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Immediate action
As soon as we left Cannes harbor, the sensations were palpable. The three Mercury V10s respond with vigor, and the boat lifts off in just a few seconds. At 2,500 rpm, the 38 T-Top already reaches 13 knots, with fuel consumption of around 63 liters/hour. Thrust is smooth and even, reflecting the excellent synchronization of the three outboard blocks.
Clean, controlled acceleration
Push the levers and the boat reveals its temperament. At 3,500 rpm, speed climbs to nearly 27 knots. At 4,000 rpm, the 32-knot mark is passed, an ideal cruising speed that combines comfort and efficiency. When the engines reach 6,500 rpm, the Wellcraft 38 T-Top peaks at 52 knots, with fuel consumption of 348 liters/hour. Even at this impressive speed, the boat maintains a stable, reassuring trajectory, proof of the quality of the hull designed by Michael Peters.
A hull designed for high speeds
The deep V of the hull plays a decisive role here. In the Mediterranean chop, the 38 T-Top absorbs impacts without bouncing, and maintains an even trim. Passage through waves is smooth, without excessive spray. Even when the boat crosses the wake of other boats at high speed, it remains perfectly on course and comfortable. This mastery testifies to Wellcraft's expertise in the design of fast, seaworthy hulls.
A protective, ergonomic helm station
Sitting behind the integral windshield, the pilot enjoys excellent protection against wind and spray. The side wings, designed as deflectors, play their part to the full, maintaining a dry atmosphere even at over 40 knots. Precise controls fall naturally to hand, making high-speed driving a breeze. Mercury's power steering enhances the feeling of control, even in hard cornering.
Playful yet reassuring behaviour
When cornering, the Wellcraft 38 T-Top heels smoothly and gently. Side floats and a wide hull provide solid support, enabling precise curves without loss of grip. Passengers remain comfortably seated thanks to the cockpit's depth and well-balanced seats. This combination of sportiness and safety illustrates the boat's philosophy: to deliver adrenalin while retaining a sense of total control.
A power reserve for all uses
Beyond its raw performance, the Wellcraft 38 T-Top impresses with its ability to adapt to different programs. At 30 knots, it offers fast, comfortable sailing for coastal cruising. At slower speeds, it transforms into a user-friendly platform for nautical activities or fishing. The triple-engine design maintains power reserves even under full load, guaranteeing consistent performance with a large crew.
Fuel consumption and range
With a 1,000-liter fuel tank, range is highly dependent on engine speed. At economical speeds (around 27 knots for 112 liters/hour), the boat offers a comfortable range for non-stop connections to the main destinations on the Côte d'Azur. At full speed, fuel consumption climbs, but this configuration is intended for short, sporty sequences. The ideal compromise lies around 3,500 to 4,000 rpm, where speed, comfort and range are in balance.
The sea trial off Cannes confirms the sporty DNA of the Wellcraft 38 T-Top. Capable of exceeding 50 knots while remaining stable and reassuring, this center-console embodies the alliance between performance and comfort. Its deep-V hull, triple motorization and ergonomic steering make it an exceptional boat in its class. In the next section, we'll take a look at its pricing and positioning in relation to four direct competitors in the large, top-of-the-range open yacht segment.
