Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 is the longer of the two at 24,3 feet overall. The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the edge at 4 300 lbs dry weight versus 4 360 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009. 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.

Q: 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 252 Coastal 2009 tops out at 400 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.

Q: How many passengers can the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 carry?

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 has an official capacity rating of 7 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 share an 8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the bigger tank at 180 gallons, versus 140 gallons on the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 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.

Boat Comparison

Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008

Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009

2009

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Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 is a modified-V design and the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 at 24,3 ft versus Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 at 24,0 ft. At 4 360 lbs and 4 300 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009's 400-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 252 Fisherman 2008 carries 180 gallons versus 140 gallons in the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 and its 450-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 with its 400-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWellcraft

Model252 Coastal

Model252 Fisherman

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m)

Beam - Meters2.67

Beam - Inches105

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Top: 6 ft. (1.83 m) With Bimini Top: 8 ft. (2.43 m) With Hardtop: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout top: 6 ft. 8 in. (2.03 m) With hardtop: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (0.4 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (.41 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [max] - Detail29.5 in. (0.75 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Inches29.5

Weight - Detail4,360 lbs. (1,978 kg)

Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)

Weight - kg1977.66

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - lbs.4360

Weight - lbs.4300

Length - Feet24.33

Length - Feet24

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.42

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches292

Length overall - Inchesnot available

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 typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail140 gal. (530 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (682 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters529.96

Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37

Fuel tank capacity - Gal140

Fuel tank capacity - Gal180

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeOutboard - Twin

Engine max400 hp (298 kW)

Engine max450 hp (336 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity9 gal. (34 l)

Water capacity8 gal. (30 l)(option)

Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 is the longer of the two at 24,3 feet overall. The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the edge at 4 300 lbs dry weight versus 4 360 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009. 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 252 Coastal 2009 tops out at 400 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 252 Coastal 2009 carry?

The Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 has an official capacity rating of 7 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 share an 8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the bigger tank at 180 gallons, versus 140 gallons on the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 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.

← Wellcraft 252 Coastal 2009 full specs ← Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 full specs