Wellcraft Coastal 232 Review and Specs [Video]

Wellcraft manufactured the popular Coastal 232 walkaround sportfisher from 2005 through 2017. She had a 20-degree fiberglass hull, a large fishing cockpit, and could be fitted with a single outboard power option up to 300hp. This model was also offered with a center console layout under the name of 232 Fisherman.

But in this post, we’ll review the cabin version of this trailerable fishing boat and her factory specifications.

Wellcraft Coastal 232 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Marketed from the mid-2000s through the late 2010s, the Coastal 232 was manufactured by Wellcraft, a subsidiary of Genmar.

Often described as a trailerable cuddy cabin sportfisher, this 22-foot walkaround fishing boat built her reputation on a solid platform, practical features, and high-quality finishes.

Unlike many other competitors, the 232 was built on a full hand-laid fiberglass hull without any  structural elements made of wood.

This meant that the bearers, bilge stringers, and the entire transom were made of composite materials.

The design of the hull had a reverse chine and a variable deadrise architecture with a 20-degree transom.

In terms of dimensions, the overall length of the boat was 22 feet 4 inches with a beam of 8 feet 8 inches.

Her advertised dry weight was 3,600 pounds without the engine.

Figuring in the weight of an outboard motor (550-650 lbs.), a full tank of gas (690 lbs.), batteries, options, and some gear (300-600 lbs.), this increased to a curb weight of 5,100-5,500 pounds.

Loaded on a matching tandem-axle trailer, you could expect the estimated trailer weight of the Coastal 232 to be in the ballpark of 6,500-7,000 pounds.

Let’s face it, she wasn’t the lightest walkaround sportfisher in her size range!

Sure, a sturdy platform and high-quality features and materials increase weight significantly.

Stylish and practical, the top deck was optimized for fishing but she also had many accessories and features that made her a great family boat.

Even though its design improved a lot over the years, the seating layout and the architecture of the deck remained almost unchanged throughout the model’s entire life cycle.

At the helm and the port console, you had two cushioned adjustable, swiveling bucket seats.

Depending on the model year, they came standard with armrests and flip-up bolsters.

The bases of these seats protruded towards the aft, forming two aft-facing pad seats.

Covered by sealed lids, these fiberglass compartments housed drained and insulated lockers. They could be used as either dry storage compartments, ice boxes, fish boxes, or live bait tanks.

For more seating, the spacious fishing cockpit could be opted with a fold-down aft bench seat.

Made of tempered glass, the wrap-around windshield had a stylish curved design and provided great protection.

The walk-thru transom door ensured easy access to the stern area, which was fitted with an integrated swim platform, a transom shower, a reboarding ladder, grab handles, and trim tabs.

Fishing accessories like a drained bait station, livewell, cooler, and a moulded sink with freshwater shower all came standard, as did the lighted baitwell with overboard drains.

The deck was equipped with numerous rocket launcher fishing rod holders and gunwale rod storage units.

At the minimalist helm, you had basic instrumentation, a compass, a 3-spoke stainless steel steering wheel, and a pocket net.

Keeping sun protection in mind, the deck was designed with a solid moulded fiberglass Bimini top supported by heavy-duty tubular aluminum construction.

Fiberglass cockpit liner with a self-draining system, padded gunwales, a high-capacity bile pump, an anchor rope locker, recessed grab rails, mooring cleats, eyelets, cockpit lighting, and side panel storage lockers all came standard.

As far as capacities go, the Coastal 232 was rated for 8 persons and could carry 115 gallons of fuel and 8 gallons of fresh water.

Cabin

Through the lockable bi-folding door, you entered the tiny but practical forward cabin.

Despite its small dimensions, the interior housed a port-side galley with storage lockers, a sink, and a faucet connected to a pressurized freshwater system.

The V-berth was completed with a removable dinette table and a filler cushion.

On the starboard side, you had a porta-potty hidden under a hinged, cushioned lid.

This interior was illuminated by an openable deck hatch and 12V lamps.

Engines and Performance

Over the years, Wellcraft offered the Coastal 232 with a wide variety of single outboard engine options from 150 to 300hp.

Engines were produced by various manufacturers including Johnson, Evinrude, Yamaha, and Mercury,

In the first year of production, the boat was available with 150 and 175hp engine packages. But let’s face it, she was fairly underpowered with those.

This is why the 200-300hp packages became more prevalent in the late 2000s.

According to an original factory performance sheet, the Coastal 232 with a Yamaha F200 XA engine topped out at 40 mph at 6100 RPM and cruised at 28.5 mph at 4500 RPM.

At this economical speed, the 115-gallon fuel tank offered a remarkable cruising range of 350 miles, which translated to 3 mpg.

For those who were looking for more torque and power, the larger engine options offered a top speed in the mid-to-high 40s.

For example, with a light load, a Yamaha F225 cruised her around 30 mph and provided a top speed of 44-45 mph.

The fairly deep, 20-degree deadrise offered smooth and superior rides even on the chop.

Combined with her high freeboard and closed bow design, the 232 gave a very smooth and dry boating experience.

Hence, she could even be used on the ocean, but only under the right conditions, of course.

The standard trim tabs not only contributed to quicker and easier starts but also helped to reduce porpoising.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Wellcraft Coastal 232 were as follows (2017 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities (2017)

Length Max	22’ 4”
Bridge Clearance	6’ 0”
Bridge Clearance w/Bimini	8’ 0”
Bridge Clearance w/Hardtop	8’ 1”
Beam	8’ 8”
Deadrise	20°
Draft Down	32”
Draft Up	15”
Dry Weight	3,600 lbs.
Max HP	300hp
Fuel Capacity	116 gal.
Water Capacity	8 gal.
Max persons	8

Power Options (2017)

Manufacturer	Type
Evinrude	E200DPX
Evinrude	E250DPX
Evinrude	E250X G2
Mercury	200XL Verado
Mercury	250XL Verado
Mercury	300XL Verado
Mercury	300XL Verado Warm White
Yamaha	F200XA
Yamaha	VF250XA SHO
Yamaha	F250XCA
Yamaha	F300XCA

Disclaimer: Specifications are provided for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Manufactured for more than a decade, the Wellcraft Coastal 232 was a decent fishing/family motorboat with a little cabin and spacious cockpit.

Her interior and features were designed with both fishermen and families in mind.

Besides fishing, the 232 could be used for various activities like cruising, tow sports, or even weekend trips with certain compromises.

Just like many other Wellcraft motorboats from this era, she also benefited from high-quality features and wood-free, full-fiberglass structural elements.

The platform was engineered with a high freeboard and a full-height transom with a walk-thru door.

The purpose-built fishing cockpit also had an abundance of free space and many fishing accessories.

On the other hand, the interior wasn’t overcomplicated with any unnecessary bells and whistles.

Drawbacks?

Besides her fairly heavy weight, another drawback of the Coastal 232 was her small cabin, which was quite crowded even for two adults.

Despite these downsides, these proven walkarounds are still in demand on the used market.

Depending on the year, engine, and condition, their asking prices range from $25,000 to $70,000.

If you are considering buying one, it is worth choosing one with an engine of at least 225hp.

Besides the 232, you may want to check her closest relatives, the tiny Coastal 210 and the more spacious Coastal 252.