Hewescraft Boat Purchase

[Rozman]

I am just about to close the deal on a 2008 16.5 ft Sportsman. 60HP Merc and a 8 HP Merc kicker. I am a MN transplant so have dealt more with Lunds, etc. Any reviews or comments about Hewescraft boats would be much appreciated. Seems like a rock solid boat!! Thanks

[A9]

Sure are nice boats, and can be rigged up nicely for a suitable price. PM "Dave" or "hewesfisher" they have the exact same boat I believe.

Hewescraft's competition is North River and Alumaweld, as the main two, but Custom Weld, Weldcraft, Duckworth, are all gaining popularity, as is Boulton...

My suggestion: Check around with all the other manufacturers and see if their boats are more appealing to you and you can get a better deal. Hewescrafts are great boats from what I've heard, but so are all the other boats I listed off. Don't be in a hurry to buy a boat. You don't wanna rush a big purchase like this...

Shop around, find the right boat and try and get the best deal on it...

[Dave]

Hey Rozman,

If you are considering a Hewescraft, you are on the right track. I researched welded aluminum boats for several months before purchasing my Hewescraft 163 Sea Runner new in 2003. It came with a 75 hp Honda 4 stroke and EZ-loader trailer. It was on sale for 16k, sticker was 20k so I got a great deal. I have friends who own Lund, Alumaweld, Crestliner, and Harbercraft boats, all of which are well built, very nice boats but I am glad I choose a Hewescraft. The Hewescraft is a very solid, bulldog of a boat, with substantial freeboard. It can take a pounding, and is built like a Mack truck! My boat came with a full canvas top, sides, and door, and the ride great. I also noticed while shopping for boats that I never saw a used Hewescraft boat advertised for sale. That in itself is a statement. Here are a few pics of my boat. I purchased my Hewescraft from Tom-N-Jerry’s which was in Burlington, WA at the time. They have moved to a new location with a Mount Vernon, WA address however it’s not in downtown MV but rather on HWY 20 west of I-5 on the way to Anacortes. Jerry had been selling Hewescraft boats for 25 years when I bought my boat from him so I trusted him and he was great. I am not sure if he is still there but I am sure the staff will treat you right. If you purchase a Hewescraft, you won’t be disappointed. Let us know what you end up with and good luck. I will also add that I agree with Sam. Look at lots of boats and go with the one that makes you grin from ear to ear the most. I would say that most of the welded aluminum boat out there are well built, so choose the one that makes you happy.

[Rollin with Rolland]

Yeah Rozeman, hewes are definitely nice boats, can't go wrong. like Sam K. said, there are many options that are quality, and hewes is one of them. let me put it in a simple statement from the homeland (MN):

Lund or Crestliner??

you get the point. congrats on the purchase...let's see a pic of that beauty when she arrives at home!!

[Reel_Nut]

Hewescraft are a beautiful boat and will get you to the fish. I was looking at purchasing a Hewescraft and almost did. I decided to wait a couple of weeks to go to the Sportsman show and just see all my options. Hewescraft didnt have a vender there but Roguemarine boats sold by Kingsalmon Marine had a boat that was very comperable to Hewescraft but at about $10.000 cheeper. Yes, the boat had a few less options: Driver side wiper, no glove box, no fresh water wash down, 18" side seats (I up graded to the 36"), no aft side rail. I looked hard at buying the Hewescraft and I think the true selling point was the motor. Both dealers Cabela's and Pasific Marine sold there boats with Yamaha engines. A very good engine and would want that on the back of my boat over most others. But, Honda has a very strong motor and warrentys their engines top to bottom.

Best of luck in your boat shopping and I hope you find the boat that fits your needs.

Ohh ya one last thing....Thanks to everyone here for their imput.

[Dave]

Reel_Nut,

Sweet Boat! I will watch for you out on the Sound. Glad you mentioned the Honda motor. That was a key selling point for me. I liked the Alumaweld but they came with a Mercury motor which didn't excite me much. I'm sure Merc makes a good product but I wanted a Honda because of their reputation as being one of the most reliable motors sold. I couldn't afford a kicker so I wanted a motor I could count on that would start every time and likely not fail on me while out on the Sound. Later I think I was told Alumaweld dealers like Three Rivers Marine would put a Honda on their Alumaweld but by then I had my Hewescraft in the garage and was happy I made the purchase. I also choose the 16' 3" boat so I could launch it by myself with relative ease when I go out alone. Sometimes I wish I had a 20' Hewes but I love my boat and will likely never get rid of it unless my needs change and I upsize.

[Rozman]

Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated!!

[Gisteppo]

Late, I know...

I actually have a 1979 Hewescraft river runner. It is a 16' garvey hulled riveted boat. Shes made for running shallow water with a pump, and currently has a non-running 70hp evinrude (being replaced this week) jet on it. This hull has been fantastic for things like crabbing and fishing, running rough whitewater, and just being a little pickup truck on the water.

I also know its a Washington local product, built in Colville, an hour north of Spokane. Local dollars, a long standing company, and people that stand behind their product, I think its a good choice.

E

[Rozman]

Well I got the rig, am really excited to get her on the water!!! As soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will. Thanks for all the input.

[kevinb]

Well I got the rig, am really excited to get her on the water!!! As soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will. Thanks for all the input.

Congrats

[A9]

Enjoy it. That's what they are meant for!

[Rozman]

Pics of the new boat posted up top. Thanks Again!!

[A9]

Nice looking boat you got there. Good work on getting a kicker setup for it too. It's a must out in the salt. Like that color scheme also. Looks nice...

Remember that second transom tie down there....I've felt a 20' glass boat bump up too high off the trailer for comfort when the transom tie downs accidentally didn't get strapped on...A 16' Aluminum is a lot light, thus more prone to that happening if you hit a bump in the road...

[leahcim_dahc]

Nice boat! I am free to baby sit it every other weekend...and holidays that fall consecutively with Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday , as well. Just don't pay attention to the hourmeter...

[Rozman]

Leahcim, Thanks for the offer!!!!! But no:(

[leahcim_dahc]

Thanks for the offer!!!!! But no:(

Damn! I tried... :-D

[Rozman]

Lets hit the water sometime.

[Reel_Nut]

Very nice boat. Whats her name?

[kutthroatkilla]

Very nice boat indeed. Keep her clean and maintain those engines as they look in pristine condition! That's a handsome looking boat and one that you should enjoy for a long time! Good luck on everything and congratulations on the new boat when/if you pull the trigger. I really like it! KTK

[leahcim_dahc]

Lets hit the water sometime.

I wasn't begging for a ride or anything, I was just messin' with you. I appreciate the offer of fishing...might have to hook up one of these days. Thanks!


Chad