1997 Wellcraft Eclipse

Slide into the captain’s chair on this Eclipse and you’ll notice how driver-focused the helm is for a ‘90s bowrider—clear sightlines, big analog gauges, and controls right where your hand falls. The open bow has secure backrests and deep freeboard, so crew can stretch out without feeling exposed when the chop picks up. Midship, the cockpit feels more like a social lounge than a bare-bones runabout, with seatbacks high enough for long, comfortable runs. Stainless grab rails and hardware have that solid, overbuilt feel Wellcraft was known for in this era. Add in the easy step-through to the swim platform and it’s a boat that transitions seamlessly from cruising to anchoring out and swimming all afternoon.

In this region’s mix of busy weekend boat traffic, afternoon chop, and tight marina spaces, the Eclipse’s size and hull design hit a sweet spot. At just over twenty feet with a generous beam, it’s compact enough for easier slips and trailering, yet wide and deep enough to keep family and gear secure when the wind comes up. The responsive sterndrive setup makes no-wake zones and narrow channels less stressful, while the open bow and full-beam cockpit make the most of sunny days on local lakes and coastal stretches. It’s a practical, comfortable platform for regular day trips close to home.