Wellcraft 28: Choose Your Own Adventure

Offshore-ready 28-footer can be configured for all-weather exploring, hardcore fishing, or carving waves and soaking up sunshine.

Wellcraft 28 Explorer and Wellcraft 28 T-Top boats running offshore side by side, showcasing their twin-stepped hull design, high-performance handling, and open-water capability.

The Wellcraft 28 Explorer (top) and T-Top are built to head offshore.

Wellcraft has taken the same twin-stepped hull and produced three different models with its 28 Speedster, 28 T-Top, and 28 Explorer. Whether open-air models or with a protected cabin, the new fleet is built for exceptional seakeeping, efficiency, and performance. Built with proprietary W.I.S.E. technology (Wellcraft Infujection Structure Engineering), the 28’s hull and stringers are molded as one structure, optimizing power-to-weight ratio and reducing onboard noise. Safety-conscious boaters will like the high freeboards, closed transom, oversized handrails, and one-level walkaround deck. Each boat comes in a choice of three setups: Lounge (social, up to 13 seats), Barracuda (fishing-ready), or Relax (full sunbed).

STANDOUT FEATURES

  • Deep-V twin-stepped hull with 9 foot, 6-inch beam
  • Choice and versatility both in style and layout
  • Standard dive/board door
The Lounge layout comes standard and accommodates the most people – up to 13, including 9 forward-facing seats. For the fishing-oriented Barracuda layout, a fold-up seating bench makes way for added livewell, fishbox, bait drawers, and various rod-holding solutions that turn the aft deck into a true family fishing platform.

The Lounge layout comes standard and accommodates the most people – up to 13, including 9 forward-facing seats. For the fishing-oriented Barracuda layout, a fold-up seating bench makes way for added livewell, fishbox, bait drawers, and various rod-holding solutions that turn the aft deck into a true family fishing platform.

Enclosed helm station aboard the Wellcraft 28 Explorer featuring dual captain's chairs, twin multifunction displays, wraparound windows, and all-weather offshore boating protection.

The fully enclosed wheelhouse on the 28 Explorer offers protection from the elements while maintaining excellent visibility through wraparound glass. This is the model for boaters who like to ride out the rain or extend the season.

Wraparound bow seating on a Wellcraft 28 boat featuring cushioned U-shaped benches, under-seat storage, and an open social layout for cruising and entertaining.

Wraparound U-shaped seating accommodates 6 to 8 people with ergonomic padded backrests. There’s plenty of under-seat storage with magnetic catches, plus a centrally located space to fit a cooler. A bow fill-in cushion that turns the area into a sunpad is among optional add-ons.

Compact galley station aboard the Wellcraft 28 featuring a sink, storage cabinets, countertop workspace, and easy access from the cockpit for entertaining and meal preparation.

The Wellcraft 28 series features a compact galley, wet bar, or summer kitchen station (depending on the model) located directly behind the helm seats. The T-Top features an optional gas barbecue grill as part of its setup.

Main Specs

Length28’
Beam9’6”
Draft2’1”
Engine1 x 250-, 300-, 350-hp, 2 x 200-hp
Fuel Capacity140 gallons
PriceStarts at $157,700

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Published: September 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.