Trade-A-Boat – April 2018

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFTShe’s

branded a Fisherman, but this Wellcraft is

more, featuring a plush bow area to

appease family and entertainers alike; The

Verado twin-rig bristles with rods as she

powers oshore; The powder-coated T-top

is ruggedly built and includes under-roof

storage, sound system and the ubiquitous

rocket launcher rodholder; Bow has a big

insulated under-sole well with drain plug.

A

couple of issues back
we tested HiOctane
Marine’s latest Wellcraft
302 Fisherman with twin
Mercury Verado 400Rs.
Well, loaded with every last bell,
whistle, bling and tasteful Scarab
styling, it was quite the show-stopper
and is no doubt one of the sexiest
centre consoles on the market.
Unfortunately, like all the top-end
centre consoles, these big guns suit
those with big-gun bank accounts.
Fortunately, like most top American
brands, Wellcraft has an extensive
range to choose from and when you
drop down to the standard sized
centre consoles and bay boats, so
does the price accordingly and they
become quite affordable.
Downsizing in the range, the
next Wellcraft up for test through
High Octane Marine was the 242
Fisherman, which in my opinion fits
in perfectly as the average trailerable
and mid-range sized centre console
suited to offshore and multipurpose
use. Tricked up with all the bling
and swanking the new twin 200hp
Mercury L4 Verados, the 242
Fisherman sports a decent offshore
game fishing layout combined with
enough creature comforts to suit
the family and entertaining, and of
course the typical Wellcraft/Scarab
aesthetics most certainly takes this
242 to the next level – for a centre
console these boats are as stylish as
they come.

LOADED WITH FEATURES

More for less seems to be the norm

with the Wellcrafts across the range,

and within the 242’s layout there’s

numerous standard inclusions and

optional features packed into the hull,

without being overpowering or over

the top and encroaching on valuable

fishing real estate.

For instance, the stern/console sides

are primarily dedicated to a spread of

game rods on the troll, a live baiting

session for big kings, or even jigging

and bait fishing. Personally, I like the

way they have it set-up with a port and

starboard live-well to separate baits,

as well as having a transom door and

compact rear bench incorporated –

rather than everything packed into

one full-length false transom. Not

having a pronounced sheer line to

the transom also maintains a higher

than average freeboard to the stern,

and this is another positive, especially

when fishing in the rough and when

the kids are onboard.

To enhance the drive experience

and further comforts onboard the

console is oversized, but far from

obtrusive thanks to the 2.54m beam.

The twin sports seats allow for

comfortable driving while seated

or standing at the helm, along with

the powder-coated framing with

extra rodholders and removable

esky below adding to storage. The

ergonomic helm, with ample space for

electronics, clear screen and upgraded

hardtop/T-top, again enhance the

drive experience and protection from

the elements.

Adding to the dayboat-styled

features the 242’s console has electric

head built-in, and the bowrider-style

lounge layout is a definite win for

family day boaters. As tested, this one

was loaded with numerous options

like: removable seagrass mats, bow

infill cushion, bow table, forward-

facing backrests, SeaDek matting

package, windlass anchor, Simrad

tradeboats.com.au 103

Wellcraft 242 Fisherman