Wellcraft 162 Fisherman Review

The Wellcraft 162 Fisherman hits the nail right on the head. See, having a boat is great. Spending time out in the boat is great. Catching fish is great, and going for ice cream runs, taking joyrides or having a spin on the wakeboard are all great too.

What is NOT great, by any means, is spending half the afternoon cleaning the boat when you could be out on the water.

That’s exactly why young families who sometimes feel like they spend more time cleaning the boat than enjoying it will absolutely love the all-new Wellcraft 162 Fisherman – a versatile family boat that’s easy to afford, easy to tow and super-easy to maintain.

Low maintenance requirements and an innovative design give Wellcraft’s 162 Fisherman universal appeal.

The key to the 162 Fisherman’s easy going, maintenance-free existence lies in its wood-free hull, which is designed with an equal emphasis on long life and everyday functionality. As an example, the little Wellcraft uses a fully self-draining cockpit that completely eliminates the need for a bilge pump, as any rain or spray that finds its way aboard simply runs down the deck, out the drains and over the side. With no pump to maintain (and no risk of pump failure), it’s a simple approach that brings real world benefits.

The stern features a raised casting platform with a pop-up jump seat in each corner.

The same can be said for the boat’s innovative rub rail. Look closely and you’ll note the rub rail conceals a useful hand grip that runs the full length of the boat, making it super-easy to pull it up on shore or beach it on a sandbar. The overhang of the rail also helps to deflect spray when underway – again, a simple design element that brings real world benefits.

Measuring 16 feet, four inches in length and riding on a seven-foot beam, the Wellcraft 162 Fisherman is made for big water with a wide, flared bow, plenty of freeboard and non-skid flooring throughout. The boat follows a traditional center console layout, but with a few twists to give it even greater versatility.

An available ski tow pylon is just one of many appealing options buyers might like to add.

Step aboard at the stern and you’ll notice the boat has a small but useful split swim platform, complete with a standard deep-reach stainless steel boarding ladder. Step forward and the elevated stern casting platform that makes it so easy to step aboard conceals a forward-facing jump seat in each corner, with space between the seats devoted to housing the fuel tank. Wellcraft offers a ski tow bar as an option, and it’s one upgrade that a lot of buyers will be sure to spring for.

The helm seat is double-wide and features a reversible seat back for forward-facing or aft-facing comfort.

Up at the helm, the driver enjoys a double-wide helm seat with a reversible back rest, allowing the seat to be set for forward-facing or aft-facing comfort. Look closely and you’ll spot the dedicated cooler storage in the seat base.

A cooler built into the helm seat base is a nice touch.

The Wellcraft 162 Fisherman helm is neatly designed with an elegant stainless steel steering wheel, dual USB chargers, plenty of space for adding a flush-mount MFD, and a soft-touch pad on top of console with integral storage trays. An optional JBL Bluetooth speaker fits the middle tray, or can be removed for enjoyment on the beach or wherever. Best of all, the windscreen is easily removed, allowing the craft to be stowed in a standard garage.

The fresh, contemporary helm design leaves plenty of space to add aftermarket electronics.

The front face of the console houses a traditional forward-facing cooler seat, while the bow casting platform accommodates removable cushions to convert this space into an inviting sun pad.

Note the Wellcraft’s removable windshield and removable stereo speaker, which can be taken up onto the beach on picnics.

Thoughtful touches like 316 stainless steel hardware throughout and Wellcraft’s impeccable build quality give the 162 Fisherman a refined feel. That’s even more apparent if you decided to add a few of the tasty options on this boat’s upgrade list, such as the available MarineMat coaming and both knee and foot pads at the helm for added comfort underway.

The standard console face seat is surprisingly comfortable.

Rated to handle outboards of up to 90 horsepower, the Wellcraft 162 Fisherman delivers surprisingly good performance with the standard 60 horsepower engine, and will raise your eyeballs with the 90, achieving speeds in excess of 45 mph while delivering outstanding fuel economy.

In the bow, the casting deck conceals a large storage compartment beneath. Adfding filler cushions converts this space into an appealing sun pad.

The Wellcraft 612 Fisherman is a nice boat that will appeal to a lot of people, including anyone who would rather spend their time enjoying the boat than cleaning it. Just give it a squirt with the garden hose and walk away.

Family time should be spent enjoying the boat, not maintaining it, and the Wellcraft 162 Fisherman puts full emphasis on family enjoyment.