Captain's Report by Capt. Steve



With a Scarab pedigree, it handles great, and Wellcraft made the 210 Fisherman all about space.

Keeping with their business plan that focuses on the smaller boats, Wellcraft has introduced the 210 Fisherman. It not only functions as a great first boat, but also a likely first upgrade from that smaller boat that just doesn't have enough room after all.

Wellcraft's level of fit and finish was not wasted on this 210. As I looked along the topsides, I saw no imperfections, no waving in the reflections, and no defects. It was buffed to a high gloss shine.



With the typical center console layout, Wellcraft has engineered a comfortable and stable ride. I would have no hesitation taking this boat out in normal conditions, meaning sloppy days are no problem.

Stepping Aboard

Starting at the bow, I noticed right away that Wellcraft doesn't just take the easy way out. Where other builders cut a hatch out and call it an anchor locker, Wellcraft installed a stainless steel anchor roller and added a stainless hawespipe for running the rode and anchor chain through. To secure the deployed anchor there is an 8" (20.3 cm) cleat on the centerline.

Just aft are the two V-seats with large hinged covers over self-draining fish boxes. The covers are finished on both sides and gasketed as well as supported by gas assist struts. Abaft of the center console, a cooler is standard equipment, and on our test boat, the optional seat cushion and backrest were also installed.



The bow features two V-seats with large hinged covers over self-draining fish boxes. The cushions are secured with tracks that the cushions slides in and out of which is much better than snaps which can let go in a strong wind. The anchor cleat is fixed, all others are pull-up.

The Console

I was surprised at how much room there was on the sides of the console. All too often, fishing from the side decks means smacking the butt end of your rod into the console, particularly on a boat in this size range. On the 210 the space is mostly facilitated from the mounting method of the T-top. Wellcraft mounts it to the sides of the console where most builders attach them right to the deck. This leaves lots of open space where the frame is usually intruding into the side deck space.

I also noticed that the console itself is molded in so there's no problem supporting the weight of the top, or you and your passengers when the going gets rough.

In the port side is the usual head access. I found the head to be roomy enough with 60" (152.4cm) of head room (no pun intended). There’s no padding on any of the bulkheads so watch yourself if nature calls in a seaway, when slowing or stopping would be a good idea.

The Helm

At the helm, there were no surprises. Visibility was good and I was protected by the windshield even while standing. The panel sported two multifunction gauges giving the ability to scroll through fuel usage, fuel remaining, speed, etc. This boat also had the optional Raymarine package installed that consisted of an HD fish finder/chartplotter and a VHF and there was clearly enough open space to satisfy whatever package suited you appropriate to this size boat.



It seemed as if my hand never left that steering knob, it was so comfortable. You can just make out the trim tab controls just ahead of the engine control. This boat is equipped with Yamaha's multi function engine gauges, one of which you can see just above the wheel.

I liked the steering knob on the stainless steel wheel, and the optional stereo was mounted on the top right of the panel rather than hidden inside the head compartment. Another nice touch was the location of the controls for the trim tabs -- right in front of the throttle. Just extend a finger and you’re there. That said, I never touched the tabs and never felt the need to do so.

“T” Top

Looking up from the helm, the optional T-top that was installed on our test boat was covered in canvas, and underneath is netting for supporting life jackets. I never really cared much for that method of storage, as whatever you put in there causes the netting to sag in the middle. And since there's not really much storage room on any center console, I'd opt to let something more like chart books and binoculars cause the sagging. Life vests should be worn, not stowed when offshore.



I have better uses for this cargo netting overhead in the T-top but it's the usual storage method for a canvas covered top.

The only thing that I thought was lacking on the console was foot rests. It wouldn't take much to mold in a two tiered step like Wellcraft did on their 210 Sportsman, but here, it's a flat surface right down to the deck. There's was nowhere to put my feet.

Leaning Post

The leaning post is comfortable enough, and there's an optional backrest that inserts into the rod holders on either side of the post. That would be an attractive option and further require the need for a foot rest when you're elevated.



The leaning post is comfortable enough, and there's an optional backrest that inserts into the rod holders on either side of the post.



The aft side of the leaning post has a seat that makes a great spot for watching the lines. Notice the seatback fits into two rod holders on either side of the leaning post.

The leaning post itself is molded in, NOT bolted in -- so it's going to be nice and sturdy. Underneath, a 26 gallon (98.4 L) baitwell is fed by a 700 gph pump, and on both sides you've got Plano storage boxes for your tackle.



On both sides of the leaning post are pull-out tackle storage boxes.

Aft Cockpit

Back in the cockpit area there is plenty of room, and the coaming going all the way around is padded. The bulwarks start at 25" (63.5 cm) and get slightly higher as you go forward. The two aft seats are very comfortable when you're running, and when it's time to get down to business they remove by sliding two spring loaded deadbolts giving you access all the way to the back of the cockpit, ready to fight the fight.



Two in-deck fishboxes in the aft cockpit are macerated and insulated. Notice the hatches are supported by gas struts. They're also back-gelled for a finished look.



Those aft seats are removable for when it's time to go to work. Notice the handrail surrounding the motor well. This is unusual and I like it.



While it’s not the biggest center console on the market, it’s big enough to get the job done. A great first boat, or step up from the smaller one you were going to buy.

On the Water

I found the handling of the 210 Fisherman to be good enough to qualify it for offshore runs without any trepidation as to whether she could handle whatever pops up. While we didn't get a chance to test it in heavy seas, the waves we did get showed its ability to carve smoothly and throw water off to the sides rather than into the helm. She's rated for engines up to 250, but there was plenty of power to spare with the 200 Yamaha four-stroke that this boat was equipped with. Wellcraft will ship with either Evinrude or Yamaha outboards.

Maneuverability was nothing less than you would expect for a boat with the Scarab pedigree. Turns were stable and tight with no tendency to slide off to the outside and there was no ventilating with the engine in full down position. Full speed, hard over turns were firm and as if on rails so make sure everything is secured, because the contents of the boat will lose position before the boat loses anything to a turn.



Her clean lines and soft angles only add to her good looks.

All in All...

Wellcraft went to their Scarab design team to come up with a very nice hull for the 210 Fisherman. It performs well, it's a great fishing machine, and as I've said over and over, with this boat… it's all about space.

• Top speed for the Wellcraft 210 Fisherman (2009-2010) is 43.9 mph (70.7 kph), burning 17.0 gallons per hour (gph) or 64.34 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Wellcraft 210 Fisherman (2009-2010) is 26.2 mph (42.2 kph), and the boat gets 3.23 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.37 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 294 miles (473.15 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 200-hp Yamaha F200 four-stroke.