Wellcraft 263 Fisherman

Wellcraft’s new motto, “Built for Purpose, Built to Last,” is evident with a fresh selection of models for 2024, including the 263 Fisherman center console.

The 263 is powered by single or twin Mercury or Yamaha outboards tuned to push the offshore limits.

A reengineered, fully bonded glass windshield with a power-operated vent are all beneath a fiberglass T-top, and the support legs of the structure are recessed into the center console. This creates more space for passengers to maneuver around the deck and makes the head accessible with a lateral opening door.

Wellcraft is quite in tune with buyers’ desire for extra helm space to incorporate additional screens. The reworked helm will accommodate Garmin’s GPS plotter combo depth sounder that links to the entire boats’ digital systems readouts.

One standout feature is a portside dive door that swings inward, adjacent to a livewell. An entire row of rod holders runs from the length of the transom to the aft door for additional boarding access from the swim platform. Landing a fish just got easier.

Bait prep and storage are neatly packaged behind the dual upholstered helm seats. In this central location, Wellcraft has a feature dubbed the “Cooler Cave” to store coolers.

Forward are two hull-hugging bow seats that double as recliners, a feature that lets the 263 shine as a family cruiser for days when fishing doesn’t dominate the agenda. An optional fiberglass table easily sides into the forward bow. Further forward is a chain-rope combination windless, with secure locker storage for the rode and a wand sprayer to knock off pesky sand and mud.

To sweeten the deal, Wellcraft will include a one-year subscription to SeaNapps with the purchase of this model, allowing users to track engine hours and recommended maintenance intervals right from their cellphone.