Wellcraft Fisherman 243: An Angler’s Center-Console

This fully redesigned fishboat offers more deck space and range for offshore outings.

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman center-console boat underway on open water, powered by twin outboard engines with spray trailing behind and passengers seated under a T-top.

Wellcraft is overhauling its offshore series of center consoles, beginning with the 24-foot 243 Fisherman.

There are six models in Wellcraft’s Fisherman series of offshore center consoles, ranging from 20 to 35 feet. The venerable boatbuilder is redesigning the line beginning in the middle with the 243 Fisherman, which shares the same deep-V hull as its predecessor (the 242), but significant changes above the waterline enhance its functionality and versatility. The 24-foot, 1-inch hull retains an 8-foot, 6-inch beam with 20 degrees of deadrise, yet cockpit space is greatly expanded with a redesigned transom well that pushes the inside of the transom aft, which gains about a foot of additional deck space. A larger 188-gallon fuel tank increases range.

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STANDOUT FEATURES

  • Larger cockpit with dual livewells
  • Redesigned, family-friendly bow space
  • 188-gallon fuel tank delivers 350+ miles of range
Close-up of the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman center-console cutting through choppy water, with spray along the hull and T-top covering the helm.

The 243 Fisherman’s console now integrates the T-top support piping, which clears deck space. A three-sided, fully bonded glass windshield with a power-operated vent for weather protection offers more protection from the elements and features a windshield wiper.

Wellcraft 243 Fisherman center-console cockpit at dock, showing helm seating, rod holders, T-top, and open deck space overlooking a marina.

Remaining true to its fishing name, five rocket launchers, four flush-mounted rod holders in the transom, gunwale-mounted rod holders, a 23-gallon livewell, and insulated in-deck fishboxes make it capable of serious offshore angling.

Close-up of bow-mounted trolling motor on the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman, positioned above the deck with water in the background.

A redesigned bow offers better ergonomics and makes room for easy installation of a trolling motor. Once the rods are stowed, a foldable transom bench provides aft seating, and the bow area can be set up with a table, or as an open sun pad with forward-facing backrests.

Twin Mercury outboard engines mounted on the stern of the Wellcraft 243 Fisherman, with fishing rods secured in rod holders and water wake visible behind.

Multiple power options from Mercury are available, including twin 150s, 200s, or a single engine from 250- to 350-hp.

Starting price: $143,615.

Main Specs

Length24’4”
Beam8’6”
Draft16”
Engine1 x 250-hp (400-hp max)
Fuel Capacity188 gallons
PriceStarts at $143,615
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Published: June 2026

Author

Rich Armstrong

Senior Editor, BoatUS Magazine

The Jersey shore and New York lakes defined Rich’s youth, followed by deckboat days on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound while raising a family in Connecticut. He now calls coastal Delaware home. From TV news broadcasting to daily newspapers to marine journalism, Rich has crafted a career in storytelling and built a reputation for thorough, informative reporting. He leverages his wide-ranging experience to write about technology, trends, boats, gear, governmental issues, personality profiles, and travel tales.