Wellcraft 242 Fisherman
Features, style and value
By Andy Adams
Boat buyers are gravitating to the latest centre console boats for a wide range of reasons but for the Wellcraft 242 Fisherman, you can sum it up by saying it’s about features, style and value.
This great-looking boat is just as capable on a family picnic cruise as it is doing serious blue water fishing. A wide range of options let the buyer tailor the boat for their specific interests, but it’s all there to choose from. Our test boat was well-equipped for that comfortable cruise with easy access via the swim platform and through the transom gate into the cockpit.
Equipped with a single V8 Mercury 250 Verado engine, Wellcraft can fill in more of the swim platform area for swimming and family use plus, the single-engine equals lower initial cost and maybe lower fuel consumption with comparable performance.
The Wellcraft 242 Fisherman features port and starboard baitwell / live wells with clear lids in the sides at the transom, rod holders in the transom, more on the console sides, in the decking and rod storage in the side panels and up under the T-Top too. Handy tackle boxes are included in the helm seat base and there’s a big live well there too. But it’s not all about fishing. The fold-away aft bench seat is well-padded, attractive comfortable. The test boat had two bucket seats with flip up bolsters, armrests and a three position foot rest for driver comfort. The helm seat lifts to reveal a removable cooler. There is a second cooler in the bow.
In the bow is a chute, a big plow anchor and a chain locker. Our the Wellcraft 242 Fisherman test boat had a removable cocktail table with two drink holders between the bow seats and these can accommodate two to three people per side. Wellcraft offers extremely clever removable seat backs converting the benches to sun lounges. Alternatively, the seat cushions can be removed and stowed away making the seats a raised casting area.
Two huge JL Audio speakers will keep the party rockin’ and the Mercury V8 is so quiet that you will hear the tunes easily.
Another feature is the seat on the front of the console. There are stainless steel grab handles here for safety and guess what?
The front of the console and the seat all swing up together as one unit on gas struts to reveal a combination changing room and head with a Dometic MSD.
The helm includes billet aluminum switch bezels and a host of other custom features. The test boat had a Fusion stereo, Garmin GPS Map XSV plus a VHF radio, Mercury Vessel View screen for engine information and Lenco trim tabs.
The most important part for many buyers will be the performance. We were driving one of the new Mercury V8 outboards – a 250 horsepower Verado that was strong and silent. There is an exhaust switch too, in case you want to hear more motor. Planing off was easy. The V8 has loads of power and we hit 44 mph wide open in mere seconds. Turning and handling were confidence-inspiring and reversing into a slip is easy when you can just turn around and see where the engine is pointing.
Some buyers will still want twin engines though and Wellcraft has a wide range of power options to choose from. We don’t have the space to cover all the features here, but the Wellcraft 242 Fisherman has plenty of style and solid performance at a price point that seems very attractive.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Mercury 250XXL Verado, fourstroke V8, 250 horsepower, stainless steel prop
RPM MPH
2000 8
2500 9
3000 11
3500 16
4000 28
4500 33
5000 36
5500 39
6000 42
WOT 44
Length OA: 24’4″ / 7.42 m
Beam: 8’6″ / 2.54 m
Fuel Capacity: 158 gal / 598 L
Maximum Capacity: 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg
Approx. Boat & Engine Weight: 4,900 lbs / 2,223 kg
Max HP: 400 hp / 298 kw
Price:
Boat and price provided by: Wellcraft, wellcraft.com
