Spotlight
The Limit Pusher
Wellcraft unveils its all-new 355
By Roy Sparks
inside view of boat table and booth
interior view of seating area and driving seats
outside view of window
boat driving through the water
Destined to be the talk of the dock at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at the end of October, the all-new Wellcraft 355 is already turning heads. At the annual fall show it will make its first U.S. public appearance and the 36-foot performance and adventure boat is ready to push the limits with its versatility. With several Wellcraft dealers dotting the Great Lakes region, there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing a lot of this new model come next summer.
Performance DNA
For longer than six decades, the iconic brand has made a name for itself by building quality boats designed for offshore boating with a strong history of power and performance. 

Wellcraft boasts 60 years of passion and a DNA that’s dynamic, sporty and adrenaline-driven with boats that are fast and powerful with cruising speeds capable of 40 plus knots. 

“Built to own the offshore, they are ultra-seaworthy and definitely robust, designed for extreme sensations and high intensity outings,” confirms Nick Harvey, Wellcraft brand director.

Always loyal to its DNA, Wellcraft has added a new chapter to its history. The 355 offers versatility all adventurers seek, in all types of weather, providing a new perspective and enthusiasm for boaters worldwide.

Up For The Challenge
Outlasting trends, this new Wellcraft will enable boaters to conquer new territories, pushing the limits further than ever before. Geared toward a new generation of performance cruisers, the 355 provides a wide-range of capabilities and purposeful functions, responding to the toughest demands and meeting every challenge. 

The Wellcraft 355 takes the lead in every aspect: outstanding design, comfort, and most importantly, speed and seaworthiness. Designed to push the limits – out past the horizon where the water is deep and adventure begins – Wellcraft utilizes its rich heritage of offshore experience to push into this new market with American flare and shameless enthusiasm that make it ideal for Great Lakes.

“There is a new breed of enthusiastic performance boaters. They want to see the world from a different perspective,” adds Harvey. “Instead of gazing from shore, they shove off and never look back.”

Winning Combo
Every inch of the Wellcraft 355 has been designed to the highest standards. Wellcraft teamed up with famed American naval architect Michael Peters, an extremely talented yacht designer Pawel Denert and Beneteau Group Deputy CEO Camillo Garronni. This winning team created this outstanding design to offer a fast and seaworthy American outboard commuter for those looking to push their limits further and faster in all water conditions.

“Wellcraft is my dream brand,” explains Girotti. “It has strong values and heritage. We wanta to boost it with an innovative series of boats that will perfectly match its DNA.”

virtual rendering of different boat interior options
With triple Mercury or Yamaha engines, providing up to 1,050 horsepower, the Wellcraft 355 reaches top speeds more than 50 knots (60mph). 

“The Wellcraft 355’s rugged and functional design is built to withstand any weather. To go anywhere. To do anything,” explains Martin Meyer, product manager. “With a strong luxurious design the Wellcraft 355 allows boaters to combine the thrill of piloting at high speed and the ability to discover unexplored places with a lifestyle of relaxation and luxury.”

The Details
The spacious wheelhouse with fully-equipped galley provides comfort for five while cruising along. A sliding side door at the helm grants convenient access to the side passage and front cockpit. Three large sunbathers, with a spacious bench in the bow, create a luxurious place for relaxing. On either side of the aft cockpit, two large side gates enable easy boarding access. 

One of the most extraordinary features of the Wellcraft 355 is the connection between the wheelhouse and the aft cockpit: simply open the top-hinged window and entrance door and feel the outside getting inside. Find the real luxury feeling of the Wellcraft 355 stepping down in the spacious front cabin with a full-size bed and ensuite bathroom with separate shower. Overall, you may sleep up to four people onboard! 

Wellcraft continues to be a leader and pushes limits in American boat construction and the 355 will fit in perfectly. Originally from Florida and made famous by the TV series Miami Vice, Wellcraft offers legendary, hand-crafted boats from 20 to 36 feet and is based in Cadillac, Mich. Wellcraft joined Beneteau Group in 2014, launching into the international market space.

What’s Next
“We’re creating a new generation of game-changers in the world of adventure performance yachts built for our ultra-passionate clients,” concludes Harvey. “Boaters who take their boating that extra bit further, and change the rules of the game. This new range of adventure boating is made for a new breed of boaters, those looking to gain more excitement away from the typical boating lifestyle. Boaters who want to see the world from a different perspective.”

If you’re able to attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show be sure to put the new 355 from Wellcraft on your must-see list. This new model was born for our region.

For More Information
Wellcraft
Select Wellcraft Dealers On The Great Lakes
ANCHOR MARINA
1501 Ferry Rd.
Grand Island, NY 14072
(716) 773-7063
www.anchormarina.com
FAY’S MARINA
909 Pine Lake Ave. 
La Porte, IN 46350
(866) 456-4948
www.boatshop.com
HALL’S SPORT CENTER
4 Harbor Island Drive
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 847-1455
www.hallssportcenter.com
ONEKAMA MARINE INC.
4378 Crescent Beach Rd.
Onekama, MI 49675
(231) 889-5000
www.onekamamarine.com
OWASCO MARINE
7017 Owasco Rd.
Auburn, NY 13021
www.owascomarine.com
SCHNEIDERS MOTORSPORTS AND MARINE
8779 Dixie Hwy.
Fair Haven, MI 48023
(586) 273-7411
www.schneidersmotorsports.com
THAYER MARINE
5350 So. US 127
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-3000
www.thayermarine.com