Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 Review

The Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 is a welded aluminum fishing boat designed to take serious abuse from big offshore waves.

In the wild waters of the Pacific northwest, anglers appreciate the incredible functionality and unequaled durability of heavy-duty, welded aluminum boats. Almost maintenance-free, easy to clean and tough enough to stand daily use in some of the biggest waves on earth, it’s little wonder that these designs have finally begun to catch on in other areas like the Great Lakes, some of the larger impoundments and the east coast. The Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 is just such a boat.

Designed with a deep-V, reverse-chine hull that allows the boat to handle rough water with ease, while maintaining a trailerable 8.5-foot beam, the Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 is built to be rugged. Wide gunnels, an in-transom bait well, locking rod storage, a huge fish box and abundant rod holders immediately confirm this boat is built with serious offshore fishing in mind. But it’s also a capable weekender that can keep anglers comfortable over an extended weekend stay.

Built for the Pacific northwest, the Cuddy King 280 is one rugged boat!

The business center of this design is the huge, open aft cockpit, which features plenty of room to fish and wide, flat gunnels that are ideal for mounting downriggers, rod holders, electronics and other equipment. Anglers accustomed to trying to shoehorn this gear into available space on fiberglass boats will feel absolutely thrilled with the space available on the Weldcraft’s stern.

From the rear cockpit a sliding door leads inside to the main cabin, with a full dinette to port and a small but efficient galley to starboard.

From the aft cockpit, a sliding door opens to the pilothouse where an optional head compartment with an electric flush porcelain toilet sat to port in our review boat. To starboard, there’s a full galley with an ice box, sink and a two-burner butane stove. Forward of the galley, a bench seat runs lengthwise along the starboard side to the helm, facing an optional dinette along the port side; the forward seat back can be adjusted for forward-facing seating when underway. Removing the dinette table and substituting a pair of small cushions converts this space to a comfortable bunk for overnight accommodation.

The helm console is no-nonsense, with plenty of space to add electronics.

The helm of the Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 is no-nonsense, consisting of a welded console with plenty of space for adding aftermarket electronics. A matching passenger console provides convenient storage for small items, while both the driver and companion ride on swiveling, heavy-duty suspension seats with integral foot rests, mounted on aluminum risers for excellent visibility.

The V-berth isn’t exactly luxurious, but as a place to crash after a hard day of fishing, it works quite well.

Between the helm and passenger consoles, a set of double doors open to provide access to the eight-foot cuddy cabin with its comfortable V-berth. An overhead screened hatch provides plenty of fresh air, while large windows and multiple lights give the cabin a bright, inviting feel. It’s not the kind of place you would want to sleep in for weeks on end, but as a crash pad for the weekend tournament, it certainly fits the bill.

Rated for up to 500 horsepower, the Weldcraft Cuddy King 280 works really well with twin 250 outboards, which allow a top speed in the 55 mph range while still delivering excellent fuel economy and range.