PALM BEACH. WELLCRAFT 302 SCARAB OFFSHORE: POWER WITH FAMILY COMFORTS

Wellcraft is a very popular American manufacturer featuring fisherman and small sport boats. At the last Palm Beach International Boat Show, it presented the new 302 Scarab Offshore and the 262 Fisherman. The two models exhibited by the USA manufacturer, now part of the Beneteau-Jeanneau Group, show how small sizes and high quality can coexist perfectly. In just 9.20 and 8 metres respectively, they both show a considerable attention to details and subtleties which is evidence of an intimate knowledge of the ” fast elegant fishing machines” subject. In particular, we focused on the more aggressive of the two, the black 30-footer featuring a huge Scarab logo on the sides.

The manufacturer is familiar with the construction of high-performing boats: the fans of 1980s Tv series certainly remember the blue-turquoise Scarab KV 38 used by Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs, the two policemen in “Miami Vice”.

So, it doesn’t hesitate to introduce sport boat technology and design into a fisherman.

That’s the background to the birth of the new Wellcraft 302f Scarab Offshore.

Able to reach 50 knots when fitted with two 350 HP outboards, the boat ensures great performances even with just a single 250 HP engine. In fact, she offers a wide range of possible end uses. Fast as a fishing or a family boat, she offers all you need to enjoy baths, sea, sun, relax and convivial dinners. All thanks to the so-called Family Package which provides the bow section with a sun pad with cushions which can be converted into a lounge furnished with a lunch table and three seats.

Just next to the central console, a fourth armchair closes a water-and-air tight locker behind which, hidden by a black polycarbonate panel, there’s a sink with two rectangular bowls.  The layout with a central console is the best solution for fishing because it allows to move free along the whole boat perimeter. This version of the 302F Scarab Offshore has a standard T-Top which protects both wheelhouse and cockpit from weathering. In addition to a large canvas cover, the T-Top also includes a generous amount of rod holders.

The fact that all details are specifically dedicated to fishing is evident at the first glimpse. For example, you can immediately notice the large amount of livewells on board, like the 86-litre ones placed between the cockpit and the transom with transparent lid; a prep station equipped with an anti-roll removable cutting board to clean and cut fish; macerator pumps; side lockers with many compartments where to place fishing equipment neatly; three astern armchairs whose seats can lift to leave room for fishing maneuvers and the portable cooler hidden under one of the seats.

Probably not immediately visible, many other details define the real quality of the project. For example, the windlass is hidden inside a locker safely held in position by a plunger; the anchor is secured by a snap-hook and doesn’t rest on the winch while a pump is immediately available to wash both chain and iron.

The windlass can be operated from the central console, which certainly gives a hand when fishing alone. Within the central structure, the bathroom is equipped with a sink, an electric wc and a standard opening porthole. The electric panel, too, is next to the door and includes two switches for engine batteries and on-board services.

The helm station is ergonomically flawless and spacious enough to accommodate two 12′ displays and all controls.

A Bluetooth HiFi system completes the entertainment equipment.