Boat Review: Wellcraft 243 Fisherman

The sun is rising, rods are stowed, seas are calm, and the fish are reportedly biting off Montauk Point. Casting the dock lines, you’re smiling ear-to-ear as you head out of Shinnecock Inlet on the newly redesigned Wellcraft 243 Fisherman center console. My recent sea trial aboard the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman conjured up those feelings, knowing this new entry could take me there – and do so much more.

From serious fishing trips to family outings, the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman adapts effortlessly. Ample space, convertible bow seating, abundant storage, and easy swim access ensure comfort, safety, and fun for all ages, while exploring, relaxing, or seeking adventure.
 

 

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Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: The Redesign

The 243 Fisherman is a purpose-built boat that’s made for fishing first and foremost. From a pedigree of hard charging fishing platforms, the 243 Fisherman elevates the experience and fishing capabilities. The team at Wellcraft refreshed this model, with a new feel, form and function. They didn’t mess with perfection as the deep-V hull is solid and dependable. All changes and upgrades were made above the waterline. One goal of expanding cockpit space was met by eliminating the starboard aft well and shifting the transom door outward. In addition, the transom was pushed aft and the console forward with net result of an additional foot of length of self-bailing cockpit space. No easy feat in a 24’ boat, but Wellcraft did it flawlessly.

Key Specs/Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 24’4”
• Beam: 8’6”
• Draft (engines up/down): 22”/39”
• Air draft: 8’4”
• Fuel: 200 US Gallons
• Displacement (approx.): 5,000 lbs.
• Max Horsepower: 400 HP
• Tested Power: Twin Mercury 200 HP Verado Outboards

 
Increasing fuel capacity was another goal met. Reconfiguring the stringers below deck allowed Wellcraft to redesign the fuel tanks, upping the total capacity to 200 gallons of petrol, a 37-gallon increase, which can improve range per tank.

Redesigned stringers also yielded additional space and accessibility for the port and starboard in-deck insulated 57 gall. fish boxes.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: Fish on!

As with a true center console, fishing can be performed from any position around the deck. One area usually dismissed is the bow. Not to worry, the 243 has a three-tiered casting platform area under the cushions for anglers swinging lures or landing fish. Many times, fish will lead you away from the cockpit, where fighting a fish from the bow is essential, especially for large tuna or sharks. Clean from obstructions (even the nav lights are recessed), wide decks make it easy to transverse between fore/aft. High gunnels add safety and bracing when duking it out. Generously padded combing is comfortable.

Other fishing features include a 23 gall. aft baitwell, four transom mounted rod holders, four gunnel-mounted holders, under-gunnel lateral rod storage, reversible helm seat/leaning post and hardtop mounted rocket launcher.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: Power Up

The 243 Fisherman is rated for a maximum capacity of 400 HP which is sufficient for this model. Our test boat was matched with twin Mercury 200 HP Verado outboards. You can opt for smaller twins or a single outboard, or opt for Yamaha outboard setup. Cruising at 3000 RPM yields a speed of 22.6 mph, burning approx. 13.3 GPH. Hit the sticks to 4000 RPM and you’ll zip along at 36.8 MPH, 23.2 GPH. With seven persons and half fuel, we cracked 50 MPH at wide open throttle (5700 RPM). This is an exhilarating ride that will safely get you to the fishing grounds and back. The power and speed is there when needed. With smooth turning that was tight and on track, the 243 Fisherman will get you right over the reef.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: At the Con

The helm station’s three-sided enclosure is integrated with the streamlined hardtop and window frames and supported by powder coated aluminum framing, making it rock solid. Twin 12” multi-function Garmin displays mounted in a black gel console keep you in the know. More electronic space is found in the overhead console. Our ride had a Merc engine monitor display, Garmin VHF, JL Audio controller/speakers and storage box overhead. The helm provides all-around great visibility, as witnessed by one of the captains on the trial that standing at 5’7” he never experienced a blind spot when performing hole shots.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: Take a Bow

For the cruising days, the bow is fitted with port and starboard bench seats that convert to forward-facing loungers, thanks to removable backrests. An optional fiberglass bow table fits into a flush deck mount, a clean design. Filler cushions create a sunpad oasis. There’s an in-deck 60-gllon dry storage well. Forward of the helm is a center cushioned seat with pull-out cooler drawer below. Hit that latch, and the front of the console reveals a private head compartment, which also has flush panels to easily access electronics and wiring runs.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: Brains Behind the Brawn

The redesign of the 243 Fisherman was not by accident. It was time to enhance the 242 model, and Wellcraft (part of Group Beneteau) put the right man to the task. Ken Clinton, a seasoned veteran in the boating biz, joined Wellcraft as CEO recently and immediately rolled up his sleeves to join his engineers with a hands-on approach. After over 30 years at Intrepid Boats, Clinton has seen all angles of the fishing boat sector, and knows what fishermen want. More cockpit space, increased range, ability to fish from any position and comfort were all considered. The result is a new model that delivers power when needed, the ability to fish for any species and not getting beat up running to and from the grounds.
 

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman: Added Niceties!

There’s a lot of forethought in the 243 Fisherman. Even if not ordered at purchase, the boat is pre-rigged for easy upgrades, with a mounting bracket for a Power-Pole on the transom, along with pre-wiring and a mount for a trolling motor on the bow. An optional powered windshield vent is a welcome touch, as refreshing as the drinks in the 48-quart cooler stowed neatly beneath the helm seat. Don’t overlook the transom fold-down seat, which tucks up and out of the way when the bite is on. Customize your ride with multiple color, fabric, and stitching options.

The Wellcraft 243 Fisherman is at home whether jigging fluke in the Great South Bay, trolling for stripers in the New York Bight, chasing tuna offshore, or casting to blitzing bluefish in the Chesapeake Bay. This is a boat that looks, rides, and fishes bigger than a 24-footer, while still serving comfortably as a family boat. It’s equally suited for entertaining, sandbar hopping, tubing, and day cruising—a boat built for all occasions.
 

Learn More About the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman

Explore specs, features, and layout details direct from Wellcraft.
Visit the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman Model Page
 

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