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Wellcraft 302F (2017-)

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Brief Summary

Wellcraft is no stranger to performance boats, so taking that technology to the offshore fishing arena is a recipe that goes together well. The Wellcraft 302F with Scarab Offshore Package is part tournament level performer, part Scarab performance boat (of “Miami Vice” fame), and part family-friendly cruiser. Power her with a single 250 or 300-hp outboard, or twin outboards up to 350-hp.

Key Features

Swim platform with ladder
Baitwell/livewell
Seating, forward console cooler with backrest
Seating, rear folding bench
Tackles storage with boxes
Fishbox with macerator and overboard drain
Cabin Porta-Potti
Port AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth with speakers
Changing room
T-Top with canvas, PFD storage, rod holders and spreader light

Specifications

Length Overall	30' 2'' / 9.2 m
Beam	9' 8'' 2.9 m
Dry Weight	6,700 lbs. 3,039 kg
Draft Up	23'' 58 cm
Draft Down	31'' 79 cm
Deadrise/Transom	22-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	8' 10'' 2.7 m
Fuel Capacity	268 gal. 1,014 L
Water Capacity	13 gal. 49 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Not Available

Learn More
Watch Our Video

With a LOA of 30’2” (9.20 m), a beam of 9’8” (2.90 m) and a 22-degree deadrise the new Wellcraft 302F with Scarab Offshore Package joins the ranks of the serious offshore center console fishing machines. Take a test drive at the Miami Boat Show February 16 to 20.

Features Inspection

Bow

On the foredeck there’s a separate storage compartment for the anchor and rode.

We like that all the bow rails are not only recessed, but powder coated and this is the first of many examples of how Wellcraft takes the new 302F with Scarab Offshore Package to the next level. Look closely and notice how they are also designed so that they fit the curve of the molded-in caprail and foredeck and also curved downward at the ends to mount flush. A very classy effect. Pull up cleats eliminate any concerns over snagging lines.

The ground tackle is hidden away under a hatch at the foredeck. Notice the cargo net storage under the bulwarks, stainless drink holders and high end recessed handrails.

The hatch is held open with a support strut. A cleat is fitted to secure the rode. Remote activation controls for the windlass can be found at the helm, ideal placement for short-handed fishing.

An anchor washdown is fitted to the side of the anchor locker.

Additional seating is ahead of the console on top of a padded built-in cooler with fixed backrest.

Example of quality… two supports struts, back-gelled hatch cover and fully gasketed perimeter for the hatch. Also notice the stainless steel drink holders and how the hardtop supports are mounted so that they don’t impinge on the deck space.

Family-Friendly Bow

When it comes time for entertaining guests instead of fishing, break out the optional seat cushions, forward facing backrests and pedestal table. Relax while listening to the Fusion stereo that includes both a USB and MP3 port and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 302 Scarab Offshore easily converts from a hard-working fishing rig to a family friendly entertainment platform. This makes an ideal sport for entertaining. Note the wide seat in the bow rather than a V. Drop the table down and make a large sun pad.

The Wellcraft 302 Scarab Offshore seen here is fitted with the standard deluxe ladder back T-Top and optional electronics package.

Cargo net storage makes for a great use of space and helps keep items secure in a seaway.

The Console

The console houses a head with standard electric toilet and a powered vent fan and opening portlight. It’s accessed from the opening door to the port side of the console. Bamboo head decking is optional.

Notice how there’s plenty of overhead space. A freshwater sink has a fixed faucet. The opening portlight is standard.

The main breaker panel is inside the head compartment. Notice the separate switches for the house and engine start batteries. We like the location as they are easy to reach from outside.

Helm

Wellcraft always manages to get a well-designed helm and 302 Scarab Offshore is no exception. The usual array of features is here… 12v accessory plug, compass, full digital instrumentation, stainless steel wheel, but also there’s the much desired power assist steering. This is critical for those long offshore runs. Hydraulic steering is standard.

We also appreciate the standard trim tab controls and indicators.

Here the panel is fitted with a single multi-function display but there’s room for two 12” (30.5cm) units. Above the switches there’s the Mercury SmartCraft display. Note the black powder-coating hand holds.

Of course with a rig such as this, it would be a rare owner indeed that didn’t opt for the full electronics package from Garmin. The 302F is available with an optional Garmin 7616xsv, 16”, chartplotter/sonar screen with a 1 kW in-hull transducer. The chartplotter also displays engine data via the included engine specific gateway. The boat can also be ordered with 4 kW open array HD radar and SiriusXM satellite weather antennas.

Both the captain and observer get individual seats with flip-down armrests and flip-up bolsters. Both adjust fore and aft.

T-Top. Overhead is a standard canvas T-top with PFD storage, rod holders, electronics box and spreader lights. Of course most will opt for the fiberglass option with the same features, spreader lights and electronic box.

Overhead on the fiberglass T-Top are tri-color lights, spreader lights, and the speakers are upgraded with the JL audio system.

Cockpit

The cockpit is well laid out for fishing with wraparound bolsters and rod holders within reach of all positions, including at the upgraded leaning post. Add to that a pair of 23-gallon (87.06 L) baitwells with hi-speed pickups and a prep station in between and the action can continue unabated…, or at least until either the bait runs out or the macerated fish lockers are full. A carry-on cooler is tucked under the leaning post. Tackle storage is strategically located.

Having a large sink at the bait station makes a convenient spot to work on frozen bait. Cleanups are right alongside.

A carry-on cooler on a slide-out tray is concealed under the leaning post.

There are five rod holders distributed to both side caprails. The anchor is mounted to a through the stem anchor roller.

Rod storage is under the gunwales to both port and starboard. At the transom there’s a bench seat that folds away when it’s time to go to work. Afterwards, cleanup is a breeze with the fresh water package that adds a cockpit sink and transom shower.

The under-gunwale rod racks has padding to protect the gear.

In-deck fishboxes are macerated and drain overboard.

Tackle sorters tuck conveniently into the bulwarks.

To increase the family comforts, add an optional electric cockpit grill. We would also give serious consideration to the optional hull-side dive door. Not only does it make it easier to haul a catch aboard, it’s also easier to haul your guests back aboard too.

The transom bench seat tucks away into the bulwarks when not in use. It’s mounted to a hatch that provides access to the mechanical components.

An extra jump seat is right alongside the transom bench seat.

With the seats tucked out of the way there’s plenty of room for working in the cockpit.

A pair of 23-gallon (87.06 L) livewells are mounted into the transom. Both utilize high speed pickups and have full column water distribution.

The transom includes this convenient work station with the flip cutting surface. Notice how it’s notched to slide debris off and out of the way.

Interior lighting is standard, underwater lights are optional. Both clearly add to the allure of the 302 Scarab Offshore -- to say nothing of attracting fish at night.

Operational Components

The 302 Scarab Offshore is powered up with a standard battery switch wired to the dual batteries. Wellcraft offers a battery charger and shore power as options. We’d add the optional downrigger prewire setup for instant connectivity to additional fishing gear. Raw water washdown and freshwater transom shower are standard. We bottom fish a lot so the anchor with rope and chain rode is a must have. the optional windlass wouldn’t hurt either.

The Wellcraft 302F with Scarab Offshore Package is powered by twin engine applications from 250 to 400-hp from Yamaha, Mercury, and Evinrude.

Observations

The Wellcraft 302F with Scarab Offshore Package hull design is an outgrowth of everything learned with the higher performance heritage of the Wellcraft brand over the years. That, together with her long list of standard equipment for offshore fishing, and her family-friendly seating at the transom and forward, make this a good boat for many anglers and families to consider.

When it comes to fishing versatility, few boats can compare to a center console. But with so many on the market, the differences come in quality components and construction, ergonomics, fit-and-finish, versatility, little details, and price. The Wellcraft 302F with Scarab Offshore Package scores well on all of these points.

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