Wellcraft 252 2004 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Wellcraft 252 2004 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 2004 has the edge at 437 lbs dry weight versus 468 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012. 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 2012 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Wellcraft 252 2004 tops out at 300 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 people can each boat hold?

The Wellcraft 252 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 share an 8 ft. 9 in 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 18 gallons and 18 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Wellcraft 252 2004 and the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 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 2004 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012

Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 2004

2004

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Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Wellcraft 252 2004 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Wellcraft 252 2004 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 has a 150-hp advantage over the Wellcraft 252 2004's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 18 gal and 18 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 and its 450-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Wellcraft 252 2004 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWellcraft

Model252

Model252 Fisherman

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 9 in

Beam8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m)

Beam - Meters2.67

Beam - Inches105

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. apx

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (40 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [max] - Detail29? in. apx

Draft [max] - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.96 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.74

Draft [max] - Meters8.97

Draft [max] - Inches29

Draft [max] - Inches353

Weight - Detail4,370 lbs. apx

Weight - Detail4,680 lbs. (2,122 kg)

Weight - kg1982.2

Weight - kg2122.81

Weight - lbs.437

Weight - lbs.468

Height - DetailBridge clearance without top 6 ft. 0 in. apx. Bridge clearance with bimini top 8 ft. 0 in. apx

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters2.44

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches96

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 4 in. (7.41 m)

Length overall - Meters7.42

Length overall - Inches292

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith T-top: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.48 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24.33

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Engine max300 HP at prop

Engine max450 hp (335.5 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Water capacity8 gal

Water capacity8 gal. (30 l)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Wellcraft 252 2004 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Wellcraft 252 2004 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 2004 has the edge at 437 lbs dry weight versus 468 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012. 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 2012 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Wellcraft 252 2004 tops out at 300 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 people can each boat hold?

The Wellcraft 252 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 share an 8 ft. 9 in 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 18 gallons and 18 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Wellcraft 252 2004 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Wellcraft 252 2004 and the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 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 2004 full specs ← Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2012 full specs