Wellcraft Marine Corporation

Updated: December 12, 2023

Since 1955, the Wellcraft Marine Corporation has been an innovator in the field of powerboats. Wellcraft boats have served fishermen and recreationists alike for over 60 years. With their popular cruisers, fishing boats, cuddy cabin boats and pleasure craft, Wellcraft has satisfied thousands of customers. Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys carries several of the latest Wellcraft models, including the Fisherman and the Bay. We’re located in Key Largo, serving greater Miami, Florida.

The History of Wellcraft

Bill Davis and Ed Crafton founded the Wellcraft Marine Corporation in Sarasota, Florida, in 1955. He began by producing small wooden runabouts of 14’ and 17’ in length, as well as smaller 12’ skiff boats. The Wellcraft models of the early 1960s were constructed from molded fiberglass, which was a brand-new innovation at the time. These boats were often small cuddy cabin boats up to 23’ in length. Nearly as soon as the company began, they started to export their boats to overseas dealers who valued the American craftsmanship, clean look and utilization of space in Wellcraft boats.

The innovative Cathedral hull created by Dick Cole in the early 1970s paved the way for Cole to design Wellcraft’s famous patented Airslot hull. This hull was an upgrade to the Cathedral design, featuring multiple sponsons that were in turn V hulls. This design reduced the likelihood of the boat turning over in the water. The Airslot remained stable in choppy waters at most speeds, offering increased comfort and less splashing over the bow. Wellcraft hulls continue to be a leader in the industry, making for easier turns by offering the operator a better-handling boat.

Dick Genth was company president during the 1970s, when there were 23 different Wellcraft models in production. The game-changing Scarab design, one of Wellcraft’s best-known boats, was released in 1976, becoming a leader in the field of high-performance powerboats, with the Scarab 38 KV model featuring in the popular 1980s TV show Miami Vice, which increased the company’s sales by 21% in 1985.

By 1995, their 40th year in operation, the company had manufactured more than 250,000 boats and was under the direction of president Mike Meyer. As of 2014, Wellcraft is held by French boat manufacturer Beneteau, and they continue to produce pleasure boats, cruisers and fishing boats that are as popular and high-performing as ever.

Where are Wellcraft Boats Made? 

Wellcraft Boats are a leading brand of recreational fishing boats and cruisers. These vessels are designed to provide maximum comfort, performance, and safety on the open water. Wellcraft boats are made in Visalia, California and have been since the company's founding in 1955. The production facility has over 450 employees and covers over 150 acres. Each boat is handcrafted with precision using only the highest quality materials to ensure a long lasting, reliable vessel.

Wellcraft Models

The Fisherman offers the ultimate fishing experience with its full complement of amenities that make it easy for you to relax while your line is in the water. A 23 gallon livewell and baitwell provides a place for your catches to stay fresh, and the gunnel-mounted rod holders let you step away without taking your hook out of the water. Bow storage and a console with a changing room and head offer you and your passengers places to keep swimming supplies and change in privacy. The automatic bilge pump does the heavy water lifting for you.

Wellcraft’s Bay boats are finely-crafted center console boats with comfortable seating that offers storage for all your necessary fishing gear. The 34 gallon baitwell and livewell provide even more storage for all your catches, while the changing room provides space for storing rods and life jackets.

Both of these exemplary models feature hydraulic steering to make piloting your boat effortless. Wellcraft’s legendary hull design means your boat will move smoothly through the water so you aren’t jostled around even though you’re on a small craft. When you’re looking for a superior fishing or cruising experience, look no further than Wellcraft boats.

If you’re looking for some top-shelf boats for sale, come down to our showroom to see the new and used models we have in stock, including the latest Wellcraft boats. Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys is your local Wellcraft dealership, serving the island of Key Largo, Florida.