2022 Wellcraft 242 Fisherman

An Angler’s Dream.

By: Walt Jennings

Wellcraft has been manufacturing boats since the mid 1950’s and their boats are sold through a network of dealers throughout the world. Today they manufacture outboard center console fishing boats in the 20 to 35 ft range, so there is a Wellcraft fishing boat for every angler in every situation from inshore striper or trout fishing, to going offshore targeting marlin or bluefin tuna.

With its long heritage and large customer base, Wellcraft’s 242 center console fisherman is one of their more popular models as it is small enough to fish inshore, yet has the size and range to go out in big water with either single or twin Mercury or Yamaha outboard power up to 400 hp.

Looking at the bow, there is a huge anchor locker large enough to store 600 ft (or more) of line + chain and protruding from the bow is a stainless-steel pulpit that holds the anchor in a position ready to use. A stainless-steel grab rail graces the inside of both port and starboard gunnels for added personal security, and the heavy-duty rub rail has a stainless insert – a nice touch not found on many boats.

Thick padded seat cushions will seat 2 each along the port and starboard sides of the bow, below which are huge storage compartments plus a large storage compartment in the deck between the bow seats. There is additional seating everyplace you look on the 242 Fisherman. With the 4 seats in the bow, there is an additional 2 seats on the front of the center console door, 2 helm seats, and then there is a folding rear bench seat along the transom that will hold 2 more adults.

The center console on the 242 is a helmsman’s delight with a tilting stainless-steel steering wheel with steering knob, stainless cup holders, and plenty of room to flush mount a VHF radio, AM/FM stereo, and 2 large chartplotters. The forward end of the center console opens up easily using its 2 gas shocks, and the opening underneath is spacious enough for 2 adults to squeeze into.

If you are an angler with a few fishing rods, there are rod holders everywhere on this 24-footer, with 6 along the sides of the center console, 4 on the back of the T-top, 4 in the transom, and 1 in each gunnel for a total of 16 vertical rod holders. Then there are 3 horizontal rod racks that will hold a total of 6 rods under the port and starboard gunnels – that’s 22 rods total!

The 242 Fisherman has not one, but two 23-gallon live wells, one at each corner of the transom, with blue gel coat interiors along with an interior light and pump timer to monitor water circulation. Aft of the transom is a large deck allowing an easy walk around to and from the boarding ladder to allow swimmers back into the boat. There is also a freshwater hose recessed into the starboard transom for spritzing off after a swim with the 8-gallon water tank.

Other nice touches include a raw water wash down amidship, hydraulic steering, and trim tabs – items that are options on most boats, come standard on the 242 Fisherman. 

Specifications

LOA: 24 ft 4 in
Beam: 8 ft 6 in
Dead Rise: 20º
Fuel Capacity: 158 gal
Water Capacity: 8 gal
Holding Tank Cap: N/A
Boat Weight: 4,900 lbs
Max Horsepower: 400 hp
Passenger Capacity: 10
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury | Yamaha

MSRP: $108,115 USD

For more information:  www.wellcraft.com