A Unique Design That Raises the Bar for Center Consoles.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

These days, fish boat sales far exceed any other type of boat. However, they are plagued by one serious problem: lack of comfort. To address this issue, some builders have installed cushions for added seating and others have included a toilet under the center console in order for us guys to lure our ladies to go out on the water with us. But let’s face it, center console boats are designed with a single minded objective. Well not any more! The creative designers at Wellcraft have come up with something wonderful; their totally new 30 Scarab Sport. What makes this fishing boat so unique is the clever layout and utilization of space. And as I gaze at this beautifully detailed boat from the dock, I scratch my head and wonder why someone has not come up with this sooner.

Layout and Features

For simplicity sake, picture taking your typical center console and shifting it all the way to the starboard side. This now opens up significant space on the port side to locate a console which serves as a port side galley. The galley features a massive Corian countertop that doubles as a cutting table. The top flips up to offer a fresh water sink and faucet paired next to a single burner stove. Situated below, is a large refrigerator (optional) and a huge sliding drawer that contains loads of tackle storage space. Just forward of the galley are posh lounges on both sides of the bow so the ladies can soak up the sun and relax with a beverage. Underneath the lounges are large, self draining storage compartments, plus an additional storage compartment is located in the sole.

Cozy Cuddy Cabin

That’s not all, the bow works as a spacious casting platform for two while also supplying generous room to work the anchor and mooring lines. An anchor roller and windlass are optional, making the mooring job much easier. Ideally located under the casting platform is a cozy cabin. The area maximizes the use of space so that even tall people will be able to get out of the sun or enjoy an evening on the hook in the 30’s cuddy. The interior of the cabin is tastefully decorated and spacious enough not to be claustrophobic as so many V-berths are. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to order your boat with the optional air conditioning unit to chill down the space. Unfortunately the A/C is supported by shore power only, so you’ll have to be at the dock to enjoy it as no generator is available for the 30.

Cockpit Fishing Features

Now that I’ve softened-up you anglers a bit with the Scarab’s comfort, let me tell you about the boat’s fishability. For starters the cockpit space is great, thanks to a 9’ 2” beam. There are dual fish boxes in the sole with dedicated macerators and overboard pumps port and starboard. Both sides of the boat also have coaming bolsters, recessed hand railing and ample rod storage in the gunwales. Additional rod holders are located on the side decks, on the transom and on the T-top.

The stern is another place that Wellcraft engineers put a lot of thought into. The transom is a rigging station complete with recirculating livewell, raw water wash down and a removable trash bin. To starboard is a large transom gate which leads to a vast swim platform. Divers and anglers alike will love the space afforded at the stern, supplying plenty of room for boarding from the water and significant clearance from the motors.

All Business Helm

Leaving the best for last is the Scarab’s jazzy helm station. Our test boat came equipped to the max with electronics and an optional color trim package. The flashy dash has color matched gauge bezels and switch panels, along with a Livorsi steering wheel and controls, all are finished to compliment the boat’s hull side color. Even the dual Raymarine 12-inch multi-function displays were trimmed to match the boat’s color scheme. Talk about bling! The color format carries throughout the boats upholstery, even the leaning post gets a dose with its’ innovative bottom cushion which revolves to convert from a standing position to a comfortable seat with plenty of padding for your bottom. As you might have guessed the helm’s console serves to house the boat’s head compartment. She comes standard with a fiberglass liner, a toilet as well as a molded sink with hot/cold water faucet which doubles as the shower nozzle.

The Performance

Bearing the Scarab name, I expected this boat to be a performer. After all, there was a time when Wellcraft produced more performance boats than all of their competition combined. Thankfully, the 30 Sport did not disappoint. Acceleration with twin 250-hp outboards got the boat on plane quickly and seemed to be the perfect match for the boat’s displacement. The traditional non-stepped running surface carved through the chop effortlessly and handling was just as rewarding. Admittedly, I was hoping for rougher conditions on test day to see how the boat handles the slop, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Nonetheless, I was pleased to see that Wellcraft really has come up with a boat design that I expect to see more of in the coming years from other builders. Kudos boys!

• Top speed for the Wellcraft 30 Scarab Sport (2007-) is 52.1 MPH (83.8 KPH), burning 45.4 gallons per hour (GPH) or 171.84 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Wellcraft 30 Scarab Sport (2007-) is 31.8 MPH (51.2 KPH), and the boat gets 1.53 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.65 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 395 miles (635.69 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC.

Wellcraft 30 Scarab Sport (2007-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Autopilot
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Radar
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
Water Heater
Windlass
Galley
Refrigerator
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Transom Shower

= Standard = Optional