We take a quick spin aboard the latest Wellcraft 242 Fisherman ‘Scarab Offshore’ from the famous U.S. brand and badge
Wellcraft recently returned to the Aussie boating scene with two new centre consoles at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show in 2017. We got a quick spin aboard the latest Wellcraft 242 Fisherman ‘Scarab Offshore ‘from the famous U.S. brand and badge.
Chapman Marine Group was behind the NSW launch of the new Wellcraft 222 and 242 Fisherman, with the eye-catching Scarab Offshore package, to the Australian Market. There are now new Wellcraft dealers appointed in other States.
Meantime, these two new additions to the already extensive range of Wellcraft centre console and offshore fishing boats were designed to give family boaters and keen fisherman some trick platforms that suits their combined needs.
The 222F had a 250hp Mercury Verado and a sweet layout, while the 242 had the hot Scarab Offshore graphics package and a single 350hp Mercury Verado.
Ahead of its boat-show debut, we got a quick spin on the 242 Fisherman Scarab Offshore on Sydney Harbour, where the cool boat played the part of camera platform and quick getaway.
Built in America, running 20 degree deep-vee hulls, the Wellcrafts combine a deep flared-bow hull for offshore performance with stability at rest.
True to name, the 242 Fisherman comes loaded with fishing features: 64lt livewell with bluecoat, light and timer, portable cooler, rod gunnel storage and rod holders, tackle storage with boxes, raw water wash down, and so on.
Adding to the family comforts were the forward console seating, rear folding bench seating, so-called change room in the step-down head, where there’s a toilet, and a high level of trim. There’s a big transom swim ladder for diving, perhaps a bit obtrusive for serious fishing, but the idea is to keep everyone sated.
OPTIONED FOR AN ACTIVE SUMMER
NSW Wellcraft importer, Mark Chapman, didn’t hold back on the options.
The big upgrades on the 242 Fisherman Scarab Offshore included a Mercury Verado 350hp XXL in white, tri-tone hull colour with carbon fibre trim, windlass with bow roller, bow filler cushion to create a sunpad, cockpit sink with transom shower, upgraded electric toilet with holding tank, dual batteries, premium sound system… and a with Deluxe T-Top that really sets the package off.
There were LED underwater lights, transom cutting board with tool holders, macerator pump in the forward in-floor (fish) storage box, and seating upgrades including a bow table for doing lunch.
FAST GETAWAY
During our quick spin, the 242 Fisherman proved eager to jump out of the hole and cruise at high 20 knots offshore or to a Sunday bolthole.
Top speed had been recorded around 45.5 knots as a light ship and about 41 knots with the full 598lt of fuel and water, which should deliver a long weekend of long-range boating for just about everyone on this sharp centre console.
The helm was light and the performance was sporty, with the full array of waterporoof switches adding to the classic Wellcraft hot-boat feel. This was reflected in the hull graphics and white powder-coated tee top. This boat won’t go unnoticed.
As part of Group Beneteau, the biggest boatbuilder in the world today, the pricing on the Wellcrafts appears to be keen. The boat as driven was listed for around $159k, minus trailer. Expect to see more Wellcraft centre consoles on the Aussie boating scene.
At-a-Glance: Wellcraft 242 Scarab Offshore
Price as Tested: About $159k with 350hp Mercury Verado, excluding trailer
Person Capacity: 10
LOA: 7.40m
Beam: 2.54m
Fuel Capacity: 598lt
Draft Up: 41cm
Draft Down: 86cm
Maximum Capacity: 1587kgs
Approx. Boat Weight: 1837kg
Max HP: 400hp
Engine on Test: 350hp Mercury Verado
Deadrise:20°
Bridge Clearance w/T-Top: 2.54m
Total height on Trailer w/T-Top: 3.50m
Total height on Trailer: 2.90m
Water Capacity:45lt
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