Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 boat specs
Wellcraft
Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007
2007
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VS
Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 boat specs
Wellcraft
Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008
2008
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Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 tips the scales at 1 927 lbs — 1 884 lbs more than the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 at 43 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has a 300-hp advantage over the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 carries 49 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 is rated for up to 5 people. Passenger data for the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 at 24,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 at 18,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeWellcraft
MakeWellcraft
Model180 Fisherman
Model252 Fisherman
Model Year2007
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.67
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches105
Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Top: 4 ft. 5 in. With Bimini Top: 6 ft. 7 in
Bridge clearance - DetailWithout top: 6 ft. 8 in. (2.03 m) With hardtop: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.01
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches79
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [max] - Detail15 in
Draft [max] - Detail29.5 in. (0.75 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.38
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Inches15
Draft [max] - Inches29.5
Weight - Detail1,927 lbs
Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)
Weight - kg874.07
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - lbs.1927
Weight - lbs.43
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet24
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (.41 m)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches16
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.42
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]With pulpit: 24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardBombardier E-Tec 9
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail49 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (682 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters185.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Engine max150 hp
Engine max450 hp (336 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity8 gal. (30 l)(option)

Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?
The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 6,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?
For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 1 927 lbs for the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 carry?
The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 measures 105" wide, compared to 96" for the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?
The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 has the bigger tank at 49 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman 2007 and the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 are built by Wellcraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.