Wellcraft 38 T-Top (2025-)

Overview

This inspection treats the boat as if being prepared for a day's use, following a standard pre-departure checklist approach.

Coast Guard Compliance

Captain Kurt's stated first step: "Make sure that the boat is US Coast Guard compliant, and there's going to be a list of things that you need to go through in order to do that, just ensure you have them all aboard before you depart. That's important for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and those around you."

Mechanical Space / Keeping Water Out

Captain Kurt's framing: "This may seem obvious, but the most important part about a boat is keeping the water out."

• Through-hulls: This model has none
• Bilge pumps: Tested and confirmed working
• Transducer: Noted as glued to the hull rather than a true through-hull
• Batteries: Two start batteries plus a house battery
• Electrical components (starboard side): Bus bars and related equipment positioned high, away from the waterline. Captain Kurt's stated rationale: "Whenever things get a little dicey, we don't want that saltwater splashing up over everything. So getting those elevated, like they have on the starboard side, is a good thing."
• Breakers: Two, within easy reach and protected from the elements
• Fresh water tank: Located beneath the inspection seating position
• Battery switch access: Starboard side, behind the seat back, behind a hatch — noted as easily accessible

Beam

9 feet, 6 inches — stated as the widest in the action/adventure boat class. Captain Kurt's rationale: "Having beam is very important. That really gives a lot of internal volume and extra space on board for enjoying your boat. A lot of boats you find are just too narrow and just not enough usable space."

Hull Construction

Wellcraft WISE technology (Wellcraft Infusion Structure Engineering) — described as creating a strong, durable hull with optimized weight and performance.

Bow design: Plumb bow, described as a traditional, long-proven design suited to rough water handling.

Rub rail: Described as substantial. Captain Kurt's assessment: "That's a good thing. It's going to provide you a little confidence if you're coming into a dock. Maybe there's some pylons that you're not so sure about or you just need a little extra help up and into things... it's not taking away from the aesthetic look of the boat."

Color scheme: Blue with a black stripe — Captain Kurt's assessment: "A beautiful color scheme."

Power Options

The test boat was equipped with the maximum power option (twin engines); a single-engine configuration is also available.

• Twin configuration: Allows an optional joystick for fine docking control
• Single-engine configuration: Paired with a bow thruster and a wider swim platform, still providing tight-quarters control per Captain Kurt

Transom Features

• Telescopic swim ladder with a grab handle for boarding assistance
• Pressurized freshwater shower

Cockpit Configurations

Three layout options are available:

1. Lounge: L-shaped seating (the configuration on the boat inspected)
2. Relax: Large sun pad with ample underneath storage
3. Barracuda (fishing version): Includes a livewell, fish box, and rod holders in the back, while retaining a flip-down seat. Captain Kurt's assessment: "That's going to be the best, most comfortable seat in the house while you're running offshore."

Transom door: Fully seals the cockpit when closed.

Side boarding door: Suited to bringing aboard large fish or entering/exiting alongside a floating dock.

Wet bar (standard across all three layouts): Located behind the helm seats. Optional additions include a gas barbecue grill, a port-side refrigerator, and three drawers plus a cabinet for dedicated storage.

Aft Bench Seat Storage

Currently holding PFDs and lines, with additional room for other gear such as water toys. Captain Kurt highlighted the hatch hardware: "This is held down by magnets, and it has a rubber gasket on it. So when this closes, it's going to close and stay closed securely, but it's also not going to rattle."

T-Top Structure

Captain Kurt's assessment of the frame and support: "This is very robust. I mean, over-engineered. This isn't necessary, but it looks good, and it just reflects on the overall quality and over-engineering of the boat."

Gunwale Steps

Steps built into both port and starboard gunwales, intended to assist boarding from a high/fixed dock or accessing gear stored on the hardtop.

Hardtop clearance note: The hardtop does not extend fully outward, which Captain Kurt noted avoids head-strikes when climbing up: "When I do come up, I don't have to crick my neck over. I'm not worried about bashing my head against the hardtop."

Helm Seating

Twin captain's chairs with bolsters. Upholstery described as a woven-look, high-quality vinyl with stitching and accent colors.

Noted absence: Armrests. Captain Kurt: "One thing that I personally like to have on a boat when I'm operating it is armrests, but this boat doesn't have it. I think that could be something that could be added." He noted a partial offset: side bolstering that keeps the operator snug in rough seas.

Helm Electronics

• Twin 15-inch-wide Garmin displays — Captain Kurt noted this boat is among the first he's seen using this specific display size
• Twin-engine standard configuration, with a single-engine option available
• Wireless Scanstrut phone charger, positioned below the centerline-mounted compass
• Mercury engine display screens
• Waterproof switches (used earlier in the inspection to test the bilge pumps)
• Two cup holders
• Small starboard glove box with a grab handle for the passenger in rough seas
• Twin Mercury engine controls
• Bow thruster control, positioned to port of the wheel — Captain Kurt's assessment: "That's exactly where I want it to be, so I can handle the wheel if I need to, and then the thruster really quick. So I like how all that is laid out."
• Audio system mute control at the helm, described as important for immediate crew communication in an emergency
• Two JL Audio speakers overhead, part of the boat's premium sound package

Windshield Options

Full windshield fitted on the test boat; a half windshield option is available for additional ventilation while underway.

Side Deck / Bow Access

Port side offers a grab handle and high gunwale for secure forward movement. Two cup holders are positioned en route to the bow seating.

Bow seating: U-shaped, with padded backrests running the full perimeter, plus additional seating just forward of the console.

Anchor Locker

Captain Kurt's specific praise: "One thing I like about this boat is the anchor locker. The way they've done it, there's dedicated storage for fenders up here, and just the windlass is nice and clean in here, and the rode is easily accessible with the fenders out." Controls are noted as easily accessible at this location.

Additional bow storage: Beneath the bow seating, with magnetic catches to prevent vibration/rattling underway.

Center bow storage: Dedicated space for a YETI cooler, keeping drinks or fish cold. A pedestal table mount is also provided for al fresco dining at the bow.

Cabin Access

A push-button unlocks the cabin hatch, which lifts via gas-assisted struts. Steps down are described as wide with beveled edges for added safety in a seaway.

Cabin Interior

• Toilet
• Sink (port side)
• Storage (starboard side)
• Headroom: Captain Kurt, at 5'8", reported several inches of clearance above his head, noting taller users would still be able to stand
• Side storage and a mirror
• MOLLE system panel for hanging gear (e.g., first aid kit)
• Additional storage cubbies along the port side
• Switches and gauges for monitoring water and waste levels
• Two fuel shutoff valves

Convertible Berth

The cabin space converts to a berth: a cushion flips down, steps fold down, and additional cushions flip out to form a large sleeping area. Captain Kurt confirmed adequate length: "Right now, my feet are at the foot of the bed, and I still have quite a bit of space to fully extend."

Berth amenities: USB ports and outlets, powered via inverter from the lithium battery — supporting a fan or device charging for overnight comfort.