Wellcraft - part of Groupe Beneteau since 2014 - has specialised in Fisherman boats in recent years. Now the shipyard is launching the new Wellcraft 355, an "Adventure Performance Yacht", which stands for a variety of boating fun and is equipped with plenty of power. A maximum of 1050 hp (3x Mercury 350 hp, see photos) is allowed at the transom, we drive with slightly less power. Our test boat is equipped with 3x 300 hp from Yamaha, and motorisation with 3x Mercury 300 hp is also possible.
Super panoramic view when travelling slowly
The test area is the Mediterranean off Ajaccio (Corsica). We catch a day with the best summer weather and a moderate breeze. The test boat is launched safely and precisely using the joystick system (standard on all engine versions; a bow thruster is available for an extra charge as part of the so-called Trimlevel 2023 equipment). Later, we continue to drive the boat with the normal gearstick and the electronically controlled steering. At a slow speed of between around 3 knots and 6 knots, the boat stays on course and offers a great all-round view from the driver's seat - the so-called wheelhouse.
Further out, we then push the levers forwards and the Wellcraft raises the bow from around 2400 rpm and lowers it again automatically at just under 4000 rpm (without trim tabs). This transition phase can be noticeably shortened by using the trim tabs (extra), thus improving the foresight. At 4000 rpm (27.1 kn), the Wellcraft makes a good planing run, and this is also where we calculate the most economical fast run: with 4.73 l/sm, the 1000-litre tank minus 15% reserve gives an acceptable range of 180 nm. You can get almost as far (179 nm) at just under 31 knots. At full throttle with a respectable 44.2 kn, it is still 125 nm.
Even bends can be easily negotiated at an appropriate speed in choppy seas
The hull reacts well on slalom courses and when the rudder is twisted. In fast turns, the Wellcraft lies on its side as normal, and in port turns the view inwards is restricted by the cabin roof. This is, of course, due to the nature of the boat. The hull pulls round to both sides in a sporty, dynamic manner, and the steering is super-smooth to turn. The further out we go, the choppier the sea becomes. A swell from the previous day churns up the sea quite strongly, but the Wellcraft skips over it smoothly and safely in all directions at around 30 knots. And even bends are easy to negotiate at the appropriate speed.
The driver is seated at a driving position with two bucket seats to starboard. The seats can be pushed forwards and backwards and the front seat cushion can be folded up. The same applies to an identical sports seat on the port side. The skipper has unrestricted control of the steering and gearstick; the trim tab control on our test boat is located directly behind the gearstick. Due to the short distance, it can easily happen that when pressing the trim tab switches, you also come up against the gear levers and adjust them unintentionally. This is a shortcoming that the boatyard wants to remedy.
Defroster nozzles protect the windows from misting up
To give the driver easy access to the side deck, the Wellcraft has a side door next to his seat. This allows him to operate the joystick from the side deck, for example, and safely moor and unmoor the boat. If you close this side door, the stern door, windows and roof hatches, you have a well-enclosed space. It can be cooled down with the optional air conditioning system or transformed into a well air-conditioned zone with the heater (also optional) in cold weather. We particularly liked the defroster nozzles on our test boat, which protect the windows from misting up with warm air. On the outside, two windscreen wipers with a washer system ensure a clear view. The instruments (two Garmin monitors, one Yamaha monitor) are easy to read and the rocker switches with symbols are easy to operate.
Competitors of the Wellcraft 355:
The rear door and windscreen can be opened wide to create the opposite of an enclosed space and transform the saloon and cockpit into a spacious open area. Roof hatches and the side windows provide fresh air and give a spacious living feeling. A bench seat or a galley can be ordered for the aft cockpit. Fishing enthusiasts can also order a range of accessories. The split bathing platform is accessed from the cockpit via side entrances, which are fitted with exemplary stern doors. Like the cockpit light, the stern shower is part of the trim level equipment. A large bathing ladder can be hooked into the side entrances to the cockpit (with doors).
Comfortable, chic, convenient
A great sunbathing area can be found in the bow, which is easiest to reach via the starboard side deck, as this is wider than on the opposite side. There is a comfortable triple sunbed and a bench on the foredeck (can be connected to the triple bench with additional cushions). Directly in the bow: an anchor locker with electric winch and bow fitting.
Measurement results
Inside, you spend your time in the Wheelhouse on an L-shaped seating area with a folding table. A conversion kit is also available for an extra charge to easily convert the seating unit into a bunk. Opposite is a pantry block with fridge (80 litres), sink and waste bin (15 litres). The owner decides for himself how to prepare the food, as a ceramic hob, microwave and gas cooker are on the list of accessories. A very chic and comfortable area is located one floor below. There is a double berth, which can simply be pulled out to extend it. In the entrance area, there is a bench and a cupboard on the port side, and on the other side is the wet room, which is suitably equipped and divided for the size of the boat.
The fuel is cleaned by three Yamaha filter cartridges with water separator and sight glass
Now to the technology: the three motors are connected via cables that are expertly laid in protective pipes. In the stowage box under the cockpit floor and elsewhere, the cables are also located in protective conduits or are bundled and firmly laid. We particularly liked the safely stowed batteries and the electronically controlled main switch (can also be switched manually in an emergency). Three Yamaha filter cartridges with water separator and sight glass, which are accessible via hatches from the large storage box under the cockpit floor, take care of the fuel cleaning in exemplary fashion. Another plus: the remotely switchable fuel taps. Should one engine fail, the two remaining engines can still be used for planing, and with only one engine left, 8 knots can still be travelled comfortably.
Non-slip floor structures and ample handrails as well as the railing ensure safe movement. The equipment with hand bilge pump and electric bilge pump as well as fire extinguisher demonstrates a good safety standard.
Conclusion
The Wellcraft 355 is a sporty, safe boat that is simply fun to go out on - with friends or family to go fishing, wakeboarding or on adventure tours. These tours can easily be longer, as there is a spacious cabin with a double bed in the bow for overnight stays. The seating area in the wheelhouse can also be converted into a bunk for an extra charge.
Our test judgement
DRIVING & MANOEUVRING
- +Easy manoeuvring with joystick system and bow thruster
- +Safe driving characteristics in all situations
- -Trim tab switch position
PROCESSING & TECHNOLOGY
- +Professional installations
- +Good workmanship
SAFETY
- +Petrol filter and stopcock
- +Complete drainage system with manual and electric pump
COMFORT ON BOARD
- +Large bow sunbed
- +cosy double berth, versatile wheelhouse
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Wellcraft/USA
- Type: 355
- CE category: B/10 persons
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 10,73 m
- Width:3,30 m
- displacement (with 3x 350 hp outboard): 7317 kg
- Depth: 0,84 m
- Clearance height: 2,53 m
- Fuel tank:1000 l
- Water tank:160 l
- Holding tank: 83 l
- Berths: 4
- Bunk dimension: Forward cabin 2.00 m x 1.50 m; wheelhouse 1.90 x 1.20 m
- Standing height:Bow cabin 1.88 m; above berth 0.92 m; wheelhouse 1.97 m; heads compartment 1.88 m
- Cockpit size: 1.55 m x 2.83 m
- Sunbeds: Fore deck 2.83 m x 1.62 m
- Freeboard (up to side door): 0,50 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,77 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr. 1 1/4 bb. 1 1/4; backwards tr. 1, bb. 1
- Change from starboard to port: about 2 s
- from Bb. to Stb: about 2 s
- max. motorisation:3x Mercury 257 kW (350 hp)
- Test motorisation:3x Yamaha 300hp V6, 221 kW (300 hp)
- Price (standard boat with test engines): 440.538 €
- Dealer proof: www.wellcraft.com
The motor
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Type: 300hp V6
- Performance: 221 kW/300 hp
- Full load speed: 5000-6000 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- cubic capacity: 4169 cc
- Fuel: Petrol
- Cooling:Water/single circle
- Generator: 12 V/70 A
- Gear ratio: 1,75: 1
- Test propeller:Saltwater Series II, 3-wing 17
Standard equipment
- Electric steering with joystick
- 3 bucket seats
- Side door
- Bank wheelhouse
- Table
- Double berth
- Mirror
- Bow bench and lounger
- Refrigerator
- Sink unit
- Toilet
- Shower
- Washbasin
- Split bathing platform
- Swimming ladder
- Rear doors
- Bracket with fender holder
- Handrails
- Railing
- Hatches
- Cleats
- Self-draining anchor locker
- Batteries
- Main battery switch
- Shore connection with charger
- Boiler
- Holding tank
- Electric and manual bilge pump
- Fire extinguisher
- Windscreen wiper
- Engine instruments
- Compass
- Navigation lighting
