WATCH before you buy a CENTRE CONSOLE! The Wellcraft 355
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- Perfect for a specific type of boater! This Wellcraft 355 is an impressive, functional and fun piece of kit that has the ability to expand your areas of operation by extending your boating season or oppenning up new destinations because of the 35kts sustained cruise speeds in rough water.
She's bloody good looking too! But serously if you have owned something like a Boston Whaler Outrage and you're now looking for more protection from the elements then this Wellcraft may be worth your attention.
Please enjoy!
PRICE
Base Price $879,120
As Tested $986,740
DEALER
www.mwmarine.c...
BRAND
www.wellcraft....
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CONTACT
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this looks great for running 3-season day trips between Victoria and Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest. nice a quick and everything we need.
Stout and a lot of comfort and versitility…good job!
Beautiful Wellcraft.. a long way away from my 25 foot center console I had in the 90’s. Wow
very thoughtful and detailed walk thru...thank you
Nice. Here in the States we call this an “Express Cruiser”. This is a perfect weekend in the Bahamas or down to the Keys boat.
Definitely not paying over half a million for a 35 when I can but the AXOPAR 37 or the BELOW 400k fully equipped. Axopar are more agile and better handling in rough seas as well.
The Axopar is a fantastic sea boat. I’ve done close to a 1,000hrs on the 28/37 models. I think the 355 is more aimed at someone who intends to stay onboard for longer period when you look at the overnight accommodation…
All intended buyers also share the description "wealthy". And the Light Bar Fairy has struck once again!
Nice job (again), Ben!
In the UK they want best part of £550k for this boat. It’s lovely but that puts it in a class/size above I’m afraid.
Madness with outboards.
Agreed
Absolutely nuts. But that’s the UK for you.
Perfekt Boat, runs great, big cabin, nice salon…
27 0:04 😮 66😮63.5 555w 4²45XKSC9YDK6L 6d87😊😅y@@aardvarkmindshanke😂foi 654
For a Groupe Beneteau production boat, it has many great features, and is of an impressive build quality.
I think the problem is, at that price point, there are better options, and especially options with 2 or even 3 cabins, and twin diesels that give comparable performance. It’s a pricey boat for a single cabin and 3 thirsty outboards.
It will be interesting to see what the Wellcraft 435 brings over this, and where it’s price is pitched.
The 355 is a performance oriented boat… like Axopar 355, Nimbus C11,… but with more space and head room as this other brands… and it is a Wellcraft! Please do not compare with other boats from Groupe Beneteau… and in this size it is not easy get a boat with 3 cabines and is 48 Knots fast…
The new 435 is a complete different boat type, it is a gentlemen cruiser, with two cabines for 4 to sleep, a nice salon, and the cockpit is transformable to a beach club with foldable side decks, it is a heavy boat so max. 42 Knots with 3 x Mercury V10 350… don’t expect a price under 900.000 US Dollar….
Interesting - I would not compare something like this with a diesel boat which is a very different experience. I suspect the guys who will buy this are not looking for multiple cabins as they probably have a waterfront house and a searching for a good looking high performance boat to whip around to different destinations.
These rigs are getting so fun now. I was really turned off by leg and pod driven diesels, opting to return to the trust shaft driven because of the low up keep, but these outboard rigs are next level! The only thing i'd prefer is a bit more aft lounge space for the Sydney day boat market.
Not a bad idea for Sydney actually
Oh Dan, you talked me out of this one at 02:38 when you said "Most people who are gonna be on boat like this are the sporty active types", crap that's me out of the equation in one quick sentence. I left the sporty active bit behind about 20 years ago. hahaha
haha classic David! Well maybe this is the reason to get you back into the sporty active life haha... I seem to float in and out of that lifestyle myself too
Ideal boat for the Great Lakes, Coho fishing, all weather cruising, yet a tad pricy compared to the competition. Quick question you might know, are the Yamy 300s suitable for low speed trolling?
I would say yes re the Yamy's as all the Grady's run them and thats what some of them do.
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife Thanks
this thing looks great
I’d swap in a couple of Cox diesel outboards to improve range because you’re only getting 200 nautical miles with triple 300hp petrol Mercurys on there. If you could get to 300+ miles and cruise at 23 knots that would be perfect (a lot of offshore voyaging won’t allow for a comfortable 30 minor cruise anyway - it’d be too crash).
The incoming OXE 450 Hybrid would be even better then...and probably quite pricier
I'd be keen to test some of those Cox outboards. I hope they can make them a bit sexier though
Real close to one million fully optioned.
Thanks for the drone coverage and especially the view of the hull response from the Wave action in Sydney. A couple of points that have not been addressed with this boat together with owner benefits. First the power choice of 900HP total and maintenance of 3 engines vs Twin Mercury 500R. With the twin package we also note weight saving of 164Kg or 360lbs vs triple Mercury 300hp. I note the hull is not stepped, and this provides benefits for haulage and rack storage. Here in USA, the ability to easily save on hull cleaning and keeping the boat out of sun drenched weather and thunderstorms, when not in use, is a significant advantage. Many owners trailer their boats here and we note there was no mention of this in your review. Marina costs are not going down and offsite storage is a demand industry all over the USA coastal regions. Even the ability to haul out and store on Marina dry Lots can be advantageous. You mentioned the boat had trim tabs and running into the bay you adjusted them to 30% or so, but auto response products like ZIPWAKE are very appealing for controlling roll and pitch, which for this level of boat and price, should we have expected dynamic control for a minimum premium.
Good points especially re weight saving with twins! Wow I would love to see something this big on a trailer behind one of those big American Utes! We don't trailer boats that big here so never occured to me to talk about it. Re the zipwave I like that for lower performance boats, I personally prefer the control and faster reaction time of trim tabs on faster boats.
In Michigan the max width of a overall load can’t exceed 96” without a permit
Great boat, would work nicely for a weekend getaway! only issue I see there is NO microwave, cooktop or grill... no way to cook any food! and yes, it does need a second fridge
Good feedback cheers!
You can spec gas or electric cooktop (genset needed) and microwave goes in large locker under the single seat, no idea where a 2nd fridge would go but agree that it needs one.
Dan, Great review as usual I see your feedback is now worldwide well done, as a Sydney boater a quick nod to your location would be appreciated. cheers
Good call David, a lot of people have been asking so have now started putting my locations into the videos. It just never occured to me before as I thought I was just speaking to Aussies when I started this but clearly not. Thanks for the feedback!
Fantastic review just glimpsed it but was The power train the famous moo engines
Wellcraft is fully owned by the French company Groupe Beneteau who also own Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon etc.
Correct. For about 2 years now i think
The angle of the windshield is excellent. Takes glare away.
Spot on!
Another great review Dan! Would really like to see a review on a Bertram 35 fly!
I freakin love the Bertram 35 (and the original Moppie) but i'm not aware of any in Sydney? If more of you guys tell Bertram you want me to test maybe they will find a boat for me to film. Would be amazing.
Looks amazing!
Great review Dan! Any idea if people retrofit rod holders in gunnel or in transom area? Really no where to keep lines in and watch for bites. Also wish there were some convertible seating in aft cockpit when you choose live well option. Being able to both fish and entertain is what dual consoles do best, and this is somewhat limited in their aft cockpit. No great place to store rods either. Otherwise this boat is darn near perfect!
The Aussie dealer has done a stainless retro fit with a fold down aft seat and if i recall correctly they may have also included rod holders? Search MW Marine in Sydney
Thanks Dan! From one short guy to another, keep up the great videos!
Great tour, lovely boat.
Do you prefer the Quarken 35 or this?
Similar sizes, although you can buy 2 Quarkens for this price (!) and have an extra cabin...
This is beautifully done though.
Haha I just replied to your previous comment. So too many variables to answer easily as I can see value in both boats. Happy to assess for your usage on Patreon
Great review Dan. But I don't see the point of pointing out where your BBQ tools go, if you don't have a BBQ. In fact nowhere to cook at all.
There is an option for a BBQ station out back
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife But then you lose the triple seat.
I don’t care about speed, all motorboats have that. However I do care about range and comfort, running out of fuel and needing to refill is a concern. Unless of course your interest is short trips. Sailing seems so much better for travel. I find myself wondering about the future of hybrid motors, using renewable sources in conjunction with fuel. Slow travel cruising would be a part, but what would be the “maintained” speed for distance travel?
I think there is a good argument for owning two boats. A power boat for short and fast trips and if you want to cover distance a sailing mono or cat. Hybrids in my experience have been more problems than they were worth as the technology is expensive and not mature enough yet. I'd rather a lugger engine running at low speed for 3,000m (Eg Nordhavn) or a sailing yacht. In future maybe Hybrids will replace this but for now I can't understand the benefit vs the cost.
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife you make complete sense. Perhaps it will come down to the future of the energy source. Perhaps in a decade or so, as climate and technology is flying us into new battery/fuel technology.
still strong Axopar Vibes with that Rig, but not bad at all
I could never afford, but the molding issues on the rain gutter @5:45 are awful. For that price would think if you can see or feel it then fairing is a must.
I think that is where the GRP is cut and then some type of flow coat is put over it. I've seen that finish on the edges of all Beneteau Group products so i'll try to find out what exactly it is and tell everyone when I understand more.
Nice machine, needs at least a single burner cook stove.
yea looks like maybe have to ruff it a bit and use coffee maker for instant hot water in morning! Grill is gonna be a must.
You haven't mentioned this American Brand is owned by Group Beneteau
That's surprising considering they are usually value focused. This doesn't seem good value
Correct I think Beneteau Group bought them like 2yrs ago or something like that? Pretty common for boat brands to change hands like that
Its a super nice boat but a little old school. Twin 600s and some drop down wings would be better.
Love the boat but at that size I’d expect a two cabin layout.
I think that is coming in their next model TBC... and then if you want to stay in this size with two cabins thats the Nimbus C11
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife thanks, that’s very useful to be aware of. Great review too 👍
Great review as always, liked and subscribed!! Are those yoga pants tho? lol
Haha thanks. Nah I just use spray paint and paint jeans on my legs haha
If you showed pictures of the different accessories would be nice
Copy that
Almost the perfect boat, if I was looking for the perfect boat I would go for the Arctic
That shower / head was actually pretty small considering your height...especially when you stepped into the shower area... including the length of the bed as well from the bulkhead... seems like it was designed for shorter people...around 5 footers...lol... oh well
It's not a boat for giants but compared to the Axopar it's luxury down there. I'm 5'7 so i reckon someone 6ft would be ok in that shower but yes over 6ft might get tight
Only 1 cabin for this size boat?
Yes, one luxurious cabin as opposed to two cabins which are more of a compromise
what are the regulations for anchoring around shelly beach ? is it all no anchor areas
I don't recommend anchoring in there. Too many swimmers at all times of the day. Best to just creep in slowly for a look. Plus have spotters on deck looking for swimmers/divers.
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife thanks for the reply im pretty cautious to go round the headland to Shelly beach think if ill go then will just park up between there and manly beach
No way for a $1 million. Outfit it with a ton of fishing features and maybe you’ll differentiate it enough to get some buyers.
Fair feedback, i'll tell Wellcraft
Wow. I thought it would cost 3-400k. 1m is ridiculous. You can get amazing boats on the second hand market in excellent condition that offers MUCH more value.
To be fair in 2015-17 it would have been that much but inflation. Yes I think for that exact reason the new brands need to offer designs that provide quantifable benefits over old designs for them to survive the next downturn and competition from used stock. I do believe this category of boat provides that to a certain demographic of boater but sure it won't please everyone.
You are doing boat walk thrue, you should know by now that you don't wear shoes on board. I as skipper take them off before I get in, and I make all my guests take their shoes off, its respect thing. Other than that, good review
It was the middle of winter. That's why we have boat shoes
Nice boat... but pricey for what it is and it's owned by Beneteau, which means what it means.
Seems like all the boats I test in this size are around a mil now
Cooking range?
What does cooking range mean?
Rápido? Pero si eso que pasó, dicho por ti mismo, duró como 8 minutos. Ahí hay gato encerrado. No te confies
million dollar boat is way cooler than a million dollar car
Agreed! Way more enjoyable too in my opinion
Any day. Million dollar car will make everyone drool when looking at it. A mil dollar boat will make everyone drool from shore looking at it😅
Nice guess wellcraft is an American company
Was... these days it's owned by the Beneteau Group.
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife well do ram pickups still get American considerations even though they are owned by a foreign conglomerate
Like it how much American dollars
Try your local US dealer as I think in AUD
Great boat! How much?
The price is in the description
Oh cool... An even more expensive Axopar.
Would you compare this directly with an Axopar? I was thinking it doesn't make sense to compare a heavier boat with more HP with the Axopar as it looked to me like they are following more of a US boat building thinking....
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLifean Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin is just in every way a better boat in my opinion, this looks like a straight copy and paste job... An Axopar does it cheaper and better and handles like a dream... That being said an Axopar Cross Cabin is my dream boat, doubt I will ever be able to have one!
Also I don't think I understand what is meant by a US style build? Sea Ray and Boston whaler has been making pound for pound some of the best boats in the US and they are far from heavy.
Great boat and nice naval architecture! Horribly over priced just like every other new built boat on the market now. Safe boating just is not affordable for average income families anymore, no matter where you live in the world.
So I see opportunities for affordable living and boating all over SE Asia and the Gulf Countries from UAE to Saudi. Petrol in Malaysia is 70 Aussie Cents per litre so triple rigs look amazing for the Mallaca Straights ripping it up to Thailand and back - yes please!
Correct in Australia everything from housing to boats has inflated through the roof in the last few years so it's probably only going to be the property owners who are still in the market for boats like this.
But there is so much opportunity in Dubai and Gulf Countries we will probably see a whole new boat market develop where young people from all over the West move to and enjoy a new life with lots of boating. So that should be pretty exciting to report on in the future.
My question is. Where can you cook at.
Looks like they "borrowed" the design from Axopar. Perhaps the whole boat.
Sure but I have seen them all be influenced by each other over the years. Axopar would have taken inspiration from Fjord who also took inspiration from Wally who were inspired by the Aussie Americas Cup tenders back in Freemantle and so on... I enjoy seeing this because everyone puts new energy and their own flavour into it which evolves the designs into more awesome boats so we all benefit
35 foot wellcraft for a million. No way it’s selling at that price…
Australian Dollars
A 1mm 35? Are u nuts?
Yes i love nuts... you've lost me though what are you saying? 1mm 35?
$800,000
It's an Axopar.
lol
I sold Axopar's for 7 years and while it;s clearly inspired by the Axopar market it's definately not an Axopar.
I dont see why you would buy this over a catamaran so much $$ for so little space
Very different mission I suspect. A power cat will be slower, harder to berth in tight spots so may require crew. But it will also be much more spacious for overnights and potentially have longer range. The Wellcraft gives you high speed, easy to manage around the dock and comfortable accomodation for a couple. I'm up in Maine, USA right now and looking at the amount of waterfront restaurant serving fresh lobster up here I can see value in a Wellcraft for buzzing around in comfort going to different cafe's and restaurants before finding a quiect bay for the evening. So really depends on the mission for the boat.
Needs a BBQ and a microwave/oven.
There's an optional cockpit galley which I'm sure has an electric grill. If you want to bake something while having 900hp gasoline outboards, Beneteau Group sells the Jeanneau 1295 Fly which has an oven standard. The Wellcraft is for getting to your luxury accommodations quickly for a 3 day weekend holiday.
Ludicrous price!
Not impressed with the finishes. Compare to a Scout 38
I will, I think they still have a Scout dealer in Aus.
isn‘t it weird they build ICEs instead of batterie-electric - while ICE cars banned in EU from 2030.
At Lake Starnberg, we still have 150 ICE or outboard … and 1.500 electric boats… your grand children will be proud, that granddad had a petrol-fueled yacht instead of investing hus money in something less climate sensitive
No not weird, electric boats are totally not ready for ocean conditions and the type of boating we do down here. In the future I suspect we will see clean fuels as in Australia we are just burning coal to make electricity. It's not the dirty coal you burn in Germany but it's still not ideal. So when we get the power generation side sorted onto something cleaner that yes I see your point.
I don’t see anything American about the style of boat.
Correct.. not the style... more the thinking. It looks like they are trying to cater to a US Audience to me with a new style. Thats what I meant.
Meh…
Not worth 100,000
Ouch... probably 100k in engines alone. But this is UA-cam so you're entitled to your opinion.
Ugly I don’t know how they sell
Yes it took a while for this style to catch on down here too. Now it's accepted
Over priced !
What do you think it should be priced at?
Dan, wrap it up, I'll take it! That would be the perfect boat for fishing the Gulf of Mexico or doing a Bahama run. Glad to see wellcraft is back. When I worked for teak deckingsystems in Sarasota we were situated right across the street and aside to the wellcraft factory. Donzi and Chris-Craft we're right down the road.
I can't wait to visit the US and actually see this Bahama run everyone is talking about
As tested by me $99,999,999,999.99
BUT WAIT! Tax is included! You're welcome!
Nice walk thru Dan.
Thanks 👍
I failed to see how you differentiated this boat from an Axopar 37 cross cabin. Except it’s way less efficient and heavier. The solar can achieve same performance with two verados not three! Axopars have heaters and air conditioners. Cmon Wellcraft. Stop trying to say your 355 is not an Axopar. It is except it will cost you more fuel and more to maintain. Axopar owners are laughing.
So yes i'm very familiar with Axopar's I sold them for 7 years so have done hundreds of hours on 37's. The point I was making is that I don't believe the designers of the Wellcraft had direct competition with Axopar in mind. What I was sensing with the Wellcraft was an attempt to capture the attention of the guys who have traditionally had a US Center Console with twin or triple rigs on the back but little weather protection and virtually no accomodation. I think it's those guys they had in mind when designing this boat who would see a direct benefit with weather protection and accomodation and also some familiarity with the extra weight and HP.
I could be wrong I am just an independent UA-cam guy looking at the designs myself and making conclusions. But as you say if you were trying to build a direct competitor to Axopar then thats what you would do. Make it light and less HP etc, etc. So in my mind they are trying something different and I don't think they are even trying to get the attention of Axopar owners in the first place. Does my logic make sense..?
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife Dan, I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my criticism of your review. Again if you think the Wellcraft is targeting those center console owners that want weather protection then look no further that the Axopar cross cabin. It offers the exact same weather protection with a more efficient magical hull and most importantly achieves equal or better performance with twins and NOT triples. With petro reaching $5/gal in the states the 20 gallons per hour at 30 knots is a $50 per hour advantage over 30 gal per hour. Plus annual oil changes and maintenance of 3 engines is significanltly more than 2 engines. I simply do not see any advantage the Wellcraft offers over the Axopar. ANd the Wellcarft costs so much more for so much less!!! I don't get it.
@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife hate to agree with the price complainers, but yeah, in the states Wellcraft is thought of as a "lake ski boat" maker, while this is certainly a very nice boat and I personally like the style a lot, a Wellcraft at Pardo like pricing isn't going to blow the market up. This is going to be another "if you have to ask" you can't afford it boat.
For that price tag you can get a lot more boat.
What would you choose?
Yaaaaaaaa!
I love my wellcraft center council they handle rough seas without a problem