I
f a new centre console or an
upgrade is on the cards for
2018, then this is an opportune
time to get out and have a
look at what’s on offer locally.
The popularity of centre consoles,
the ranges available, and the brand
choices are growing rapidly and yes,
most of them are imports from the
USA. But man, they do produce some
incredible boats and no wonder they
are becoming a common sight on our
waters.
Ranging from 5m runabouts
right through to the serious and
powerhouse offshore big guns in
excess of 30ft, the centre console
market is literally going gangbusters,
and the more time I spend testing
them, the more I like them!
The new age centre consoles are
loaded with fantastic features that
suit entertaining, family boating in
style and as big gamefish chasers all
at the same time. To top it off, the big
boy centre consoles are all serious
performers, with dual- and triple-
outboard rigs from an insane 600hp
to 1050hp now a common sight on
these American beasts.
A new kid on the block to the centre
console market I tested recently
was the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman,
supplied by HiOctane Marine on
the Gold Coast. Swanking the latest
twin Mercury Racing Verado 400R
supercharged outboards, this centre
console is another prime example of
the high-performance, innovative
and quality craftsmanship we are
seeing from the States.
Now, 800 supercharged horses
mean some serious business belting
around on the water, however, this
offshore weapon is also crammed
with stylish lines, heaps of city bling,
and numerous creature comforts
to please all. In fact, it’s one of the
coolest and sexiest centre consoles
around, turning heads on and off the
water.CHIC STYLING
So, what sets the Wellcraft apart
from the competition, considering
there’s a fair selection of 30ft centre
consoles going around now? Well, it’s
aesthetically mesmerising, thanks to
the futuristic Scarab design features
that incorporate sharp and fast lines,
and an array of fantastic colour
palettes blended into an executivetype layout. Creating the perfect
family entertainer and offshore
sportsfisher is no easy feat, but
Wellcraft has done a sterling job with
the 302’s layout and it would most
certainly please family daytrippers
and serious gamefisherman alike.
A centre console this size means
maximum space and maximum
numbers onboard. Legally rated
to 12 persons you can load the 302
Fisherman up with family, friends
and extended family for a day out
to the islands, or just cruising and
sipping sundowners on an afternoon
cruise. Seating provisions for the
masses include: a sizeable bowrider-
style layout, with drop-down table
and optional infill pad; a huge
forward console lounger; stylish dual
helm seats; and triple fold-down
transom seating.
The console flaunting a stylish
black facia, is spacious, provides
good protection at the helm, and has
a good layout with ample space to
flush-mount electronics. In this case,
there is no need for a dual-sounder/
GPS setup as the upgraded 22in
Garmin has a huge multifunction
display, even when split into four
screens. Coupled with the Garmin
open array radar system and 1kW
through-hull transducer, this
electronics package is ready for some
big offshore fish-finding action.
Another positive of the larger
centre consoles is the depth inside
the console to fit a head, the Wellcraft
302 with electric-flush loo and a
plumbed vanity basin, as well as
easy access to the rear of all dash
electronics. Plus doubling as a great
storage spot for game rods.
The stylish insulated T-top
provides decent protection from
the elements, as well as including
an additional electronics panel,
storage glove box, plus moulded light
fittings and inbuilt speakers. Black
powder coated framework adds to
the sporty look and with the curved
frame extending over the back of
the seating, there are good holding
points and additional rodholder
stowage.
The balance of the layout includes
numerous extras and features,
actually just too many to mention.
There’s no lack of storage space
onboard for gear, the gunwale rod-
rack system with SeaDek paddingtradeboats.com.au 109Wellcraft 302 Fisherman