Wellcraft 210 Fisherman

By Captain Steve Larivee

First Look

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.

When I took my first look at the 210 Fisherman, I was immediately aware of the performance boat pedigree that shows through in her wide flared bow and stepped hull. Her clean lines and soft angles only add to her good looks. I could also see the quality of fit and finish that went into her as I looked down the sides of the hull and saw no imperfections or waving in the reflections off the topsides. Looking into the working area of the boat, it was obvious how well laid out the boat is. Wellcraft engineered this boat to be all about roominess.

Stepping Aboard

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

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 shock assist supported. 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 Console

Approaching the center console, we notice how much walking room there is on the side decks. This 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 taking up space.

The console itself is molded in so there's no problem supporting the weight of the top.

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

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 a Raymarine nav package installed and there was clearly enough open space to satisfy whatever package suited you appropriate to this size boat.

I liked the suicide knob on the stainless steel wheel, and the 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 T-top is 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, since I'll wear the life jackets anyway.

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.

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.

Moving back into the cockpit, it's all about space on this boat. The leaning post is molded in, NOT bolted in -- so it's going to be nice and sturdy. Underneath, a 104 quart bait well is fed by a 700 gph pump, and on both sides you've got storage boxes for your tackle.

Back in the cockpit area there is plenty of room, and the coaming going all the way around is padded. I like to see the bulwarks be at least 25" high, these start at 25" 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.

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.

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 cavitating 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.

The Numbers

I tested the 210 Fisherman on salt water, with calm seas, 0-5 mph winds, a temperature of 55 degrees and a relative humidity of 70%. Her empty weight is 3,576 lbs. and fully loaded she tips the scales at 4,836 lbs. With three people onboard, 25 gallons of fuel and no water, we weighed in at 4,843 lbs.

With the 200-hp Yamaha four stroke doing the work, our test runs showed a top speed reached at 6000 rpm and 43.9 mph or 38.2 kts. Fuel burn at that speed was 17 gph and the range was 234.78 sm and 204.26 nm. Optimum Cruise speed was 26.23 mph or 22.81 kts at 4000 rpm. At that speed we had a fuel burn of only 8.12 gph giving us a range of 293.6 sm or 255.4 nm with a 10% fuel reserve. Plenty to get you out to the action, loiter, and still get back home with no worries.

Her time to plane was 3.6 seconds and her time to reach 30 mph run was 8.9 seconds.

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 it's all about space.

• Top speed for the Wellcraft 210 Fisherman (2009-10) 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 (2009-10) 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.

Wellcraft 210 Fisherman (2009-10) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
VHF Radio
Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Trailer
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Ice Chest	T-Top
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional