Wellcraft 222 Fisherman Review

Over the years Wellcraft has earned a solid reputation for selling boats that are widely respected for their build quality and value. That’s a heritage that lives on in the company’s Wellcraft 222 Fisherman, a mid-sized family center console that blends serious fishing features with versatility and all-round comfort.

Wellcraft’s focus on quality is apparent even before you step aboard, with its generous use of stainless steel in the rub rails, the safety railings, the cup holders and cleats. Also getting the stainless steel treatment is the four-step retractable boarding ladder located on the port side of the swim platform. The ladder sits in the water at an angle, rather than vertically in the traditional style, for much easier use.

The swim platform features an angled four-step stainless steel boarding ladder, four aft-facing rod holders across the transom, and plenty of space to pass the engine.

The swim platform is a full walk-through type that’s finished in a zero-maintenance non-skid pattern, allowing easy passage in front of the outboard engine. Gunnel cutaways and a transom pass-through on the starboard side make for easy boarding from the dock.

The transom seat folds flush into the transom when not required, providing comfortable seating without eating up cockpit space.

Step into the main cockpit of the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman and the first thing one notices is the neat transom seat arrangement. The near full-width bench seat is quite comfortable in use, and simply which folds flush into the transom when no longer required. Behind it, four stainless steel rod holders stretch across the transom, while a 23-gallon aerated bait well with a light and timer function sits conveniently in the port-side aft corner. It’s large enough to serve as a live well when fishing for smaller species, and features a gasketed clear lid so you can easily keep an eye on the bait or fish.

A 23-gallon bait well built into the port-aft corner includes both a light and a timer feature.

Wellcraft’s focus on quality and value are clearly evident throughout the cockpit, which is fully self-draining. Under-gunnel rod storage keeps pricey fishing rods safely stowed, while a standard raw water wash-down system makes quick work of any fish scales that wind up on the floor of the boat – just give them a quick squirt of the hose and they go out the drains and over the side.

Also noteworthy is the 222 Fisherman’s high gunnel height, which provides greater security when fishing in big swells.

The spacious helm console allows plenty of space for mounting flush-mount displays.

The helm console on the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman is all business, with a handsome stainless steel steering complete with a turning knob dominating the console. There’s plenty of space to add the buyer’s choice of flush-mount touch-screen multifunction displays, while a row of illuminated toggle switches up top control the electronics. To the right of the steering wheel there are a couple of stainless drink holders for the captain and guest, and a thoughtful molded-in footrest below for added comfort underway.

The optional T-top includes a locking storage box, rear-facing speakers, cockpit lighting and rod holders.

The 222 Fisherman comes with a Fusion stereo as standard equipment, which is a really nice touch and reflects Wellcraft’s commitment to quality by adding such a high-end stereo as standard equipment.

The standard leaning post includes four aft-mounted rocket launchers.

The standard leaning post features a seat cushion that flips forward to reveal handy storage compartments beneath. Across its aft face, four additional four rocket launcher-style rod holders provide even more spots to put rods. Wellcraft offers an option to add a removable 72-quart cooler in the seat base here, and this is such a handy feature that most buyers will definitely want it.

In-gunnel rod storage keeps expensive tackle secure when underway.

Also optional but equally enticing is the available fiberglass T-top, which includes a lockable storage box, cockpit lighting, JL audio speakers and still more rocket launchers. The powder-coated frame now includes a top-mounted ski tow, speaking to this boat’s tremendous versatility. White powder coat comes standard, with black available as a no-cost option.

The seat on the front of the console conceals a head compartment.

The front of the console of the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman reveals a small but efficient head compartment, which is quite an unusual feature to find in a boat of this size. The front face of the console tilts up on gas-assisted rams to provide easy access – a Porta-potti comes standard, with a pump-out head available for a small upcharge.

Up in the bow a couple of raised platforms on each side open to reveal fully-finished storage compartments with gasketed lids. The lids are finished in non-skid up top, in order to be used as casting platforms. A set of available cushions quickly converts this space to comfortable lounge seating if desired. Most buyers will likely opt for this upgrade, since a couple of drink holders and grab handles up front make it a fun space to enjoy on the water. New for this year are removable back rests that attach to the aft ends of the seats on neat metal brackets, allowing comfortable forward-facing seating in the bow. These back rests use an innovative ergonomic design, making them extremely comfortable in use.

The bow seating arrangement is versatile and comfortable thanks to new forward-facing back rests. They slide into metal receptacles for easy removal.

On the bow forecastle is a large compartment that can serve as an anchor locker or as a place to stow mooring lines. There’s also space for an optional windlass if desired.

In the bow floor is another large storage space for bulky gear, while a couple of bow rod holders in the gunnels work with clips on the front of the T-top to allow an available sunshade to be installed over the bow in seconds.

Boaters looking for a versatile fishing rig that can easily double as a family runabout will find a lot to like about the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman. With its focus on versatility and quality, this is one center console that’s sure to please.