Wellcraft's new identity continues to take shape.
The Cadillac, MI brand was a major player in the 80's under longtime owners Bob Long and Irwin Jacobs. A big piece of their popularity came courtesy of actor Don Johnson, who played the ultra-cool Sonny Crocket on TV's Miami Vice while driving a Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV into the mainstream.
Since then, Wellcraft has been a stable, albeit quiet, boatbuilder. The first signs of a rebirth came in 2022 with the launch of the all-new Wellcraft 355. The radical design shift marked a noticeable departure from the company's standard offering of offshore centre consoles and fishing boats. The new approach was likely courtesy of Groupe Beneteau, who purchased the brand in 2014.
With a new vision and new style, the iconic brand continues to push boundaries with the launch of their new flagship Wellcraft 435.
In a company press release, Nick Harvey, Wellcraft Brand Director, said: "We’re thrilled to unveil the Wellcraft 435, a new game-changer for adventure Performance Cruisers. Our ultra-passionate clients demand the very best in performance and style and the Wellcraft 435 delivers on both fronts. This new boat is a true testament to our commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible in the boating world.”
Designed by the the Garroni Studio in Italy and well-known American naval architect Michael Peters, the new flagship 435 will carry an LOA of 42'8" (13.4 m) with a 9'10" beam (3.82 m) and a 2'8" (0.82 m) draught.
Power will come courtesy of triple outboards totaling over 1,000 hp. The new model will also feature a full beam pilot station, highly responsive controls, and exceptional navigation systems,
The company has given the performance cruiser the mantra 'to go anywhere, to do anything."
Other features include two large social areas in the bow with a triple sun lounger and seating for entertaining. The aft offers two lateral folding side terraces for a spacious open-air gathering area. The protected wheelhouse features pilot and copilot benches for three passengers, as well as a full galley at the deck level that connects to the aft cockpit living space.
Below deck are two cabins with private bathrooms, each having separate showers providing accommodations for up to five guests.
“We’re creating a new generation of game-changers in the world of adventure performance cruisers built for our ultra-passionate clients" said Harvey. "Boats that take their boating that extra bit further, and change the rules of the game.”
The new 435 will make its in-person debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival in September in France, followed by the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October in the U.S.
You can get the first look at the 435 in the video below:
