tough and intriguing quality.

Interior and Accessories

The cockpit has two options: a stainless-steel “roll bar” that holds fenders or scuba tanks, or a galley module with a sink and grill. Step over a splash rail into the cabin and you’re surrounded by unbroken vistas. The aft window hinges up and, with the door locked open, the cabin is open to the cockpit. An L-shaped settee wraps around a table to starboard, and a minimalist single-burner galley to port whispers “let’s eat ashore.”  

The helm has sporty twin high-back seats with a matching third to port, and the wide dash is fitted with twin Garmin multifunction displays. Step down into the cabin and you’ll find an almost-queen berth, and a pleasant head with a vessel sink and a full shower stall with a seat. (No water everywhere!)

The cabin itself is asymmetrical, using a deep walkway forward to starboard with high coamings and fat stainless-steel rails. Of note is the sliding door next to the helm, which is wide enough for someone to exit behind the helm without disturbing the skipper. Also, two boarding gates in the cockpit sides are positioned for easy access from the water or dock. Forward, a trio of lounges and an aft-facing settee will draw sun worshippers.   

Construction is rugged with twice as many ribs as similar boats, all resin-infused and foam-filled. It’s no wonder the 355 was so quiet and solid in the Gulf Stream.

Comparison shoppers should look at more than general aesthtics and LOA. The almost 39-foot LOA Wellcraft 355 carries a 10’8″ beam and is rated for triple 350-hp outboards. Saxdor’s soon-to-be released 400 GT is a foot longer, carries seven inches more beam, but is only rated for twin outboards to 800-hp. A price is not yet available for the 400 GT.

Your local Wellcraft dealer truly is an alchemist because he can turn you into a 355 owner easily. Don’t miss this one!

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury 350 hp Verado
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Revolution 4 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

High Points

• Slightly offset steering wheel makes use of the throttles easy.
• Oversize handrails are everywhere.
• Fast and fun to run, as our rough-water test in the ocean proved.

Low Points

• Port companion seat is a bit tight for some people (me).
• Folding armrests on the helm seats would make access easier.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Wellcraft – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Wellcraft 355 appeared first on Boating Mag.

For over six decades, Wellcraft remains the vanguard of offshore boating with a strong history of power and performance. Today, Wellcraft is widening its offer with a new, versatile generation built for all adventures, in all types of weather, providing a new perspective and enthusiasm for boaters worldwide. Outlasting trends, Wellcraft will enable them to conquer new territories, pushing the limits further than ever before. This new generation of performance cruiser will provide a wide range of capabilities and purposeful functions, responding to the toughest demands and meeting every challenge.

The Wellcraft 355 takes the lead in every aspect; outstanding design, comfort, and most importantly, speed and seaworthiness. Designed to push the limits – out past the horizon where the water is deep and adventure begins – Wellcraft utilizes its rich heritage of offshore experience to push into this new market with American flare and shameless enthusiasm.

“There is a new breed of enthusiastic performance boaters.They want to see the world from a different perspective,” explains Nick Harvey, Brand Director, “Instead of gazing at the sea from shore, they shove off and never look back.”

Designed to Push Limits

Every inch of the Wellcraft 355 has been designed to the highest standards. Wellcraft teamed up withfamed American naval architect, Michael Peters, the most talented yacht designer, Pawel Denert and Camillo Garronni. This winning team created this outstanding design to offer a fast and sea-worthy American outboard commuter for those looking to push their limits further and faster in every sea conditions. With triple Mercury or Yamaha engines, providing up to 1,050HP the Wellcraft 355 reaches top speeds over 50 knots (60mph).

“The Wellcraft 355’s rugged and functional design is built to withstand any weather. To go anywhere. To do anything,” explains Martin Meyer, Product Manager.

Read Next: Wellcraft Boat Reviews

Strong Luxurious Design

The Wellcraft 355 allows boaters to combine the thrill of piloting at high speed and the ability to discover unexplored places with a lifestyle of relaxation and luxury. The spacious wheelhouse with fully equipped galley provides comfort for five while cruising along. A sliding side door at the helm grants convenient access to the side passage and front cockpit. Three large sunbathers, with a spacious bench in the bow, create a luxurious place for relaxing. On the either side of the aft cockpit, two large side gates enable easy boarding access.

One of the most extraordinary features of the Wellcraft 355 is the connection between the wheelhouse and the aft cockpit: simply open the top-hinged window and entrance door and feel the outside getting inside.

Find the real luxury feeling of the Wellcraft 355 stepping down in the spacious front cabin with a fullsize bed and ensuite bathroom with separate shower. Overall, you may sleep up to four people onboard!

Discover more about the new Wellcraft 355 on wellcraft.com/wellcraft355.

About Wellcraft

For 60 years, Wellcraft continues to be a leader and pushes limits in American boat construction. Headquartered in Cadillac, Michigan, Wellcraft offers legendary, hand-crafted boats ranging from 20ft to 35ft. Wellcraft joined Beneteau Group in 2014, successfully launching into the international market space.

The post New Wellcraft 355 is Built for Performance Cruising appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The Wellcraft name evokes the macho aura of the go-fast Scarabs-turned-fishing-kings, a pioneer of performance powerboats morphed into center-console fishability. The Miami International Boat Show was the perfect place to reveal Wellcraft’s latest, the flagship 402 Fisherman, direct from the hearts and desires of Crockett and Tubbs, ready to challenge the growing number of long, go-fast vessels.

Engine

Built to carry and be carried by four blistering outboards, our test boat was pushed—and pushed well—by Yamaha’s new XTO Offshore 425s, topping a 63 mph average in our test and beating 65 in some trials. You might think a vessel like that, no matter how powerful, would lumber through turns, be slow to step on plane and cumbersome in port, but you’d be wrong. I was comfortable leaning back against one of the three bucket seats at the helm, where one hand fell to the wheel and the other rested comfortably on the throttles. There was no reaching or leaning forward, and it didn’t matter how you tilted the wheel—grip on the controls was commanding. Electronic power steering and a digital throttle gave me the control of a runabout at speed, and the boat heeled nicely in turns, its high bows deflecting spray from a wind-driven chop on Biscayne Bay.

While my test ride was taken before the official hours of the show, people were lined up at the dock to catch a glimpse of it, and perhaps snag a ride. While Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick doesn’t erase performance anxiety, it made for accurate and easy docking, ensuring no embarrassments due to a false wheel twist or throttle tap.

Interior and Accessories

The helm is done in black tones, from the glossy dash to the hardtop uprights, and the underside of the top itself. There’s an upper station in the works for the 402 ($35,467), and this should be popular among billfishermen and kingfish anglers.

Optional factory-installed Taco Grand Slam downriggers ($2,567) stood proud aboard my test boat. Another option I’d choose is the Rigid Light bar ($2,667). Rod holders along the gunwales were up to expectations, and Wellcraft’s dual aquarium-style livewells were both exciting to look at and efficient for keeping bait alive and under observation. Haul tuna, kings or amberjack aboard through the dive doors—you have one on each side—then slide them into the macerated fish boxes.

The grill option behind the helm eliminates mezzanine seating, but provides both cookout capability and dual refrigerators, plus a freshwater sink and tackle storage.

The 402’s speed and fishability showed plenty of wow, but moving forward to the bow gave cruisers more wow in comfort and outstanding style. The forward lounge is wide enough for two, with armrests and cup holders. It is contoured for easy lounging and secure riding at its top speeds. Wraparound seating fully forward offers solid backrests for additional comfort. You can shade the area with an easily stowable sunshade, and seat cushions can be stowed for fishing action too. Our cockpit was covered with MarineMat—comfortable on the feet and good for traction on wet decks in rough seas.

Beneath the helm is a spacious cabin with an enclosed porcelain head. A forward lounge can be converted to a roomy double berth.

The field of 40-plus fishers is well-populated with more than a handful of competitors. But they tend to be priced a little higher, such as the Regulator 41 with standard quad Yamaha XTO 425s ($929,995). It features a single-level deck with no step amidships and a transom bracket to carry the quad power. Regulator is a venerable name, with the heritage of decades of contiguous business behind it.

Wellcraft’s 402 also boasts easy access to the bilge belowdecks with a push-button electrically lifted hatch to make life even easier. There’s plenty of room to work on pumps and fuel filters, even if you opt for a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer ($51,300), Westerbeke 5.0 kW genset ($17,800) and air conditioning (8,000 Btu, $4,267). All three are getting to be common enough for standard equipment in most worlds.

While my test boat was priced with Yamaha power on board, Mercury options are also available. I haven’t seen one with Merc quad 450Rs, but I’d like to—I and wouldn’t be surprised to see the speedo lean a little more…north.

How We Tested

• Engine: Quad Yamaha XTO 425s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/XTO Offshore 16 1/8″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 350 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.

High Points

• Twin glass-front 28-gallon livewells keep bait lively and under observation.
• Dual gunwale dive doors open inward and allow easier docking.
• Chilled drink holders at the helm do you know what!

Low Points

• The 0.7 mpg optimum cruise is comparable to all 40-plus-foot outboards, but this compensates with a 486-gallon fuel capacity.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Wellcraft Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

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This is the biggest little boat we’ve tested this year, and we thought it brought a great deal more fun to the water than we had thought available at such a value price.

The 162 Fisherman would make an ideal entry boat for newbies or a cool tender for yachtsmen. Its hull and deck are foam filled and watertight, meaning there is no bilge to collect water that requires pumping out: Any water that comes aboard drains out the scuppered deck. To ensure that the integrity of the foam floatation isn’t compromised by moisture, the cup holders and rod holders are molded into the deck instead of cutting large holes for hardware. Wellcraft then fashioned acrylic collars fastened with three sealed, stainless-steel screws. It’s the simplicity of the design and features that made it so attractive to our test team.

It seats five passengers, two at the helm, one forward and two on the stern. Stern seats have flip-up backs that form a casting platform when stowed. Underneath is the 12-gallon fuel supply in a portable tank, easily hauled to the gas station for economical refueling.

There is an optional cushion for the bow casting platform. The helm seat is a flip-back-style that can face aft for fishing at anchor. Under the cushion is a generous cooler. The helm console has space for a chart plotter/sonar combo unit, and our boat was brilliantly equipped with an optional JBL Bluetooth audio pod that bungeed to the dash behind the acrylic windshield. On either side of the helm station are a trio of rod holders.

Our test boat had optional surf-mat coaming bolsters that looked great and added style. Hull side colors are optional. Choose from two color options besides white: phantom grey (a dark color) and a cool, liquid blue.

We liked the hydraulic steering, and the simple design still provided USB phone ports, easy access to the battery below the console and full navigation lights for night cruising or fishing.

It might be small in size but it is full of features—including a standard rugged GatorHyde finished custom trailer with self-centering bunks.

High Points

⋅Optional bow seat cushions add comfort.

⋅Console stowage compartment can hold a net bucket or optional aerated bait bucket.

⋅Sealed bilge and closed-hull construction drains overboard without pumps.

Specs

LOA: 16’4″

Beam: 7’0″

Draft (max): 1’0″ (with engine up)

Dry Weight: 1,700 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 5/1,500 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 12 gal.

Price: $29,385 (with Yamaha F60 LB and custom trailer)

How We Tested

Engine: Yamaha 90 hp four-stroke

Drive/Prop: Outboard/13 1/8″ x 17″ 3-blade aluminum

Gear Ratio: 2.15:1

Fuel Load: 5 gal.

Crew Weight: 250 lb.

More Information

Wellcraft – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

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The 352 Fisherman represents the new flagship of the Wellcraft fleet, but it’s the blend of fishing features, luxurious comforts and performance of this triple-outboard-powered center-console that really impresses. It’s designed for serious angling on Saturday and cruising with family and friends on Sunday.

Looking to kick back and soak up the sun? Step aboard through the inward-opening portside dive door and check out the wraparound bow seating. Twin loungers with removable backrests invite you to stretch out. Set the bamboo bow table at seating level and add a filler cushion to create a sprawling sun pad. When it’s time to eat, put the table on its twin pedestals to feast. Below the bow seat resides a slide-out Orca cooler to keep refreshments handy.

The forward console seat for two offers an angled backrest, full legroom, fold-down armrest, and a built-in cooler underneath to join festivities on the foredeck. While the diamond nonskid deck is perfect for maintaining traction while fishing, the optional snap-in reed mat makes barefoot cruising comfy.

Speaking of comfort, our 352 came equipped with an optional Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilization system ($51,333) to eliminate roll and stave off mal de mar, whether cruising or fishing.

Seating choices don’t stop in the bow. A pair of foldout bench seats stretch across the transom, save for the transom door in the starboard quarter that leads to the integral swim platform. A covered 32-gallon livewell is nestled abaft the transom seats, but it can also double as an insulated cooler. The well on our boat was equipped with an optional 12-volt DC chiller ($7,667) that minimizes the need for ice. On the port side of the transom is a covered sink with a freshwater faucet for washing up.

Abaft the helm seating is a covered prep station with a cutting board set within the faux-marble countertop, but this can be upgraded to an electric grill. A slide-out fridge resides below the countertop for beverages and perishables. A 35-gallon livewell built into the port side of the station features wraparound tempered safety glass, an aquariumlike window for keeping tabs on your bait.

On days when you’re lucky enough to catch a bunch of fish, you will appreciate the twin 320-quart insulated fish boxes under the aft deck, both macerated to evacuate blood and gruel overboard. There are also tilt-out inwale lockers for stowing tackle items and undergunwale racks for fishing rods and gaffs.

The 352 offers a surprisingly roomy console interior. The portside door, tempered-glass side window and a section of the console top open all at once for easy access. Inside is a freshwater faucet and sink, flushing marine toilet and a forward berth. Our boat had the optional air-conditioning system ($4,267), powered by a Westerbeke 3.5 kW marine gas generator ($17,000). An AC/DC electrical control panel filled the aft bulkhead, while the Seakeeper 3 was installed just under the panel.

The helm featured Mercury Joystick Piloting, two Garmin flush-mounted 22-inch multifunction displays for accessing the chirp fish finder, an xHD2 open-array radar, FLIR thermal-imaging camera, chart plotter, engine instrumentation and more.

Toggle-switch panels are crafted from machined billet aluminum, not plastic, and the entire helm features a black finish to help reduce glare. Our test boat was equipped with a Fusion stereo control head, Seakeeper display and a pair of air-conditioning outlets. An overhead electronics box integrated into the hardtop featured the Mercury VesselView engine display, VHF radio and glove box.

The centrally located tilt steering wheel puts the skipper in the middle of the three-across bucket helm seats, each featuring flip-up bolsters and fold-down ­armrests. The center seat also drops away at the pull of a lever so you can stand and drive with your back braced against the seat padding.

An optional tower station ($25,833) is accessible via a central ladder leading from the prep station. The helm aloft featured most of the functions that exist on the main helm, including a Garmin 12-inch MFD, VesselView display, stereo control, joystick control and more.

Swinging Merc Revolution 4 18-inch pitch (19-inch pitch on the center motor) propellers, the triple Mercury 400R Verado outboards propelled the big center-console from zero to 30 mph in 8.6 seconds, en route to a top speed of 57 mph at 6,800 rpm. All the while, the 352 sliced smoothly through waves and carved turns with precision. Merc power steering made cornering fingertip-easy.

If you’re looking for comparison points in the 35-foot center-console category, the Scout 355 LXF carries a base MSRP of $357,540 with triple Mercury 350 Verados, and Boston Whaler’s 350 Outrage starts at $404,000 with triple 350 Verados. None of those prices include options such as towers, air conditioning, generators or Seakeepers.

With a brand heritage that spans 63 years, Wellcraft is a name that’s indelibly etched in the memories of generations of boaters. The new 352 Fisherman — now the largest model in the Wellcraft lineup — more than lives up to those memories.

High Points

• Optional tower and second station are great additions for offshore fishing.
• This boat rides smoothly, responds quickly, and handles well in tight quarters.
• Non-anglers will love the versatile bow seating and forward console seat.

Low Points

• Using the console door is a bit awkward, and it blocks the walkway when open.
• Rigging station cover needs to be closed in order to ascend or descend the tower.
• We would like to see the windshield extend all the way to the hardtop.

Price: $366,667 (base with triple Mercury Verado 400Rs and joystick piloting)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engines: Triple 400 hp Mercury 400R Verados
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14 5/8″ x 18″/19″/18″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 350 gal.
Crew Weight: 630 lb.

More Information
Wellcraft Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

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Wellcraft’s 352 Fisherman blends angling, luxury and performance in a triple-outboard center-console. Step through the portside dive door and check out the bow seating that converts to twin loungers with backrests. Add a filler cushion to create a sun pad. Or put the bamboo table on its twin pedestals. A forward console seat for two offers an angled backrest and fold-down armrests. An optional Seakeeper 3 gyro-stabilizer ($51,333) adds to the comfort by eliminating roll. A pair of foldout bench seats stretch across the transom, and a starboard transom door leads to the integrated swim platform. A covered 32-gallon transom livewell doubles as an insulated cooler. An optional 12-volt DC chiller ($7,667) minimizes the need for ice. A covered sink on the portside transom has a freshwater faucet.

A covered prep station features a faux-marble countertop, a slide-out fridge below, and a 35-gallon livewell on the port side with an aquarium window. Twin 320-quart insulated fish boxes under the aft deck will keep your catch chilled. Access the console interior through the extra-wide portside door. Inside is a freshwater faucet and sink, a flushing toilet and a forward berth. The optional air-conditioning system ($4,267) is powered by a Westerbeke 3.5 kW gasoline marine generator ($17,000).

Our test boat had two helms, the main station and an optional tower station ($25,833). The main helm featured ­Mercury Joystick Piloting and two ­Garmin flush-mounted 22-inch multifunction displays for accessing the chirp fish finder, xHD2 open-array radar, FLIR ­thermal-imaging camera, chart plotter, engine instrumentation and more. Three-across bucket helm seats feature flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests. The center seat drops away so you can also drive standing up. Swinging Mercury Revolution 4 propellers, the triple Mercury ­Verado 400R outboards propelled the 352 from zero to 30 mph in 8.6 seconds, en route to a top speed of 57 mph at 6,800 rpm. All the while, the 352 sliced smoothly through waves and carved turns with ­precision.

High Points

• Optional tower station is a great addition for offshore fishing.
• Smooth ride and responsive handling.
• Versatile bow seating and forward console seat.

Price: $366,667 (base with triple Mercury Verado 400Rs and joystick piloting)

How We Tested
Engine: Triple Mercury Verado 400Rs
Drive/Props: Outboard/145/8″ x 18″/19″/18″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 350 gal.
Crew Weight: 630 lb.

Wellcraft Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

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Wellcraft boats lay claim to a rich sport-fishing heritage dating back more than 60 years. Today, the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman Scarab Offshore edition carries that heritage forward in spades.

Boasting an overall length of ­slightly more than 30 feet, our test boat was loaded with angling features such as twin ­23-gallon transom livewells, a rigging/bait-prep transom station between the wells, cavernous fish lockers flanking the aft cockpit and center console, and stowage for two 5-gallon buckets in a bow locker.

An in-stem anchor chute facilitates wreck fishing, while the Garmin GPSMap 7616xsv multifunction display on our test boat can help you find fish and navigate safely. Arched hardtop supports feature three rod holders on each of the aft uprights. There’s another five across the back of the hardtop, and four additional rod holders across the transom. Lockers tilt out from the inwales to stow ­slide-out tackle boxes. The 9-foot-8-inch beam ­offers plenty of stability for crew to work lines and battle fish. Our tester featured an inward-opening tuna door on the port side for boarding or pulling aboard a big tuna or swordfish. There’s also a transom door in the starboard quarter. Coaming pads encircle the interior to cushion your legs.

Our 302 offered abundant seating, including foldout transom bench-style seats, a lounge seat on the forward console, and bow wraparound seating. A pedestal table also can be positioned in the bow. There’s beaucoup stowage underneath both the forward console seat and the bow seating.

Accessed from the port side of the console, the step-down head on our ­tester ­offered over 6 feet of headroom, wood-veneer paneling, an electric-flush toilet, skylight, sink, freshwater faucet, vanity and port light. Twin bucket seats at the helm feature flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests with two tiers of footrests at the base of the console. The aft side of the seating module on our tester featured two sinks with a freshwater faucet. In a cabinet below, we discovered a 40-quart cooler that slid on rails for easy access to drinks and provisions.

Wellcraft’s Scarab Offshore package includes EVA foam mats on the helm deck, on the footrests and behind the horizontal rod racks under the gunwales. It also includes the Scarab Offshore hull graphics.

High Points
* Access to the bilge and rigging is easy thanks to the lift-up transom hatch.
* Six speakers and two subwoofers rocked the tunes on our test boat.
* Powered by twin 350 hp outboards, our test boat reached speeds in the high 50s.

Price: $182,900 (base with twin Mercury 350 Verados)

How We Tested
Engine: Twin Mercury 350 Verados
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Mirage Plus 14 3/4″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 180 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.

More Information
Wellcraft – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

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Too many wannabe saltwater anglers forgo their sport, thinking it takes $100,000 to procure a seaworthy boat. That may be so for offshore anglers, but the 18-foot outboard is still the sweet spot for family adventure at the inlet, along the beach and in big bays. That’s where we recently tested the Wellcraft 182 Fisherman and found it ready to pursue redfish, stripers, flounder and more, and do it for under $35,000. The 182 not only speaks to the angler, but it also shouts family fun and does it with benefits you wouldn’t expect at this price.

For starters, take the standard custom trailer matched to make your boat roll with you. We noted the livewell on the foredeck, plumbed with a stout pump and boasting a tempered-glass front wall for easy bait monitoring. At night, turn on the LED inside and let your kids enjoy the aquarium show. In an 18-footer you wouldn’t expect this large of a center ­console ready to accept audio, navigation and sonar electronics and a VHF radio.

Rod holders on the gunwales are standard, but there’s a stainless-steel upgrade ($473) that includes two more shotgun rod holders that double as cup holders between the transom seats.

The T-top is a $2,500 option but adds shade you’ll want in southern climates, and it’s powder-coated, a feature that usually comes at more expense.

We also noted the roominess of the cockpit, ­giving anglers space to work ­between the leaning-post cooler and the transom. Also thrown in are jump seats aft and a forward seat on the front of the console. Even more noteworthy is the head compartment below the console. Raise the front console panel and a changing room pops up with room for a portable head.

Our test boat was equipped with the Scarab package ($947) that gave us a three-color hull, the striking Scarab hullside logo, and surf-mat pads at the helm and foredeck.

For family fun, there is a removable tow pylon option ($267). The reboarding ladder is standard and ideal for snorkelers but adds safety should emergency reboarding be necessary.

You can power this boat with a 115 hp outboard and bring the price in at under $30,000. At this affordable price, it will be hard to keep making excuses for staying off the water.

High Points
* Powder-coated T-top supports add big-boat luxury.
* Cooler under leaning post is convenient.
* Leaning-post seat back reverses for aft-facing seating when fishing.

Low Points
* A little more transom angle would increase negative trim for a flatter hole shot.
* Having an acrylic panel on the livewell might prove more shatter-resistant.

Toughest Competitor
Mako’s 184 is a keen competitor, and you’ll have to spring for an extra $4,000 to upgrade from a 115 to a 150. Mercury makes one of the strongest 115s we’ve run, and it might just do the trick. The 184 is priced with a galvanized trailer and can be equipped with a Bimini or T-top.

Price: $34,476 (base with test power)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha 150
Drive/Prop: Reliance 14 1/4″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.

More Information
Wellcraft Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; wellcraft.com

The post Wellcraft 182 Fisherman appeared first on Boating Mag.

The post Wellcraft 182 Fisherman appeared first on Boating Mag.