A complete cockpit
Our test model was equipped with 3 Yamaha blocks developing each 300 horsepower, its maximum power being 3 x 350 horsepower. The conditions we encountered in the bay of Cannes were summery with a short 80 centimeter chop. Our crew is composed of three adults and we leave with a full tank, that is to say 1,000 liters of fuel.
Access to the cockpit is either through the sliding side door or through the rear door.
The cockpit is equipped with three seats, two located on the starboard side and a third separated by the gangway on the port side. The driving position is excellent, and the pilot and passengers will be able to comfortably enjoy the view thanks to a solid footrest, a flip-up seat and removable armrests.
Nervous but impeccable behavior
With 900 horsepower on the transom, the Wellcraft 355 is very fast and gets out of the way in less than 7 seconds.
Its narrow hull and marked indentations provide excellent passage through the sea. Passengers and pilot benefit from great comfort, even at high speeds. At 5,800 rpm, its maximum speed, the Wellcraft 355 reaches a peak of 44 knots.
The hull, designed by Michael Peters, shows all its qualities in the curves, but has an accentuated heel. Three leather-wrapped handrails allow passengers to hold on to the cockpit.
Even in very tight turns, the hull remains very agile and never stalls. The center of gravity has been specially designed to be as low as possible, giving the Wellcraft 355 a very short turning radius.
A version with the maximum power of 1050 horsepower was not of undeniable interest in view of the eclectic program of the boat.
As the triple engine is quite noisy, it is preferable for the crew to sit in the wheelhouse or on the foredeck rather than on the aft cockpit bench, which is not equipped with armrests.
A nice autonomy
Our cruising speed is stabilized at 26 knots, with an engine speed of 4,000 rpm and an hourly consumption of 108 liters. The Wellcraft 355's large tank gives it a range of over 200 miles, allowing for a diverse coastal cruising program.
