Wellcraft 302 Center Console - The Hull Truth

NOBOATYET · 09-06-2006, 01:43 PM

Looking at purchasing a Wellcraft 1995 + Scarab 302 Center Console.
Any opinoins would be welcomed. Any particular years to stay away from? Things to look for? Build quality. ETC.
I aplogize in advanced for not replying right away but i am at work.

thanks for your help.

ScarabChris · 09-06-2006, 03:52 PM

Well you will get a

from me. I have a 1994 and I love it. As far as years to stay away from. They are all well built but you are going to want the newest model you can get. A couple of reasons.......The boat was built from 1977 to 2000. The hull is exactly the same over the years with the exception of the open transom on the early models. The console and interior layout is a little nicer from 1995 on. I missed it by one year.

Just look at the basics like if the floor or transom is soft. If they are, the boat is not garbage but it will need extensive work to be as solid as it once was. These are fast hulls and there are a lot of them out there that were run hard and not taken care of. I was lucky enough to get one that was. Here are a few pictures of mine to give you an idea of how a mid 90s should look like. Feel free to email me or ask me any questions on here. Let me know the year boat you are looking at and I can tell you about it. I know these boats in and out.

NOBOATYET · 09-06-2006, 04:50 PM

Thanks for ythe response Chris.
Sweet ride!!!!
Do you know if the mid 90's had built in baitwells?

ScarabChris · 09-06-2006, 05:07 PM

Mine had one under the front seat in the console but it was plumbed very poorly. I re-plumber it and it now works perfect with exception of the floor of the boat being wet from the sloshing. I am not sure but I believe the late 90s to 2000 have a nice one in the transom. A bait well is an easy thing to add on later though. You can get a new lean post with one built in the back of it.

NOBOATYET · 09-06-2006, 05:11 PM

thats true, i didn't think of that.
what kind of performance are you getting with the E-TEC's?

ScarabChris · 09-06-2006, 05:40 PM

Excelent, especially compared to the twin 200 Ocean Pros that came from the factory. I have it propped for fuel economy and hole shot more than top end. However...I am still getting a top end of 61.5 MPH and a nice cruise speen of 42 MPH burning a total of 22 GPH at cruise. These numbers are running with about half fuel (75 gal) and only two people. It burns a little more with full fuel and more people and gear.

NOBOATYET · 09-06-2006, 06:29 PM

thanks chris for the info.
not quite ready to buy yet, but you never know when that deal of a life time will come up.
by the way, what do think of the newer 29's?

ScarabChris · 09-06-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

NOBOATYET - 9/6/2006 5:29 PM

thanks chris for the info.
not quite ready to buy yet, but you never know when that deal of a life time will come up.
by the way, what do think of the newer 29's?

Nice boat but smaller than the 302. The newer 29, 32, 35 models are built much better for fishing but they are not Scarabs.

If you are interested in that model email a forum member named Glen E, he has a new 32'.

NOBOATYET · 09-06-2006, 07:40 PM

thanks for the help
have a good one

Gmack · 09-06-2006, 08:19 PM

Chris you have a great looking boat! I can't believe it's a 94'! Good job keeping her up

Gary

ScarabChris · 09-08-2006, 09:41 AM

Thanks, its a job with the boat sitting in the water year round with no cover.