Wellcraft 302 Fisherman Review

The Wellcraft 302 Fisherman is a versatile and capable performance center console sure to delight fishing families.

When it comes to high-performance offshore fishing boats, few boat builders can claim a heritage to match that of Wellcraft.

Founded in 1955, Wellcraft started out building high-end wooden runabouts with an emphasis on speed and performance. But the company really found its groove when it started expanding into fiberglass offshore performance boats. It’s Scarab 38 KV model catapulted the company into mainstream popularity in 1986 when it was featured prominently on the top-rated television series Miami Vice. That performance DNA soon found its way into the company’s offshore fishing boats, securing its place as one of the world’s great boat builders.

Its combination of fishing features and thoughtful amenities puts Wellcraft’s 302 Fisherman in a class of its own.

Perhaps no model in the company’s current lineup speaks to this heritage of performance like the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman. Stretching just over 30 feet in length, the 302 Fisherman combines the versatility of the proven center console floor plan with the amenities of a family day boat and the performance pedigree of Wellcraft’s fabled offshore speedsters – all on a neatly designed and beautifully executed package.

Comfortable, fold-down transom seats retract when not required.

Step aboard and the interior space is readily apparent. Wellcraft knows full well that passenger comfort is a critical factor in any boat these days, so the interior depth and generous freeboard quickly instill a sense of confidence and security, even among new boaters. The Wellcraft 302 Fisherman is also designed with an eye to keeping maintenance requirements to a minimum, with the entire cockpit interior being finished in a durable fiberglass non-skid for easy cleaning at the end of the day. The entire boat is self-draining, so a quick squirt with a hose is all it takes.

No less than four insulated in-floor fish boxes accommodate the day’s catch.

Built for offshore fishing, the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman comes with every expected amenity and several thoughtful surprises. This includes a pair of 23-gallon bait wells in the transom, each with a light and a timer for the aeration system. There’s also a handy rigging station positioned between the bait wells, and no less than four insulated, in-floor fish boxes to handle the catch of the day – two 37-gallon lockers in the aft cockpit, and a pair of 27-gallon boxes flanking the center console. In keeping with Wellcraft’s commitment to minimal maintenance, each fish box feeds a macerator with an overboard drain for easy cleaning.

In-gunnel storage spaces keep rods safely stowed when not in use.

The cockpit also offers in-gunnel rod storage, a number of rod holders that double as drink holders. There are also tilt-out tackle drawers in the gunnels that hold Plano 3700-style extra-depth boxes, keeping tackle neatly organized, readily accessible yet neatly out of sight.

Flip-down tackle drawers offer rapid access to gear, while keeping it neatly out of sight.

A standard transom door leads aft to the 302’s integrated swim platform, while an optional port-side door makes boarding from the dock much easier, while providing a convenient spot to boat large fish.

Overhead, a standard T-top included integrated LED lighting, an electronics box, spreader lights, rod holders and a secure cell phone holder.

The helm offers plenty of space for one or more large flush-mount touch-screen displays.

So far so good. But the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman is more than just a fishing rig, with some truly appealing family-friendly features as well.

For starters, there’s the seating. The bow provides a full wrap-around seating including a filler cushion that covers an integrated cooler. Tilt-up backrests allow forward-facing seating, while a removable pedestal-mount table converts this space into a comfy spot for lounging, enjoying a cold drink or lunch with an unbeatable view. A facing seat on the front side of the console provides even more options here.

Wrap-around seating in the bow is versatile and comfortable.

Back in the cockpit, pull-down seating folds out of the transom as needed and retracts when no longer required.

Two removable back rests convert the bow seating into two forward-facing lounges.

The helm seat consists of twin side-by-side buckets with fold-down arm rests and flip-up bolsters. Comfort is enhanced by the provision of a bi-level angled foot rest.

The aft side of the helm seat accommodates two sinks and a freshwater faucet, with additional cooler storage beneath that.

Adding a removable pedestal-mount table transforms the bow into an ideal spot for lunch or drinks and conversation.

The central console offers a neat bit of engineering, with a neatly-designed dash that offers plenty of space for one or more flush-mounted touch-screen displays, twin stainless steel drink holders, and a massive tempered glass windshield that does a great job of keeping the breeze at bay.

The spacious head compartment is accessed through a door on the port side of the console.

A generously-sized door on the port side of the console leads to a spacious head compartment, complete with an electric-flush toilet, a port light and a skylight. There’s also a vanity cabinet with a solid-surface counter containing a sink and freshwater faucet.

Power options from Mercury and Yamaha range from twin 250s to twin 400s.

The Wellcraft 302 Fisherman comes with a lengthy option list, allowing buyers to truly personalize their boat as they see fit. That includes a choice of eight different hull exterior colors, and a variety of power options from Mercury and Yamaha, ranging from twin 250s to twin 400s.

Even in its simplest form, the Wellcraft 302 Fisherman is a capable and comfortable offshore family fishing rig that delivers surprising comfort and performance in a great looking package.