The Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013 is a deep-V design and the Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 is a modified-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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 measures 36,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 11,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013 at 24,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 tips the scales at 20 000 lbs - 15 320 lbs less than the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013 at 4 680 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 1 080 hp, the Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 has a 630-hp advantage over the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013's 450-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 360 Coastal 2008 carries 400 gallons versus 180 gallons in the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Wellcraft 360 Coastal 2008 could be the deciding factor.