Wellcraft is a historic American boatbuilder, known for its sport boats and high-performance vessels; it is currently part of Groupe Beneteau. The Explorer 28 was unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 and includes three models based on the same hull: Speedster, T-Top, and Explorer. Its main dimensions are as follows: 8.51 m in overall length, 7.96 m in hull length, and 2.90 m in beam. The draft with the engines raised is 0.63 m, and the displacement is 2,857 kg.
What sets it apart visually are the high freeboard and the cabin that shelters the helm station and passenger seats. The “Z”-shaped line along the side—already a hallmark of Wellcraft—adds dynamism to a silhouette that would otherwise appear bulky. The shipyard describes it as a balance between American ruggedness and European elegance.
The cabin is intentionally relatively narrow to preserve unobstructed movement along the perimeter through the side corridors, which are all on a single level, without steps that could be uncomfortable when the boat is in motion. The freeboard is high, and the generous handrails—along with the enclosed transom—convey a sense of safety. This is an important feature on a boat designed for high-speed cruising or sport fishing.
For access to the water, the boat has a side door and steps built into the inside of the freeboard, allowing you to board from a high dock or bring a large item on board. It also comes standard with a telescoping swim ladder.
The bow is one of the surprises. Its generous beam allows several people to sit around a table, well sheltered. This bow cockpit functions almost like a second outdoor lounge. Options include a table with a padded cushion, a bow awning with four carbon masts, and retractable lights.
Aft, the cockpit is the heart of the boat and offers four configurations: Lounge (standard): designed for socializing, with seating for up to 13 people. Barracuda: geared toward fishing, with a folding bench, livewell, bait drawers, and rod holders. Relax: sun deck and additional seating, available only on the Speedster and T-Top models. And finally, Sleeper: exclusive to the Explorer, featuring two berths and outdoor seating areas.
The Explorer lives up to its name with a fully enclosed wheelhouse. Two large sliding side doors connect the wheelhouse to the side corridors. With a small crew, it takes just a few seconds to leave the helm and grab a line to moor the boat.
Exterior options include a sliding sunroof, roof rails, exterior curtains for the helm, and a stern awning with carbon fiber poles. A removable anchor point for the water ski tow rope, RGB underwater lights, and light bars can also be installed.
The unit we had the opportunity to test in Cannes was equipped with the Barracuda package, which includes several features for boat fishing, such as rod holders and live bait tanks.
The hull was designed by the Finnish firm Navia, which specializes in stepped hulls. Its double step allows air to flow under the bottom, reducing the wetted surface area as speed increases. The result is faster planing, easier acceleration, and a drier boat; it also produces a smoother ride, as if the bubbles themselves were cushioning the bottom of the boat.
The construction uses W.I.S.E. (Wellcraft Infujection Structure Engineering) technology. It combines infusion and injection molding to bond the hull and its internal structure into a single, lighter, and stiffer unit.
During the sea trial, Cannes Bay offered us two clearly distinct areas: one open to the sea, where we encountered conditions with short, choppy waves, and an area with calmer waters thanks to the protection of the Lérins Islands. The V-shaped hull handled the waves well, and in calmer waters, we noticed that the acceleration to planing was quick and smooth thanks to the steps.
The unit we tested was equipped with two Mercury V6 engines, each rated at 200 hp—the maximum engine configuration this boat can accommodate; however, Wellcraft also offers single-engine Mercury outboard options, including the 250 V8, 300 V8, and 350 V10. The boat also came equipped with Lenco electric trim tabs and a bow thruster, and it can be fitted with the Seakeeper Ride system.
Once underway and up on plane, the boat significantly increases its speed between 3,000 and 3,500 rpm, going from 15 to over 25 knots on calm water, whereas with a slight swell, the increase in speed is approximately 6 knots for every 500 rpm. Under these conditions, a cruising speed of around 22 knots can be maintained with an average fuel consumption of 2.33 liters per mile. As for top speed in light swells, we achieved just over 43 knots, which isn’t bad at all, but according to the shipyard and other magazines we consulted, they reached 50 knots in calm seas. These speeds aren’t actually necessary, and it’s possible that someone who buys this or any other boat won’t be able to reach them, since during sea trials with a journalist, the boat is usually empty—and in our case, there were only two of us on board.
The truth is that the Wellcraft 28 Explorer, in any of its versions, is an agile family boat, and having an enclosed cabin allows you to extend the boating season or even sail in the winter. Without a doubt, anyone who enjoys fishing will find plenty of reasons to feel at home on this boat and get plenty of use out of it.
Technical Specifications
Shipyard: Wellcraft (Groupe Beneteau)
Hull design: Navia Design
Overall length: 8.51 m
Hull length: 7.96 m
Maximum beam: 2.90 m
Draft (engines raised): 0.63 m
Displacement: 2,857 kg
Fuel tank: 340 L standard; 530 L optional
Water tank: 50 L
Engine: 2 x 200 hp
Mercury V6 Cabin: 2 berths in the Sleeper
version Base price: €113,600 excluding VAT
