Wellcraft Goes Big at Fort Lauderdale

Christophe Lavigne

Nov 7, 2019

Christophe Lavigne introduces Wellcraft’s newest and biggest offshore fishing and entertaining boat the 402 F.

Canadian Yachting checks in from last week’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Wellcraft came to the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show with their biggest news, maybe ever. It’s their new 402 F – a big, brawny centre console that is their biggest and most powerful Wellcraft since the old Florida offshore ocean racer days. It’s 40’4” with a 12’6” beam for amazing space onboard and the company projects a very aggressive price in the mid-600 US range. And at that, the show boat was equipped with quad Yamaha XTO 425 hp V8s – a total of 1,700 hp for breathtaking performance in Great Lakes or offshore settings.

Wellcraft DisplayOne of the most important features is that the 402 F is equipped with not one but two dive doors; one forward on starboard convenient to the helm and the other a bit aft on port to access the cockpit and both have mounts for ladders. The cockpit has two aquarium type bait wells, padded coamings for fishing and two comfortable fold out stern seats. Side decks are wide for safety and working a fish. The cockpit is all about the fishing action while the bow is designed for outdoor entertaining and in the middle is a cabin with private enclosed head and a convertible dinette.

Wellcraft DisplayThe extensive use of CNC billet aluminum fittings with anodized coatings extends to the very substantial windshield hardware and the innovation of having the port side of the windshield swing open with the cabin door. There’s also a dash top hatch that lifts so you can go below in full standing comfort – nice touch!

Christophe Lavigne, President of Beneteau Cadillac where the boat is built, (and fellow Canadian who was head designer at the late Doral Boats) was there to walk us through in person. Click here for Christophe’s video greeting.

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– Andy Adams

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