If you're a baby boomer, you grew up in an era of hotrod Chevys, 'Vettes, and other go-fast
cars. You may never have actually owned one, but that doesn't mean you didn't lust after owning
one. So now you're a little older, you're driving a station wagon or an SUV and you've mellowed a
bit, but that speed gene is still floating around in your bloodstream. In many ways, you're exactly
like Wellcraft's new-for-2001 2800 Martinique.
Wellcraft built its reputation in offshore racing with its Scarabs, which have an enviable
winning streak in that demanding sport. And high-performance Scarabs remain a major part of the
Wellcraft product mix although the company, like the baby boomers, has mellowed a bit and expanded
into family cruisers and fishing boats. But, again like the boomers, there's still that speed urge
that just won't go away. And while the 2800 Martinique may look like a mild-mannered express
cruiser, it actually has a heart of pure Scarab.
If you go for the 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO Bravo III, you can push the throttles to the
firewall and just hang on. It sort of makes up for not having a '57 Chevy.
The Martiniques are Wellcraft's sporty cruisers, ranging from a 24-footer up to the 3700.
With a base suggested retail price of less than $86,000 with a 315-hp Volvo, the 2800 is remarkably
affordable for a boat that sleeps six and has headroom of 6 feet 2 inches.
If it isn't sure whether to be sporty or sedate, the 2800 Martinique is equally unsure
whether it's a runabout or a cruiser. The cockpit is comfortably spacious with wraparound aft
lounge seating to starboard that converts to a full settee when the optional cockpit table is
installed. To port is a bench seat for a companion, and the doublewide helm seat flips up to reveal
storage underneath. The skipper faces a wood-grain dash with gold bezels, a backlit switch panel
and a clear plastic cover to keep your charts protected but visible. Hydraulic power steering with
a tilt wheel is standard, as are hydraulic trim tabs. The dash also has a remote control for the
radio/CD player.
Aft, there's a walk-through transom door to the swim platform with folding ladder and even a
standard hot and cold shower for rinsing off after a swim. A nice touch is the entry light switch
at the stern so, when boarding the Martinique at night, you can switch on the courtesy and overhead
lights. The sweptback radar arch adds to the rakish look of the 2800, and a Sunbrella Bimini top is
standard with a connector to the windshield for full sun and spray protection. Speaking of the
wraparound windshield, there's a walk-through panel for easy and secure access to the foredeck.
The large cabin door features a screen to keep out the no-see-'ums on warm nights when you
need the breeze, although you can add the optional air conditioner combined with heater for
all-season overnighting.
Once inside, the layout is simple and spacious, with a doublewide forward berth tucked in the
bow. There's also a compact dinette to port that's comfortable for two, which is why the forward
berth has a removable filler piece that can be replaced with a high-low table for dining or
entertaining friends. It's an unusual arrangement that allows a permanent area for quick meals, or
a larger seating area for a crowd. The dinette, of course, can be converted to a single berth.
Aft and tucked under the bridgedeck is a surprisingly roomy mid-cabin with a large double
bed, screened window opening into the cockpit and privacy curtain.
The galley is compact but complete. The countertop has a molded-in sink and cutting board,
and the appliances include a single alcohol/electric stove, microwave and refrigerator. With
storage cabinets below and above, there's ample space for weekending aboard. The head is equally
well-equipped for weekend adventures, featuring a vanity and shower with hand-held fixture.
The test boat is powered by a pair of 210-hp, 4.3L MerCruiser EFI sterndrives, which are
close to the maximum horsepower available. But the test boat is carrying twice as much iron, so it
reaches a top speed of about 48 mph and can cruise all day at 36 mph. That's still more than ample
for most conditions, and the second engine gives you a sense of get-home security in case of
problems. The engine hatch has an electric/hydraulic ram controlled at the dashboard, and there's
enough room to work on the engines, although the twin installation is tight enough that it won't be
fun if the headers are hot.
Underway, the 2800 Martinique has clearly benefited from the Wellcraft Scarab performance
background, and the 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom is verging on deep-V shape for offshore
seaworthiness. The hard chines provide plenty of stability at low speeds or even at the dock when
boarding guests, and the 2800 has a solid feel you'd expect on a larger and heavier boat.
Once up on a plane (about five seconds with the twin engines), the 2800 runs flat and doesn't
seem to need the trim tabs for balance or planing. When cranked into a turn at cruising speed,
there is no evidence of cavitation. In spite of the speed of this cruiser, it's a boat that you can
let the kids drive ' with supervision but without qualms.
Wellcraft delivers a well-equipped boat at the base price, including items usually found on
the options list such as 30-amp shore power, stainless-steel props, dockside water hookup, compass,
trim tabs, systems monitor, VacuFlush head and inverter. The 2800 Martinique is a pleasant and
affordable blend of speed (you could waterski behind it) and comfort, with enough cockpit space for
day cruises and a cabin that would be comfortable for a family on long weekends. You may still pine
for that '57 Chevy, but the Martinique is going to make your family a lot happier.