Questions about Wellcraft Fisherman 252?

[Topend]

Hi,

Just have a couple of questions about this boat.

Will a pair of Suzuki DF140's be sufficient power for this boat?

For the purpose of installing a thru hull transducer, is the boat cored or solid?

Thanks,

[Glen E]

not cored aand Yam F150's push it fine...

[Reel Thrill]

I have a 252 with T F150s. It tops out at 50 mph with 4 people.

[Topend]

Cheers,

Thanks for the replies.

I'm looking at a 252 which the dealer plans to fit twin Suzuki DF175's. If DF140's were fitted the savings are about A$11440.

Other power options (which I would prefer) from the same dealer are Verado 135/150/175/200.

When it comes down to it the decision may be driven by price. Still waiting to hear back from the dealer on a quote.

[potty dock]

I have a sportcraft 242 WAC with twin df 140's, 52 by the gps with two people and 1/2 tank...60 gal. while sipping gas! I really like'em. With the 25" shaft they are 420lbs each.. check the weight on the v-rats!

[vhf2]

I own a 2005 252 Fisherman with a single 300hpdi. It moves the boat pretty well and I see about 46 - 48 on the top end depending on load, conditions, etc.

I wanted twins, but the dealer almost paid me to take the boat off his hands - it was a leftover, and well, it had the 300hpdi. If I knew then what I now now about this engine...

Anyway, I haven't had the problems others have had with this engine - I would still would like twins for redundancy - if I had to do it again, I'd outfit it with twin 200's (most likely hpdi's or etecs to keep the weight down) and I bet it would see around 55+ on the top end. I don't need the speed, but you can never have too much. I'm stupid when it comes to economy - I just don't care. I bought a boat to have fun. I couldn't even tell you what my fuel burn is. I just put gas in and go (but I don't make 60 mile runs offshore either).

Overall the boat is built pretty good. I've always liked Wellcrafts. Here are the likes:

Very beamy and deep. When passengers are in the bow and even in the stern, they are well protected (does increase the challenge of docking when there is a breeze though - she has very high sides)
Great seating - I love the convertible helm seat/leaning post
Good storage - if it has the optional gunwale storage boxes
Good sized fish boxes in the bow
Overall construction is acceptable. Not the best, but solid
Rides pretty nice in most conditions.
Factory Ttop is strong as all getout - very well made

The dislikes:
Crappy electronics access for rigging on my model year. I know they changed the dash on new models, but the 05 is a PITA.
Battery access requires a contortionist if you have the marine head (can't be removed like the porta potty, so you end up twisted and wedged in the head to get to the damn batteries)
Head/console interior is lacking storage (again, I think the marine head on mine impacts this)
Gelcoat on hull/keel is a little thin - I've got a few scuffs that have surprised me, but easily cleaned up.
Windshield height and tint are very annoying to me.
No anchor rode tie off in the anchor locker.
Anchor locker is a bit snug if adding a windlass (I'm looking to do so)

If it was me, I'd get the bigger engines but then again, I probably own stock in the oil companies by now. I would not go below 300hp total on this boat - get twin 150's at least.

[Topend]

Hi vhf2,

Thanks for all your comments. I will follow your advice and at least power the 252 with a couple of 150's.

I too would like to fit a windlass. Are you going to fit a vertical or horizontal windlass?

[vhf2]

Topend -

I've been looking at the Lewmar Profish 700 (it's vertical)- I like the freefall capability. There's room the deck, but the depth of the anchor locker concerns me a bit. I've seen others with this setup, so I guess it works. The only bummer is the factory hawse pipe which turns into a useless decoration once the windlass is installed.

All things considered, I really like this boat. She's built well and I think has a lot of deck space and more importantly depth/freeboard for her LOA. She also has a great flare that keeps it pretty dry unless it's very snotty out. I feel very comfortable in this boat. I compared to Century, Cobia and Trophy when I bought. I'm not a hardcore fisherman, so I was looking for a good mix of value, style, comfort and usability/versatility

Oh, one other gripe - if you get the Ttop, negotiate for the electronics box for the Ttop if it doesnt already have it. On my model year, the top of the console is curved and doesn't leave usable space for all the small stuff folks always have. The console storage box is a bit small and the only flat space is taken up with the cupholders. I have my electronics flush mounted, so I'd use the electronics box above for dry storage.

The reason I recommend you negotiate with the dealer for the box - they wanted over $1K from Wellcraft for the OEM box after I bought the boat. You can get them aftermarket for $300 - $400 though.

[Topend]

Good choice in your windlass. I have the Lewmar Pro-Series 700h on my currnet boat. The best thing about it is the speed that it retrieves the anchor line.