Wellcraft Boats History & Heritage
Founded in 1955 by Bill Davis and Ed Krafton in Sarasota, Florida, the Wellcraft Marine Corporation initially focused on building wooden boats ranging from 4.3-5.2m (14-17ft) in length, along with smaller 4m (12ft) Scythians.
In the early 1960s, however, the company embarked on a groundbreaking innovation by transitioning to manufacturing hulls made of molded fiberglass, a pioneering move for the era. These fiberglass boats, featuring deep-V hulls, included cabins and ranged up to 7m (23ft) in length.
Almost immediately, Wellcraft's fiberglass boats garnered attention in overseas markets, where consumers quickly recognized the quality, aesthetics, and practicality of the vessels. By the 1970s, the shipyard boasted a diverse lineup of over 20 different models, including boats with trimaran hulls known for their smooth performance.
However, one of the most iconic creations to emerge from the shipyard was the Wellcraft Scarab, first introduced in 1975. Collaborating with Scarab brand creator Larry Smith, Wellcraft perfected the production of these high-performance vessels. The Scarab 38 KV, famously featured in the popular TV series Miami Vice in 1984, propelled sales to a remarkable 21% increase in one year.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Wellcraft has produced over 250,000 boats. Following several changes in ownership, Wellcraft, along with Scarab, came under the ownership of the French group Beneteau in 2014.
Currently headquartered in Cadillac, Michigan, Wellcraft operates production facilities and maintains an extensive dealer network worldwide.
