We felt real secure in the cockpit of the Wellcraft 252 Coastal but not on the foredeck, which is accessed by narrow sidedecks and rimmed by a low bowrail.

With its high sides, large cabin for its length overall, and raised deck, the Wellcraft 252 Coastal presents the profile of a small express cruiser, also called a pocket cruiser. And yet, judging by the absence of any carpeting and the array of rod holders, fishboxes and a we-know-what-we’re-doing livewell, the boat could never pass for an express cruiser.

Wellcraft could call the 252 a walkaround, but its sidedecks are narrow and not recessed like so many others, so it doesn’t quite fit into that category, either. …