Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: A Better Fisherman

Wellcraft reinvents the the 243 Fisherman center console

By Gregg Mansfield

When Groupe Beneteau brought on Ken Clinton to run Wellcraft Boats, the company knew it was getting a hands-on executive.  

One of the first products under Clinton’s hands-on leadership is the all-new Wellcraft 243 Fisherman, where his influence is seen from the baitwells to the hardtop on the legendary brand.

“I’m the guy that’s in the factory at 5:30 every single morning, and I’m boots on the ground in the prototype building,” Clinton said. “I have an amazing team of engineers and craftspeople, so I’m able to go in there and make changes on the fly and we’re able to innovate faster than ever before.”

When Groupe Beneteau brought Clinton after 31 years at Intrepid Powerboats, the first task they wanted was to redesign the 243 Fisherman. The model is the middle child of the Fisherman center-console series that spans 6.2 to 10.8 meters.

When Clinton climbed onto the 243 Fisherman, one of the first things he noticed was the aft baitwell was too small. “It didn’t make sense, there was no way it was going to work with bait,” he said.

Designers eliminated the baitwell and shifted the transom door, which added 8 inches to the aft bench seat. Clinton said the motorwell was deeper than needed, allowing them to reclaim additional cockpit space. Between that and moving the console forward, the center console gained a foot of aft cockpit space.

“The biggest thing is when you’re getting down to the 24-foot space, aft cockpit space is huge,” Clinton said. “It gets harder to fit everything into that smaller space, so to gain a foot in a 24-foot boat is crazy.”

By shifting around the cockpit, designers expanded the fuel tank by 140 liters to 711.6 liters. Wellcraft says the fuel capacity is among the best in class. 

“Everybody knows you can never have enough fuel in a boat,” Clinton said. “Your capacity dictates how long you’re going to fish that day before you have to go in.”

The 243 Fisherman’s deep-V hull is rated up to 350 horsepower, with Wellcraft offering single or twin outboards from either Mercury Marine or Yamaha Marine. Standard power is a Mercury 250 XXL Verado outboard.

Designed to Do More

While the 243 Fisherman is purpose-built for fishing, it offers much more than hooking fish. The layout is great for families and friends looking to spend a day out on the water. The bow area was redesigned for improved ergonomics and can easily be converted to a fishing platform.

The U-shaped bow lounge has removable forward-facing backrests and optional bow table. Just in front of the console is a single bench seat. The console and helm were a point of focus for Clinton, who was trying to improve the usability.

The two-person helm seat has a movable backrest that allows the co-pilot to sit aft and watch lines while underway. Protecting the helm is a new T-top, a design that Clinton borrowed from Wellcraft’s 38 T-Top. Wellcraft integrated a full windscreen into the T-top frame for added comfort on longer runs. 

“I loved the lines of that hardtop,” Clinton said. “I just shrank it down to make sure that it fit this boat well.”

The head compartment is easy to access through the front of the console. Wellcraft kept it simple but cleaned up the space that includes a portable toilet, rod holders and stowage. (An electric head is offered as an option.)

“Now when you go in there, it almost looks automotive,” he said. “It’s these nice vinyl, color, installed panels that just cleans up that entire area.”

Intuitive Helm

Buyers have options when it comes to configuring the helm. The 243 Fisherman comes standard with custom gauges for the outboards, a compass, steering wheel and cellphone holder.

Most owners will opt for a single or dual 12” Garmin displays with depth sounder. A Garmin VHF radio is offered as an option, as well as a premium sound package with RGB lighting. The package includes a Fusion stereo with amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers from JL Audio. A 12V outlet and USB outlet can ensure portable electronics stay charged.

Fishing Focused

The six models in the Fisherman line are purpose-built for anglers, and the 243 is no different. Fishing friendly features include an 87-liter livewell on the port transom and insulated in-deck fish boxes. Wellcraft left space for a 72-quart carry-on cooler under the leaning post. Rods can be stowed under the gunwale.

The expanded walkaround layout allows for 360-degree fishability, and Wellcraft redesigned the bow for the installation of a trolling motor. The stern comes Power-Pole-ready from the factory. Wellcraft includes standard deck-mounted rod holders and on the console. Kingfish rod holders and rocket launchers for the T-top are offered as an option.

“It takes the windlass that used to be mounted up on top of the foredeck and recesses it,” Clinton said. “Now it’s a through-hull anchor, which is a really nice change and clean up that bow area. It also works in conjunction with the trolling motor really well.”

When redesigning the deck, Wellcraft made sure to maintain the elevated freeboard for a secure, dry ride. The 243 Fisherman rides on a 20-degree deep-V hull, which is adept offshore and along the coast. For a sportier look, Wellcraft offers the Scarab offshore package, which includes Scarab offshore graphics, marine mat, helm footrest and rod stowage.

Ready for Anything

Wellcraft has taken the 243 Fisherman and made the center console even better. Anglers looking for a 7.4-meter boat that is easy to tow, fuel efficient and versatile should put the 243 Fisherman at the top of the list. 

Specifications

• LOA:   24 ft 3 in / 7.4 m
• Beam: 8 ft 3 in / 2.54 m
• Draft: 41 cm
• Displacement:   4,900 lbs / 2,223 kg
• Fuel Capacity:   157.975 gal. / 598 L
• Water Capacity:  NA
• Max HP:  350
• Base Engine: Mercury 250 XXL Verado
• MSRP:  See local dealer

For more information: www.wellcraft.com