Wellcraft 180 Fisherman (2016-)

Brief Summary

With a 20-degree deadrise, the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman should deliver a good ride in a chop, and she'll float in just 15" with the outboard tilted up, making her good for prowling the edges of the flats. Livewell, rod racks, and trolling rod holders are all standard. Small swim platforms on each side of the motor well are adequate for getting into the water for a swim, or for some wadefishing, and a stainless-steel boarding ladder to port assists in getting back aboard.

Specifications

Length Overall	18' / 5.48 m
Beam	8' 2.44 m
Dry Weight	2,065 lbs. 937 kg
Draft Up	15'' 0.38 m
Draft Down	32'' 0.81 m
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	6' 7'' 2.01 m
Weight Capacity	1,650 lbs. 749 kg
Person Capacity	6
Fuel Capacity	51 gal. 193 L
Water Capacity	N/A

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Three Evinrude engines at 115-hp, 135-hp, and 150-hp Two Mercury engines at 115-hp and 150-hp Three Yamaha engines at 115-hp and 150-hp

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Overview

Wellcraft designed the 180 Fisherman as a center-console boat focused on fishing with such standard features as a baitwell, an overboard-draining fishbox, and in-gunwale rod holders. For cruising, the boat has aft jumpseats, a convertible backrest for the helm seat, a lounge on the front of the console, and a stainless-steel boarding ladder. Options such as a bow cushion, a bimini top, and a full bowrail make the boat more comfortable for recreational use.

Features Inspection

The 180 Fisherman's stern where there are small swim platform on each side of the motor well. There's a stainless-steel boarding ladder to port and aft on each side are cleats installed at an angle that conveniently positions them well for cross-tying and keeps them away from fishing lines. For trolling, in-deck rod holders are in the aft corners and alongside the leaning post.

The Cockpit.

In the 180 Fisherman's self-draining cockpit, aft jump seats have removable bottom cushions with storage compartments underneath. Each one has a hinged plastic hatch. There's space to move about between these seats and the leaning post, which has a backrest that can be moved for forward- or aft-facing use. In the aft side of the leaning post base, there's space for a 76-quart (72 L) carry-on cooler. Outboard on each side, there are long racks for rods and landing tackle in the gunwales.

The Helm.

In addition to the reversible backrest, the leaning post is wide enough for two people, and there is an angled footrest in the bottom of the console. The stainless-steel steering wheel with a spinner knob is positioned to port with the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel and trim instruments in a raised panel just above.
The panel is finished in gray to reduce glare, and it contains the accessory switches and a 12-V power plug. There's a compass up top, and to starboard are two cup holders and a plastic grab handle. A stainless-steel rail frames the acrylic windscreen so passengers can grab it and not the windscreen when they need to hang on.

The Bow.

On the front of the console, there's a fixed backrest pad and a hinged bottom cushion that opens a 24-gallon (91 L) baitwell. Forward, it's an easy step up to the boat's casting platform that has an insulated draining fishbox in the base.
As stated above, owners can opt for a snap-down bow cushion and aluminum or stainless-steel rails for the bow. We like that the boat comes standard with two forward cleats. Some manufacturers of entry-level boats cheap out and go with one.

Available Power.

Wellcraft offers her with a choice of outboards from 115-hp to 150-hp from Evinrude, Mercury, and Yamaha. Yamaha ran its own performance test on the boat with a 115-hp F115TLR 4-stroke outboard turning a 13” x 19” (33.02 cm x 48.3 cm) three-blade aluminum propeller through a 2.15:1 reduction.
Yamaha techs report the top speed was 39.9 mph (34.7 knots) at 5900 rpm and best cruise was at 3500 rpm, where the 3,250-lb. (1,474 kg) boat ran 18.4 mph (16 knots) and burned 3.8 gph (14.4 lph), giving her a range of 213.4 statute miles (185.4 nautical miles) with 10% of the 49-gallon (185 L) fuel capacity in reserve, according to the builder.
In acceleration tests, the 180 Fisherman planed in 4.9 seconds, according to Yamaha.

Construction.

Wellcraft builds the 180 Fisherman with fiberglass stringers, foam flotation, and a cockpit liner to give the boat a solid feel and seamless appearance in the cockpit. The standard gelcoat scheme is all white with a choice of three accent stripe colors. All thru-hull fittings and cleats are stainless steel.

Price with Outboard Motor

Individual Options and Prices

Observations

Depending on an owner's choice of power, the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman can be had for about $40,000 on the trailer. The bow cushion and Bimini top would be smart options for owners who want to make the boat more family friendly for a day on the water.