Beam: 9’1″
Draft: 2’9″
Displacement (approx.): 8,600 lb.
More Information: wellcraft.com
We Say: Dockside, the fishing and go-fast features of Wellcraft’s 35 Scarab Offshore Tournament grabbed our attention. Offshore, this boat proved a standout in both categories. We wrung over 62 mph out of it at maximum power. The deep-V hull, made famous by the 1980s crime drama Miami Vice, is now 2 inches broader, and power capacity now tops 1,000 horses.
The use of PVC foam in the stringers, transom and hull maintains strength and stiffness without excess weight. With “lines in,” the big 35 Scarab Offshore Tournament flexes its fishing potential with a powder-coated aluminum T-top fitted with gold-tone rod holders, spreader lights and an oversize electronics box with life jacket stowage. These reside above a helm with fully digitized instrumentation. Aft of the helm is a sink with a rigging station, livewell, walk-through transom door and fold-out tackle compartments.
In the business of building performance fishing boats for over 50 years, Wellcraft is part of Rec Boat Holdings, which was recently purchased by Beneteau Group, one of the world’s largest pleasure-boat builders — which bodes well for the continuance of these iconic boats.
Who’d Want One: Anglers who’d like to scoff at chop while zooming offshore.
Another Choice: Everglades’ 355T ($439,407 with triple 300 hp Yamaha outboards)
Bottom Line: $236,730 (with test power); wellcraft.com
