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On Test. WELLCRAFT 38 T-TOP: impressive and adrenaline-pumping

Wellcraft 38 T-Top: center console, unmatched performance, driving pleasure. The new model is designed by offshore specialist, the American Michael Peters, while the interior design was entrusted to the Italian studio Camillo Garroni — a combination destined for success. The deep-V hulls of Wellcraft are legendary, ensuring stable navigation in all sea conditions.

The new Wellcraft 38 T-Top in detail

As soon as you look at this new Wellcraft 38 T-TOP model, you immediately feel the urge to let it run. Its clean, sleek lines and triple Mercury V10 350 hp engines allow it to reach speeds of over 50 knots. Born for sporty navigation, it has evolved into a true fast cruiser while remaining true to its heritage. At the stern, there is a large cockpit with comfortable side seats that conceal storage compartments. On the starboard side, lifting the seat reveals a practical sink, very functional for those fishing who need to clean their catch. Also on starboard, a fold-down terrace further extends the space. The T-TOP houses six rod holders, and at the center there is a ski tow eye for watersports. On the port side, there is a sink and refrigerator, while on the opposite side there is a cooking plate. Beneath the console seats, there is additional space for storing equipment. On both side decks, handrails make it easier to move forward to the bow, where there are also rod storage holders. The large T-TOP shelters the entire central console area, and the full windshield provides excellent protection while driving, thanks also to its special design — at the sides, it flares outward like a wing, helping deflect the wind.

The central console looks like stemming from a sports car: black edition steering wheel, stainless steel button panels with chrome accents, black surfaces, and two Garmin displays make this Wellcraft 38 T-TOP even more aggressive. Additionally, the console features a panel in front of the helm that can be raised when needed to let in fresh air on particularly hot days — a simple but very useful idea. The two passages leading to the bow are wide and comfortable. On the port side, just past the console, there is a scissor-style door that provides access to the cabin, which is equipped with a generously sized double bed and a bathroom with a small shower area.

At the bow, the layout of the two side chaise longues and two forward-facing central seats is particularly interesting. The central section of the deck can also be raised electrically to create a table at the bow, ideal for four people.

Wellcraft 38 T-TOP Sea Trial

We leave from the port of Cannes on a magnificent day, with sun and wind accompanying us out to open sea. Sitting at the helm of this Wellcraft 38 T-TOP is truly thrilling — you immediately connect with the sporty soul of this boat. I imagine waterskiing, fishing, and days out with family and friends. The three Mercury 350 V10 outboards make their presence known right away, even at low revs. There are four of us on board, with 70% fuel and 50% water.

Already at 2,500 rpm we’re on plane, cruising at around 13 knots, with fuel consumption of 62 l/h. I push the throttle up to 3,500 rpm and the Wellcraft 38 T-TOP starts to flex its muscles — the hull’s passage through the water is fantastic, impact on the waves is neutral, and the steering responds precisely. But to really savor the adrenaline, I push the throttles all the way down to unleash the full power of this Wellcraft-Mercury combination, and at 6,500 rpm we hit 52 knots, with fuel consumption of 348 l/h. The boat remains stable, and I reluctantly ease off to 4,000 rpm. At 32 knots I begin crossing the wakes of other boats, yet I don’t need to correct anything — the boat stays on course, and the bow remains perfectly dry. The full windshield offers exceptional protection from wind and cold, thanks to the two side wings that act as deflectors.