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.

Wellcraft At A Glance

A brief summary of statistics, facts, and figures for Princess Yachts.

Shipyard History

  • Shipyard Founder Bill Davis and Ed Crafton
  • Year Founded 1955
  • Headquarters Town Cadillac, Michigan
  • Headquarters Country United States

Model Timeline

Research all the in production and discontinued Wellcraft Boat models and immerse yourself in their history. Learn about each models features, generations, redesigns, notable features, specification, layouts, photo galleries and video from each individual model year*.

Key: 11 In-Production

Current Wellcraft Model Range

Learn about each in production yacht models features, generations, redesigns, notable features, specification, layouts, photo galleries and video from each individual model year*.

Center Console Range  

263 Fisherman

8m

Production: 2024 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

243 Fisherman

7.4m

Production: 2024 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

223 Fisherman

6.7m

Production: 2024 - to date

Generations: 1

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Performance Cruisers Range  

Wellcraft 435

13.4m

Production: 2023 - to date

Generations: 1

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Performance Cruisers Range  

Wellcraft 355

10.9m

Production: 2022 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

352 Fisherman

10.8m

Production: 2018 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

302 Fisherman

9.2m

Production: 2017 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

262 Fisherman

8m

Production: 2016 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

222 Fisherman

6.7m

Production: 2016 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

242 Fisherman

7.4m

Production: 2015 - to date

Generations: 1

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Center Console Range  

202 Fisherman

6.2m

Production: 2008 - to date

Generations: 1

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