Boat Questions?

[Dave G]

This boat is on C-list and this it the type I have wanted. But what about the transom. Would water come over the back and swamp it on a very hairy day? The wife wants me to get a CustomWeld 20 ft with a 225hp. Who is the Ifish Financier guy here also?

http://images.craigslist.org/1281441g43n93m73p78cc309ab0e8a1f11d83.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/1f91231ga3ne3k63m88cc494f7a4460b0108d.jpg

[fishkisser]

See if the owner would be willing to take you out on it and see how it handles and how low the transom sets while at rest and underway ...
Then it takes the guesswork out of that part , does look like it is a little low but until you float it ... You just don't know ...
Barney

[rew]

If you have following seas that thing looks dangerous. Unlike a large commercial boat with an open end that one doesn't look to be self bailing, which means if you can't go fast enough to keep the water out it'll get in.

My 17' boat has more of a draft even with its engine cutaway.

[Dave G]

The 20 footer has a o/s braket. Is that size of a boat safe to go out to the rock pile or the ranch?

[foxer]

That Hewescraft should have a flip up splash panel that locks into place at about the same height as the gunwale, thus not letting water into the boat.

[jtj]

Foxer's right. My searunner has the folding door to keep water out. I like the extended transom better, but I wouldn't steer away from a good deal because of it.

[Dave G]

Foxer's right. My searunner has the folding door to keep water out. I like the extended transom better, but I wouldn't steer away from a good deal because of it.


What year is your Searunner?

[jtj]

2001.

[Dave G]

2001.

Thanks, would like any input from anyone.

[olybirds]

Ive got a 24' Hewescraft that is very similar to that, except I have the OS bracket. If that one is buillt similar to mine, It rides nice and high in the water. I think the only way you'd get water over the transom is if you were backing into some pretty steep chop. Then, if it is as others have said, and theres a splash panel, the water should stay in the motorwell, and drain out rapidly.

Ive seen that boat for sale for a while, and you might be able to get a smoking price on it. I think it is definately worth a test drive.

I think if you were to take a look, you'll find that Hewescraft is a LOT more boat than a 20' Customweld. It has a lot more deadrise, and will ride much better in the ocean and in chop.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i49/olybirds/boat7.jpg

[RiverJohn]

Ive got a 24' Hewescraft that is very similar to that, except I have the OS bracket. If that one is buillt similar to mine, It rides nice and high in the water. I think the only way you'd get water over the transom is if you were backing into some pretty steep chop. Then, if it is as others have said, and theres a splash panel, the water should stay in the motorwell, and drain out rapidly.

Ive seen that boat for sale for a while, and you might be able to get a smoking price on it. I think it is definately worth a test drive.

I think if you were to take a look, you'll find that Hewescraft is a LOT more boat than a 20' Customweld. It has a lot more deadrise, and will ride much better in the ocean and in chop.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i49/olybirds/boat7.jpg

Nice looking boat Oly.

IMO the boat dissused in this thread does seem to have a very low transom cutout. I have to wonder if they altered it for the OB shaft length ?.

The transom would bother me in the ocean - though it also is a very nice looking ride.

[Dave G]

I do like that o/s bracket. Thanks for the info.

[Two Fister]

Dave,
I'd contact Paddler on the Salty Dogs board. He's a big fan of Hewescraft boats without O/S brackets. If you get a screaming deal on it you could also contact Dave Norvelle at Norvelle Boats about changing the transom to an O/S bracket. Probably be a $2k-$4k job.
Given the choice between that Hewes and a 20' Customweld for the ocean, I'd pick the Hewes everytime.
TF

[retaliate]

The 20 footer has a o/s braket. Is that size of a boat safe to go out to the rock pile or the ranch?


Many go out for Halibut, & Tuna in 20' w/offshore bracket boats, some(Myself included) even smaller, just pick your days, learn some skills, have all safety gear possible, & backups, pay close attention to weather patterns, use the buddy boat system & don't be too stubborned to go in early when/if the weather turns bad, keep in mind salt water fishing is very addictive, many have to been know to catch 2', 3', even 4' itis, develop the need to go out & buy expensive fishing gear, & tackle, even tho they don't need it, & can't afford it, good luck with that, & welcome to the dark side.:passout:

[OB1]

The 20 footer has a o/s braket. Is that size of a boat safe to go out to the rock pile or the ranch?

I've had my 20ft Seahawk out to the ranch and pile this season.
I think the 225 would be way too much weight for the back of a 20ft boat.
I have a 150HP Honda and it has plenty of power when loaded to the gills.

[Boats]

I've had my 20ft Seahawk out to the ranch and pile this season.
I think the 225 would be way too much weight for the back of a 20ft boat.
I have a 150HP Honda and it has plenty of power when loaded to the gills.

I'd agree with that. 225 would be too much weight and HP for a 20' in my book.

My 20' NR Seahawk flew with a 150 Yamaha.

[Jason S]

Many go out for Halibut, & Tuna in 20' w/offshore bracket boats, some(Myself included) even smaller, just pick your days, learn some skills, have all safety gear possible, & backups, pay close attention to weather patterns, use the buddy boat system & don't be too stubborned to go in early when/if the weather turns bad, keep in mind salt water fishing is very addictive, many have to been know to catch 2', 3', even 4' itis, develop the need to go out & buy expensive fishing gear, & tackle, even tho they don't need it, & can't afford it, good luck with that, & welcome to the dark side.:passout:

After having my 20' Seahawk out what I would this year consider too far, I think a 20 is the bare bones minimum for the open ocean. One year later and I am looking for something bigger again. When iw as first thinking of doing this I bought a 20' for that reason.

But it depends on usage. How much will be ocean versus protected. I would think most guys running in the smaller boats only go a couple times a year. 99 percent of the time you will be all right. Olybirds and I had this discussion last year at the ramp one day and he related a story that had me rethinking some of my choices. he got beat up pretty bad one day in his old boat. Kind of made me do a little rethinking of my bravado about 20' being enough. But for this year the 20' will also suffice for me. I will move up. Like I said 99% of the time a 20' is enough. BUT. when you are out there 20' seems awfull small sometimes when the weather comes up. Fortunately for me my first trips this year were all good to go. But did have a scare when I lost the bilge pump 45 miles out this year. Advice on a safety thread I read on the Salty Dogs saved my bacon on that one by having a square bottom bucket in the boat. No fun bailing out to sea with a bucket. I now have 3 bilge pumps (2500GPH, and 2X 1250's).

For someone that wants to only make 2-3 trips into the salt a year the 20' will be fine. Really got to pick your days. Really got to be prepared with safety equipment. Really got to be smart and know your limits. Expessially if you are wanting to use the boat for a lot of other things.

[BARCHASER]

I have a 2005 19' Seahawk with a transom mount Yam. It originally had a low cut transom like the one in your pic. It took me about one trip and I had NR in Tacoma fabricate/install a full width splashboard that is almost as high as the gunnels. Sure makes me feel better. Once I had a wave spash up against the spashboard. Also, the spashboard gives me something to lean against when I'm working the downriggers.

Works good for me since most of my fishing is in the Sound and the Strait. I do trailer to Uke twice a summer but I'm conservative. If the ocean kicks up I just fish inside Barclay Sound. Less flexibility than the bigger boats but it fits inside my garage.

[retaliate]

After having my 20' Seahawk out what I would this year consider too far, I think a 20 is the bare bones minimum for the open ocean. One year later and I am looking for something bigger again. When iw as first thinking of doing this I bought a 20' for that reason.

But it depends on usage. How much will be ocean versus protected. I would think most guys running in the smaller boats only go a couple times a year. 99 percent of the time you will be all right. Olybirds and I had this discussion last year at the ramp one day and he related a story that had me rethinking some of my choices. he got beat up pretty bad one day in his old boat. Kind of made me do a little rethinking of my bravado about 20' being enough. But for this year the 20' will also suffice for me. I will move up. Like I said 99% of the time a 20' is enough. BUT. when you are out there 20' seems awfull small sometimes when the weather comes up. Fortunately for me my first trips this year were all good to go. But did have a scare when I lost the bilge pump 45 miles out this year. Advice on a safety thread I read on the Salty Dogs saved my bacon on that one by having a square bottom bucket in the boat. No fun bailing out to sea with a bucket. I now have 3 bilge pumps (2500GPH, and 2X 1250's).

For someone that wants to only make 2-3 trips into the salt a year the 20' will be fine. Really got to pick your days. Really got to be prepared with safety equipment. Really got to be smart and know your limits. Expessially if you are wanting to use the boat for a lot of other things.


Thats exactly why so many get "bigger boat itis", & carry a square bucket or 2 just in case, for me it's 3' itis, & 3 square buckets, however you have to weigh affordability against bigger boat itis, it's not only the boat, it's hauling the boat, it's storing the boat, it's feeding the boat, it's maintaining the boat...ect, bigger the boat..the bigger the cost, bigger tow rig, bigger storage area, bigger fuel bill...ect. plenty of us go out for Halibut, & Tuna in small boats more than a few times a year, but make no mistake about it, the risk is higher in a small boat.

[olybirds]

I was one of those 20' owners in 07' Got the OS bug for tuna and made a handfull of trips in my 20' Thunderjet. Its defiantely a pick your days thing in the smaller boats. Doable, but after having a year to reflect on it.... It was definately a fine line. Had an afternoon squall come up out of Depoe Bay and almost got caught. Luckily I was already almost back when it got really bad. Chatter on the VHF had people diverting to Newport becuase they couldnt buck the seas!!! It was humbling for me that day.

So I decided to upsize 4 feet to the Much more substantial Hewes you see pictured above.

Ironically cost per trip for tuna was mitigated by the fact that I can take 4 or 5 people out now. Where with the 20' boat, I could only take 3 total.
I burn about 1.5x the gas in my Hewes as I did in my TJ, but splitting things 4 or 5 ways pencils out to be about the same or less per person as the old boat running 3 people.

Tuna carrying capicity was almost doubled as well, and can be done w/o going over the rated capacity for the boat.

I consider myself a pretty capable Skipper, and Im very happy with the decision to upsize to increase the level of safety for myself and passangers offshore

[Jason S]

I will be upgrading also Mike. Realize it is too fine of a line for my comfort zone. Probably not this winter but Tuna 2010 I will be in a larger 24-26 ride. Need to economy to get a little better so I can sell mine first. Would take too large of a hit selling this one now and don't want two boats. Safety is going to out wiegh the convienence of a middle sized boat. I was fortunate and did not get caught this year, but the whole bilge pump episode scared me plenty good. That and hearing of guys getting towed in.

[RiverJohn]

I will be upgrading also Mike. Realize it is too fine of a line for my comfort zone. Probably not this winter but Tuna 2010 I will be in a larger 24-26 ride. Need to economy to get a little better so I can sell mine first. Would take too large of a hit selling this one now and don't want two boats. Safety is going to out wiegh the convienence of a middle sized boat. I was fortunate and did not get caught this year, but the whole bilge pump episode scared me plenty good. That and hearing of guys getting towed in.

I tend to agree. Oly's boat would be a very nice ride on the Columbia too.
:excited:

If I ever move to the coast or spend more time in the great wide open..I will be in the same market.

I do love my Seahawk though !:)

[dog501]

I have a 19ft arima and the pile is as far as I will go and only then if its 2 4 and 8 or less. Remember that a boat shrinks 2ft when you take it off the trailer.

[olybirds]

I tend to agree. Oly's boat would be a very nice ride on the Columbia too.
:excited:

If I ever move to the coast or spend more time in the great wide open..I will be in the same market.

I do love my Seahawk though !:)


Finding a boat that does it all is a challenge. There are defiantely better options for Ocean Fishing than my boat. But I like to fish in the Big C a lot and bieng able to easily access the bow to set an anchor was also a huge consideration in what boat I purchased.

The Hewes was one of the only boats I felt was big enough for tuna fishing 4-5 people, yet still had the walk thru windshield to get to the anchor easily. Most of the Offshore boats have cuddy's and no where to store the rope and big anchor ball we use on the Columbia when Hog Lining.

Another consideration for me, is that many of the launches I use are pretty primitive. They have no dock, and are a gravel shoreline. Its nice to be able to nose into the gravel and be able to exit thru the bow.

Its almost boat show season. I recommend going and climbing into a lot of boats and really thinking about how they are laid out for the type of fishing YOU do. I found that some of the boats that are great boats (Seasport, Parker, NR OS, Grady, Steiger) werent set up in a way that made it easy for me to fish how i need to fish. I got in them all, and envisioned myself out fishing from those boats. Then i did the same in the hewes. For me, my needs, and my year round fishing enjoyment, Hewes was the best compromise.. Your needs will be different based on how you fish.

I hit both the Portland and Seattle shows before narrowing it down.

Jason, I know you learned a lot last summer about your boat. And you are just like I was a year ago. You are reflecting on decisions you made out there on the ocean. But just think about it this way. You now have double the knowledge/experience you had last year. That alone will really help you out when captaning your boat. Plus I know you have added a lot of safety and redundancy's to your boat.

As far as selling,
I think your sized boat would sell for a decent price because they are so popular. Its the perfect size for the sound and the straight... Probrably exactly what you bought it for..:D
I think the market for the bigger boat is where the deals can be had. More expensive boats arent moving nearly as well as the smaller boats.

Im sure you'll be ok either way you go. (195 days and counting:whistle:)

[Highmark]

Hi I have been following this post for some time. I started with a
Sabercraft 19 ft then it was off to a Alumaweld 19 ft then a
Bluewater sportfisher 21.5 they all are good boats, every one of them had there good points and bad points. But 25 years off fishing them
and with others on there boats. I ordered the boat I have now.
it's a NorthRiver Seahawk Off shore 22 ft.with the off shore bracket 225 yam and 8 high thrust kicker. its the enclosed cabin with sliding door.
I would never have a canvas back again. This gives your boat security.
it has a nice big anchor locker that I carry 2 in, a sand, and river with
15 ft of chain on both and 350 ft of rope. I fish the lower river and below
the dam for sturgeon and have never had a problem setting the anchor. The ride is everything. how it handles the bar and the sea's are both elements of a good boat. I have told this story before but one more time will not hurt. two friend of mine both good boat operators, we all left the dock at the same time, I in this boat one in the 22 hughes searunner and the other in Alumaweld 24 deep v. both vary good boats in there own rights. any way. the sea's were 3 to 5 with 2 wind chop not a vary good day but it was fish-able. we had our fish and where just starting back in when they finally got there. they both have run my boat to and from the same spot and both have said. I got the wrong boat. the O/S out weighs there boats by about 1700 lbs. that in itself is everything. Bottom line pick the boat vary wisely. I orders thing one. I saved about 5000 by doing it that way.And the boat show is a good time to climb all ever them to make a list of what you like do not like and want
on it. and how it should be set up. By ordering it you get the boat your
way. not a stock boat from the lot. It's put together for you..:twocents:

Herman

[ToddBalsiger]

Hi I have been following this post for some time. I started with a
Sabercraft 19 ft then it was off to a Alumaweld 19 ft then a
Bluewater sportfisher 21.5 they all are good boats, every one of them had there good points and bad points. But 25 years off fishing them
and with others on there boats. I ordered the boat I have now.
it's a NorthRiver Seahawk Off shore 22 ft.with the off shore bracket 225 yam and 8 high thrust kicker. its the enclosed cabin with sliding door.
I would never have a canvas back again. This gives your boat security.
it has a nice big anchor locker that I carry 2 in, a sand, and river with
15 ft of chain on both and 350 ft of rope. I fish the lower river and below
the dam for sturgeon and have never had a problem setting the anchor. The ride is everything. how it handles the bar and the sea's are both elements of a good boat. I have told this story before but one more time will not hurt. two friend of mine both good boat operators, we all left the dock at the same time, I in this boat one in the 22 hughes searunner and the other in Alumaweld 24 deep v. both vary good boats in there own rights. any way. the sea's were 3 to 5 with 2 wind chop not a vary good day but it was fish-able. we had our fish and where just starting back in when they finally got there. they both have run my boat to and from the same spot and both have said. I got the wrong boat. the O/S out weighs there boats by about 1700 lbs. that in itself is everything. Bottom line pick the boat vary wisely. I orders thing one. I saved about 5000 by doing it that way.And the boat show is a good time to climb all ever them to make a list of what you like do not like and want
on it. and how it should be set up. By ordering it you get the boat your
way. not a stock boat from the lot. It's put together for you..:twocents:

Herman


Herman,

Given that you mentioned wieght being a factor, how would you compare the Hewes 200 Pro V vs. the 20 NR OS bracket? The Hewes should be at least 600 # less in weight.

I thought I had made my decision for the Hewes -- but then NR comes back with an even better offer. Their price is about $11,000 less than normal. My worries with the NR are the 115 yama not being enough (which ifishers have said it is), and the extra size and weight with respects to water performance and ease of pulling. Both boats are the same price now.

[foxer]

Hmmm...see if NR has a Suzuki DF140 laying around. Or pay the extra $$ for a F150

[RiverJohn]

Herman,

Given that you mentioned wieght being a factor, how would you compare the Hewes 200 Pro V vs. the 20 NR OS bracket? The Hewes should be at least 600 # less in weight.

I thought I had made my decision for the Hewes -- but then NR comes back with an even better offer. Their price is about $11,000 less than normal. My worries with the NR are the 115 yama not being enough (which ifishers have said it is), and the extra size and weight with respects to water performance and ease of pulling. Both boats are the same price now.

A 150hp is best suited to the NR 20ft.

115hp is great for the NR 18.6 which I have.

Just my :twocents:

[No Reservations]

Had a 115 0n my 18 foot northriver seahawk 2005 fair amount of power at sea level but thats about it I live in central or and sometimes could not get on plane with a boat full of camping gear at some of the high lakes. Go with the 150 the 115 will only leave you wanting and needing more.

[retaliate]

I have a 115 on my 19' boat, & it's barely enough when hauling a load of Tuna, A 140 suzuki, or 150 should be about right for a 20' boat, altho some say you could never have too much power, a 225 on a 20' boat seems a bit much to me, for a fishing boat, When I can afford it, I'm leaning twards a Koffler, or RB 22' transome mount(full splashwell) 36" or more side height, 1/4" bottom, 3/16" sides, 18 deg v, w/small hardtop, walk thru windshield w/small open Bow, with 175 Suzuki as my next all around boat(3' Itis)
I used to own a 19' Bayliner trophy center council, it had a very low transome(20"), & no splashwell, just a little board 8" high with self draining deck, water would come in every time we stopped too fast, so I put a piece of rubber in as a splashwell, it helped but still the deck was often wet, I also put a soft top on the bow to prevent the bow from getting swamped, that helped also, even tho it was a self drainning deck, I got tired of always having wet feet, so I gave the Boat to my brother in San Diego, that was over 10 years ago, & he still has it, it is a good boat for down there, a little too low a transome for up here. :twocents:

[olybirds]

I think a 115 would be a dog on a 20' NR. I would pass on the NR unless you get it with a 140/150.

Usually the 140 Suzuki's are priced about the same as a 115 yami.

I had the DF 140 on my 20' Thunderjet and would have wanted nothing less.. And the 20' Seahawk weighs more than my Thunderjet...

Suzuki's are great motors, and the 140 is probrably the most bullet proof one in thier lineup...

[Jason S]

I think a 115 would be a dog on a 20' NR. I would pass on the NR unless you get it with a 140/150.

Usually the 140 Suzuki's are priced about the same as a 115 yami.

I had the DF 140 on my 20' Thunderjet and would have wanted nothing less.. And the 20' Seahawk weighs more than my Thunderjet...

Suzuki's are great motors, and the 140 is probrably the most bullet proof one in thier lineup...

I have a 150 on my NR. A good friend has a 115. The 115 is kind of doggy getting on plane. 150 will run high 40's, I can run 45 with 20 tuna, ice and three guys with good water. My performance does not uffer at all with wieght. The 115 starts struggling to get on plane with more than three guys on board. Depends on what your looking for I guess. but I am happy I did not scrimp and got the 150. The Hewes seemed to do fine with the 115 though.

[Dave G]

Thanks all, I am still shopping around.