Wellcraft 355 for Sale

Wellcraft 355 Specifications

The Wellcraft 355’s stepped hull is the foundation of its performance proposition. The steps — transverse breaks in the running surface — introduce air beneath the hull at speed, reducing wetted surface area and hydrodynamic friction. This translates to faster hole shot, reduced fuel consumption at cruising speed, and higher top-end velocity for a given power configuration. The 22-degree deadrise at the transom is a moderate-to-deep V that delivers a good compromise between rough-water ride quality and stability at rest — sharp enough to cut through offshore chop without the excessive roll at anchor that characterises very deep-V hulls.

The triple outboard configuration is standard for this class of centre console. Three engines provide redundancy for offshore operations — if one engine fails, the remaining two can bring the boat home safely. The triple rig also distributes weight across the transom more evenly than a twin setup with larger, heavier engines, and provides superior slow-speed manoeuvrability through differential thrust. Mercury Verado and Yamaha four-stroke outboards are the most common power choices, with Mercury offering digital throttle and shift (DTS), electro-hydraulic power steering, and SmartCraft Connect engine monitoring.

The 300-gallon fuel capacity is well-matched to the triple outboard power. At cruising speed with triple 300 hp engines, the 355 consumes approximately 40–50 gallons per hour, providing a practical range of approximately 160–200 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve. This is sufficient for a full day of offshore fishing with ample margin for weather delays and course changes — a Gulf Stream run from South Florida, a trip to the Bahamas from the Keys, or a day working the canyons off the mid-Atlantic coast.

Performance & Handling

Speed and power: With the standard triple Mercury Verado 300 hp V8 configuration (900 hp combined), the Wellcraft 355 reaches a top speed of approximately 50 knots and cruises comfortably at 28–32 knots. With triple 250 hp engines (750 hp combined), top speed drops to around 42–44 knots with a cruising speed of 25–28 knots. At the top of the power range, triple Mercury 400 hp Verado V10s (1,200 hp combined) push top speed beyond 55 knots — impressive figures for a 35-foot centre console, though fuel consumption at wide-open throttle is proportionally higher. The sweet spot for most owners is the triple 300 hp configuration, which offers the best balance of performance, fuel economy, engine weight, and purchase cost.

Hull behaviour and sea keeping: The stepped hull transitions onto the plane quickly and cleanly, with minimal bow rise during acceleration. Once on plane, the 355 runs flat and tracks well, with the steps providing consistent lift and reducing the tendency to porpoise that can affect conventional hulls at mid-range speeds. In a head sea, the 22-degree deadrise absorbs wave impacts effectively — not as softly as a deeper-V hull like those found on premium fishing machines, but significantly better than flatter-bottomed boats in the same price range. The stepped hull does introduce more spray in quartering seas than a non-stepped design; the T-top and windshield provide adequate protection for the helm station, but passengers in the bow area may get wet in choppy conditions.

Handling and manoeuvrability: At speed, the 355 responds predictably to helm input with good turn-in and minimal cavitation from the outboard props during hard turns. The triple-engine rig provides excellent low-speed control: by manipulating the individual throttles or using joystick piloting (available with Mercury DTS), the 355 can be walked sideways into a tight slip, held against a current, or spun in its own length. This level of close-quarters manoeuvrability is one of the key advantages of the triple outboard configuration and makes docking less stressful for solo operators. An optional bow thruster further enhances low-speed control in crosswind conditions.

Fuel efficiency: The stepped hull delivers measurable fuel savings over a conventional running surface. At cruising speed (28–30 knots) with triple 300 hp engines, fuel burn is approximately 40–50 gallons per hour — roughly 10–15% better than a comparable non-stepped hull would achieve at the same speed with the same power. At a more economical 20–22 knots, fuel consumption drops to approximately 25–30 gallons per hour, extending range to 220–250 nautical miles on the 300-gallon tank. These are competitive figures for a triple-outboard centre console of this size.

Offshore confidence: The Wellcraft 355 is designed to run offshore in conditions that would send smaller boats back to port. The combination of a solid, well-engineered hull, triple engine redundancy, a 300-gallon fuel tank, and a raised helm station with excellent sightlines creates a platform that inspires confidence when running 30, 40, or 50 miles offshore to reach productive fishing grounds. The T-top provides shade and a mounting point for outriggers, GPS antennas, radar, and spreader lights — the complete infrastructure needed for serious bluewater fishing.

Interior Layout & Comfort

The Wellcraft 355 manages to combine a serious fishing cockpit with a level of comfort and amenity that makes it genuinely versatile for family use. This dual capability — a proper fishing machine on Saturday, a comfortable family cruiser on Sunday — is the central design challenge for any modern centre console, and the 355 handles it well.

Cockpit and fishing layout: The aft cockpit is the heart of the fishing platform. A large, unobstructed cockpit sole provides room for multiple anglers to work fish simultaneously. Two pressurised livewells — a 30-gallon unit in the transom and an 18-gallon unit forward — keep bait alive for extended offshore sessions. Three insulated in-deck fish boxes with macerated overboard drains provide generous capacity for the catch. Flush-mount gunwale rod holders, T-top rocket launchers, and under-gunwale rod storage accommodate a full spread of trolling and bottom-fishing rods. The transom features a fold-away bench seat, a raw-water washdown, and an integrated swim platform with a boarding ladder for diving and swimming.

Helm station: The helm is raised and positioned centrally behind a wraparound windshield, with excellent forward and lateral visibility for both navigation and fish-spotting. The dash accommodates up to dual 16-inch multifunction displays (Garmin, Simrad, or Raymarine), flush-mounted engine gauges, VHF radio, and accessory switches. The helm seat is a reversible leaning post with an integrated tackle station, fold-down footrest, and storage. A second row of seating behind the helm provides additional cockpit seating for passengers during cruising.

Forward seating and bow: Forward of the console, a U-shaped seating area with cushions and backrests surrounds a fold-down table, creating a social area for dining and relaxation at anchor. With the table lowered and filler cushions in place, this area converts into a large sun pad. The bow section also includes storage lockers, an anchor locker with a windlass, and cleats for docking. This forward area is one of the 355’s strongest features — it transforms the boat from a pure fishing platform into a comfortable day cruiser when the rods are stowed.

Below-deck cabin: Beneath the centre console, an enclosed compartment provides a head with either a porta-potti or optional electric-flush marine toilet, a small sink, and a V-berth with cushions that can sleep two adults. Headroom is limited — this is a centre console, not a cruiser — but the space is adequate for overnight stays at a marina or anchorage, changing clothes, and using the head during a full day offshore. A hatch above the berth provides ventilation. For a 35-foot centre console, the below-deck space is well-utilised and genuinely functional.

T-top and shade: The standard fibreglass T-top provides shade over the helm and the aft portion of the cockpit. It is structurally integrated into the console and provides mounting points for GPS antennas, VHF antennas, radar, spreader lights, rod holders (rocket launchers), and optional outriggers. Compared to a fabric Bimini, the fibreglass hardtop is more durable, quieter at speed, and provides better protection from sun and rain. An electronics box integrated into the T-top provides dry storage for additional gear.

Storage: Centre consoles live and die by their storage solutions, and the 355 is well-served. In addition to the three fish boxes and the under-console cabin, the boat provides rod storage along the gunwales, tackle drawers in the leaning post, dry storage in the bow and stern, and console-side pockets for small items. Every space is accounted for — there are no wasted areas in the layout.

Ownership & Running Costs

The Wellcraft 355 is positioned as a value proposition in the offshore centre-console market. It delivers 90% of the capability of premium competitors at 65–75% of their price, making it an attractive option for buyers who want serious offshore performance without the premium brand tax. Annual operating costs for a US-based owner typically fall in the USD 15,000–28,000 range:

• New-build pricing: A new Wellcraft 355 with triple Mercury 300 hp Verado outboards and standard specification lists from approximately USD 280,000–USD 320,000. With upgraded electronics (dual Garmin or Simrad MFDs, CHIRP sonar, radar), upgraded outriggers, Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisation, joystick piloting, and premium cockpit options, a well-specified example reaches USD 350,000–USD 400,000. Compared to a similarly sized Boston Whaler or Grady-White, the Wellcraft offers a saving of approximately USD 100,000–USD 150,000 for comparable capability — a meaningful difference that funds a lot of fishing trips.
• Used market: Pre-owned Wellcraft 355s from recent model years trade between approximately USD 200,000 and USD 320,000 depending on engine hours, power configuration, electronics, and overall condition. Wellcraft does not hold its resale value as strongly as Boston Whaler or Grady-White — expect depreciation of approximately 15–25% over the first three years — but this depreciation benefits used buyers, who can acquire a capable offshore platform at a significant discount to new.
• Insurance: 1.0–2.0% of hull value depending on location, navigation area, and owner experience. For a 355 insured at USD 250,000–USD 350,000, expect approximately USD 2,500–USD 7,000 per year. Florida and Gulf Coast policies may carry hurricane surcharges. Agreed-value policies are recommended over actual cash value to avoid depreciation disputes at claim time.
• Slip or storage: Wet slip fees range from USD 4,000–USD 10,000+ annually depending on location. Dry-stack storage is a popular alternative at USD 3,500–USD 8,000 per year, with the benefit of keeping the hull out of the water and reducing bottom maintenance costs. The 355’s dimensions fit most standard dry-stack facilities, making this a practical option for many owners.
• Engine service: Triple outboard servicing (annual oil change, gear lube, anodes, water pump impeller replacement at intervals) costs approximately USD 2,000–USD 4,500 for three engines. Mercury’s dealer network is extensive across the US and Caribbean. Annual service is straightforward and does not require hauling the boat — a significant advantage over inboard diesel power.
• Fuel costs: Triple 300 hp outboards consume approximately 40–50 gallons per hour at cruising speed. At current US marina fuel prices (approximately USD 5.50 per gallon), a 100-hour season costs roughly USD 22,000–USD 27,500 in fuel. Fuel is typically the largest variable operating cost for any centre console in this class.
• Bottom maintenance: For wet-slipped boats, annual haul-out and bottom paint costs approximately USD 1,800–USD 3,000. Dry-stacked boats avoid this cost entirely — one of the compelling arguments for dry storage on boats of this size.

Depreciation and value: Wellcraft’s mid-market positioning means that depreciation is steeper than premium brands but more predictable than budget builders. The Groupe Beneteau parentage and the strength of the Wellcraft name in the American fishing market provide a floor under resale values. Buyers who purchase used at year three or four, after the steepest depreciation has passed, often find the 355 to be one of the best value propositions in the offshore centre-console segment.

Buying Guide: How to Buy a Wellcraft 355

New vs used: New Wellcraft 355s are available through the Wellcraft dealer network across the United States, with inventory models typically available for quicker delivery than custom-ordered configurations. Unlike premium builders who maintain long order books, Wellcraft benefits from Groupe Beneteau’s production scale, so wait times are generally shorter — often 2–6 months for a factory order. Used examples are available through a broad range of brokerages, marine dealers, and private sellers, with Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Chesapeake Bay region being the strongest secondary markets. Currently, Hulls.io tracks 0 active listings for the Wellcraft 355.

Engine choice: The most important specification decision is the outboard power package. The triple Mercury 300 hp Verado V8 (900 hp combined) is the most popular and recommended configuration, delivering strong performance, good fuel efficiency, and the best balance of purchase cost and resale value. Triple 250 hp engines save approximately USD 15,000–USD 25,000 but deliver noticeably less acceleration and top speed — most buyers find the 300 hp engines worth the premium. The triple 400 hp option delivers extraordinary performance but adds significant cost and weight; it is best suited to buyers who prioritise outright speed and are willing to accept higher fuel consumption. On the used market, check engine hours carefully — outboard engines are straightforward to service but hours accumulate quickly on boats used for frequent offshore trips.

Key Inspection Points for Used Buyers

• Outboard engines: Request full service records with Mercury or Yamaha dealer stamps. Run a diagnostic scan on each engine to check for fault codes and verify actual engine hours match the stated figure. Compression test all three engines. Inspect lower units for impact damage and gear lube condition. Test trim and tilt operation on all three units.
• Hull and structure: Inspect the hull bottom for impact damage from groundings or debris strikes. Tap-test the hull and transom for delamination. On stepped hulls, pay particular attention to the step areas, which experience higher hydrodynamic loads. Check the transom core for water intrusion — the transom bears the weight of three outboard engines and is a critical structural element.
• Electrical systems: Modern centre consoles carry substantial electronics loads. Test all multifunction displays, sonar, radar (if fitted), GPS, VHF radio, stereo, lighting, livewell pumps, washdown pumps, and bilge pumps. Check battery condition and charging system output. Inspect wiring runs for chafe, corrosion, and proper marine-grade connections.
• Fishing systems: Run both livewells and verify proper water flow and drainage. Check fish box insulation and drain function. Inspect rod holders for corrosion and proper mounting. Test the raw-water washdown. If outriggers are fitted, check the bases, poles, and rigging hardware.
• Below-deck cabin: Inspect the head compartment for odour and plumbing condition. Check the V-berth cushions for mould or mildew — a common issue on boats stored in humid climates without adequate ventilation. Test the deck hatch above the berth for proper sealing.
• T-top and hardtop: Inspect the fibreglass T-top for stress cracks at mounting points and hardware attachment areas. Check that spreader lights, antenna mounts, rocket launchers, and any aftermarket additions are properly sealed and not leaking into the console.

A professional marine survey for a centre console of this value should include an out-of-water hull inspection, engine diagnostic scan and compression test on all three outboards, a sea trial at multiple speeds including wide-open throttle, and a full systems check. Budget USD 1,500–USD 2,500 for a thorough survey. The investment is well justified given the vessel’s value and the critical importance of engine and hull condition.

Competitors & Alternatives

The 30–36 ft centre-console segment is one of the most competitive in the American recreational marine market, with established brands and new entrants competing across a wide price range. The Wellcraft 355 competes on value — it is rarely the most expensive or the cheapest option in any comparison, but it consistently delivers strong capability for the money. Understanding how it compares to the principal alternatives helps buyers make an informed choice.

Wellcraft 355 vs Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is smaller (28 ft vs 35 ft 6 in) but occupies the same general market space as a premium offshore centre console. The Whaler’s legendary unsinkable foam-core construction, superior fit-and-finish, and exceptional resale values make it the quality benchmark in the segment. The 280 Outrage is typically powered by twin outboards rather than triples, giving it a different performance character — lower top speed but also lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The Boston Whaler commands a significant price premium: a new 280 Outrage approaches or exceeds the cost of a new Wellcraft 355, despite being seven feet shorter. The Wellcraft counters with meaningfully more cockpit space, a larger cabin, greater fuel capacity, higher top speed, and the ability to fish further offshore with more people aboard. For buyers who prioritise brand prestige, build quality, and resale value above all else, the Whaler wins. For buyers who want more boat for the money and need the additional size and range of a 35-footer, the Wellcraft is the rational choice.

Wellcraft 355 vs Pursuit S 288 Sport

The Pursuit S 288 Sport is a 28-foot centre console from Pursuit Boats, a Florida-based builder known for quality construction and refined execution. Like the Whaler comparison, the Pursuit is smaller but competes on fit-and-finish and brand reputation. The S 288 features a Carolina-style flared bow, a well-appointed helm station, and a below-deck cabin with a berth and enclosed head. Build quality is excellent — Pursuit has cultivated a reputation for meticulous attention to detail in its hardware, upholstery, and gelcoat work. The Wellcraft 355 offers substantially more fishing cockpit space, a larger fuel tank for extended offshore range, triple engine redundancy, and a physically bigger platform for rough-water operations. The Pursuit is the better choice for buyers who fish inshore and nearshore and want a polished, well-built boat in the 28-foot class. The Wellcraft is the better choice for serious offshore anglers who need the size, range, and power to run 40+ miles to the fishing grounds.

Wellcraft 355 vs Formula 330 CBR

The Formula 330 CBR represents a fundamentally different approach. Formula’s Crossover Bowrider (CBR) series prioritises family cruising, watersports, and social entertaining over dedicated fishing capability. The 330 CBR features a full-beam cabin with a proper berth, enclosed head with standing headroom, a wet bar, and generous seating throughout — it is more akin to a small cruiser than a fishing boat. Sterndrive or outboard power options are available. The comparison highlights the central trade-off for buyers in this size range: the Wellcraft 355 is an offshore fishing platform that can do double duty for family cruising, while the Formula 330 CBR is a family cruiser that can accommodate casual fishing. If serious offshore fishing is the primary mission, the Wellcraft is the clear choice. If comfort, entertaining, and watersports are the priorities with occasional fishing, the Formula is the more appropriate platform.

Wellcraft 355 vs Sailfish 275 DC

The Sailfish 275 DC is a 27-foot dual console from Sailfish Boats, a South Carolina–based builder that targets the value-conscious segment of the saltwater fishing market. The 275 DC offers a twin outboard configuration, a forward cabin with a berth and head, and a split dual-console layout that provides walk-through access to the bow and a passenger-side console with additional seating. At a significantly lower price point than the Wellcraft 355, the Sailfish appeals to buyers entering the offshore market or those with tighter budgets. The Wellcraft counters with a larger platform, more cockpit space, a deeper transom for safer offshore operation, triple engine redundancy, larger livewells and fish boxes, and a more robust construction. The Sailfish is the sensible entry-level choice for buyers who split time between inshore fishing, sandbar hopping, and family boating. The Wellcraft is for buyers who have outgrown a 27-footer and need a dedicated offshore platform with the range and capability to handle serious conditions.

For a full interactive comparison between the Wellcraft 355 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the offshore centre-console segment.