[VLE]

I am considering purchase of a Wellcraft 24 Walkaround (2001 model)powered with 225 Merc Optimax. Will be used for fishing in coastal waters. I'm weighing it against a new 2302 Trophy. Anyone have any experience with this boat or comments on it's quality?

[EVMIII]

Black Russian,I have a 1985 Wellcraft 248 Offshore w/johnson 225 outboard. It is a 25' WA with outstanding fishing room. Boat remains very solid, sits well and cruises confortably. I have and have heard very positive comments regarding the older Wellcrafts, don't no much about the newer ones since they were bought out by GenMar. Very sharp looking boats. As far as the WA body style, I love it for offshore fishing. Good dry storage, completely dry ride, and ample fishing room. Fished on several buddies CC and always seemed to get wet. Good luck with your purchase. Maybe someone else with a newer Wellcraft will respond. Happy boating.

[letsbarbq]

honestly, i've seen a nice trophy walk around and center console,,,its nice. but i own a wellcraft and its a solid boat. a 1988 steplift v20. it smashes waves like nothing. and i'm pushing it with a 88yammy 150. get about 48 mph.enjoy, its up to you.

[Makofanatic]

i am a sells rep for both wellcraft and trophy,in my opinion the wellcrat and the trophy are both good boats,but wellcraft goes the extra mile when it come to quality,for one example comepare the rub rail,wellcraft is stainles,trophy is rubber,and check the thuhull fitings wellcraft is chrome plated bronze,and the trophy is plastic,also compare the bow rail,wellcraft is wellded high grade stainles,the trophy is the tube construction that screws together.Another thing to consder is the head in both boats the wellcraft comes standard with a vacuflush system the is a complete freshwater system with its own water and holding tank the head is even made of real porceline.the trophy comes standard with a portopotie with a self containd head,or with the more expensive propackage you can get a marine head that uses raw water with a manual pumpout raw water in your holding tank can start to smell real quick.since the vacuflush system uses fresh water you dont get an oder.the wellcraft does many little things like this on all thier boats and all these little things make them a better boat.

[letsbarbq]

you make a point there makofanatic,i'd bet you wish you invested in the other when you start looking at your boating buddies weird. sniff, sniff, -----

[DJ]

The Wellcraft resale will be MUCH better.

[VLE]

Thanks for your replies. Seems like the Wellcraft is the way to go, although I still seem to be hearing mixed messages about their quality control as well.