Wellcraft 252 2005 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Wellcraft 252 2005 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 437 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 2005. 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 2005 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 passengers can the Wellcraft 252 2005 carry?

The Wellcraft 252 2005 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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Wellcraft 252 2005 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 2005 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008

Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 2005

2005

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Wellcraft

Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Wellcraft 252 2005 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Wellcraft 252 2005 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has a 150-hp advantage over the Wellcraft 252 2005'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.

The Wellcraft 252 2005 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 2005 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeWellcraft

Model252

Model252 Fisherman

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 9 in

Beam8 ft. 9 in. (2.66 m)

Beam - Meters2.67

Beam - Inches105

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. apx

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [max] - Detail29? in. apx

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.74

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Inches29

Draft [max] - Inches29.5

Weight - Detail4,370 lbs. apx

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

Weight - kg1982.2

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - lbs.437

Weight - lbs.43

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 - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.42

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches292

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

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

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters7.42

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24

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)

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury 225 XXL EFI

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (682 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Engine max300 HP at prop

Engine max450 hp (336 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard - Twin

Operational Info

Water capacity8 gal

Water capacity8 gal. (30 l)(option)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Wellcraft 252 2005 vs Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Wellcraft 252 2005 or the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

For trailering, the Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 437 lbs for the Wellcraft 252 2005. 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 2005 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 passengers can the Wellcraft 252 2005 carry?

The Wellcraft 252 2005 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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008?

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 2005 and Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Wellcraft 252 2005 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 2005 full specs ← Wellcraft 252 Fisherman 2008 full specs