hewescraft searunner vs alumaweld black hawk

[chinooky101]

I just want to get some feedback on these boats, The Alumaweld night hawk is a new boat that alumaweld is putting out its almost like a intruder but with a 18 degree hull throughout it, and it has a exteded transom bracket for the big motor, and the kicker is mounted on the transom for easy excessability. both boats are 20' boats. I have the motor to put on either one. 140 suzuki 4 stroke 2003. The deal is I can get the hewescraft searunner for 17,000 with extras and the alumaweld black hawk is 21,000. I used to have a 01 alumaweld intruder sportjet that I liked but had to sell and I had a 1993 hewesecraft searunner that was pretty old but handled well I looked at the new searunners and wow what a diffrence from the old ones and the new ones. Im having trouble making up my mind one which one to purchase please help.

[fishingls]

I do know Hewescraft chassis grounds their boats. I don't know how an Alumweld is grounded, however you can rewire the boat.

[Olderwhiskey]

I have a 05 20ft Hewescraft ET with a 135 Honda and so far very happy. I would highly recommend trim tabs as the deep v's seem to be critical. I have had a few problems but Hewes and the dealer have step up and taken care of everything .

[threexkc]

I've got a 2004 Hewes sea runner. I'm tickled with it. Its quick, handles great in rough water. Its an 18ft, with a 115 hp 4 sroke Yammi.I can't think of anything negative about it. Try the dealer in Pasco for a good deal, PM me and I'll give you a contact #

[hot wire]

I second the dealer in Pasco!!!!!!

Wonderful thing the internet and forums like this and the one below.....

Tom

[Spoiled Daddy]

I can only attest to our SeaRunner. It's a 18' 2000 model, which I know is shorter than the one you are looking at, but we love it. It has done everything we wanted, both for fishing and family fun use.

I also believe the Pasco, WA dealer is more willing to deal if you are willing to travel.

the Spoiled Daddy

[snit]

I'm on my second Alumaweld. I had a 1999, 20' Sportjet and it was a good boat (10degree), and then last year I got a new 2004, 20' Intruder deep V with a 150 4-stroke Yami. My new boat has the outboard bracket, but the kicker is a transom mount (cut out) with a hot tank (which is what I wanted). It's an 18 degree, which rides and cuts very well! I couldn't be happier, and my dealer is super. I heard a new model was coming out, but I haven't actually seen the new Alumaweld, but I've been very happy with them for many years and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

[tbird]

RAIDER ?

[No Wishin Just Fishin]

2002 Hewes Sea Runner 20foot with 1000 hours on the motors. Wouldn't trade it for an Alumaweld. Best riding boat for the money.

[StickFish]

I didn't see anything on Alumawelds site for the nighthawk - OK so its a newbie boat. I don't buy Newbie cars and I don't think I'd buy a newbie boat either - let someone else work out the bugs.

I don't have a Hewes, but a friend of mine has a 20' Searunner and is very happy with it. Only thing he would do different, is get the extended transom

[Dan in Alaska]

I've got a 22-foot Searunner HT, bought new in July 2003. I really don't have anything to compare it to, but I don't have many complaints about my boat either. I've got over 500 hours on the motor. I've never owned an Alumaweld, or even ridden in one, so I can't really comment on them, other than to say they look like a very high quality boat.

There are a lot of nicer looking boats out there - nice paint, cleaner looking welds, fancier interiors, carpet, etc. But, for the money, I think a Hewescraft is hard to beat as a fishing boat. In fact, I like not having carpet to soak up and hold fish smells. I am happy with my boat, and I would certainly buy another Hewescraft.

[garyk]

I do know Hewescraft chassis grounds their boats.

Are you meaning grounding the electrical system to the hull? If so, that's really hard to believe and not my experience with our 2000 SeaRunner.

Furthermore, it's the dealer that does a lot of the final rigging including motors and batteries. If someone made a fundamental mistake like grounding to the hull, I'd expect it was the dealer or the customer.

[ICHTHYDEMON]

I didn't see anything on Alumawelds site for the nighthawk - OK so its a newbie boat. I don't buy Newbie cars and I don't think I'd buy a newbie boat either - let someone else work out the bugs.

I talked to the guys from Three Rivers at the boatshow. They said the new boat is basically a low end Intruder. Kinda like the Supervee LS vs. the LT.

I'm thinking they have the Intruder figured out.

[damoperator]

What about a North River seahawk it would fall inbetween those two for price. Damoperator [Just a thought for what its worth.]

[ICHTHYDEMON]

I had an Alumaweld and it was a great boat. When I bought my SuperVee LS I wanted a plain Jane open fishing boat,at the time North River didn't have what I wanted.

When I bought my new North River Seahawk,I looked hard at both the Intruder and the Seahawk. I would have been happy with either ride. When the final decision was made it came down to money...doesn't it always? Anyways,the Alumaweld was considerably more $$$$,and the dealer I bought from was willing to wheel and deal more.

[chinooky101]

thanks for all the info guys, Im going to wait till tuesday when Verls recieves the black hawk before I make any decisions.

[SnowDog]

I'd consider the NR Seahawk also. I own a 22' Alumaweld Intruder that I love, but that is due to my need to run both prop and pump. The Seahawk sounds like a good fit for your use.


SD

[BrandonAngoon]

I own a 22' Hewescraft Searunner hard top extended transom and absolutely love it. It cuts right through five or six foot choppy swell while staying on step and the bow is wide enough and the V is deep enough that staying on step in large following seas doesn't mean a nosedive into the wave in from of you. Granted, we just got the boat, but my buddy has the same model and has for years. We've been all over southeast alaska in that thing with nada problems. They're more utilitarian than some of the other brands, but Hewes is a workhorse and a heck of a bargain (compared to other similar models), but still a spendy piece of equipment.

[Something Good]

My last boat was a Searunner and previous to that was an Intruder. The main thing I didn't like about the Intruder is the trips to the shop to have the hull welded when it cracked. Seemed to always happen right before Bouy 10 season, real bummer to be waiting for your boat to be repaired while everyone else is catching fish. Put my Searunner through a lot more pounding and never had a problem. I don't know much about the new Intruder but I would encourage you to compare bottom thickness and more importantly the frame structure that holds the boat together. Hewes will email you pics of boats under construction so you can see the entire process. I would think Alumaweld would do the same. If you're fishing the ocean I would buy a Searunner. There is no comparison between the two boats in rough water.

No grounds to the hull of my Searunner.

[skunkpatrol]

I love my Hewescraft Sea Runner (18 ft). Deep vee and higher sides make it fish and move like a bigger boat in rough water, and it's a workhorse in terms of external fittings like windshield frame, rails, dash, etc.

Look at things like how the transom and motor well are configured on the two boats; it makes a huge difference in comfort and fishing room, depending on what you like to do. The ET helps tremenously, but there will probably be slight differences between the two.

Also look at wiring, steering, switches, and those little but very aggravating things that can drive you crazy if it's acting up (voice of experience...).

Let us know which way you go!

[skaha]

do you still a searunner?

--I'm looking at one but have not ridden in one yet.

--I'm not familiar with the clean hull. Most alum boats I've seen have chines to help cut the chop.

--can you run at a decent speed in chop?
--I fish mainly on a lake that gets wind up every day just when you're trying to get back
--I'm looking at a 2006 searunner 180 model with 115 4 stroke.

[hot wire]

I've noticed on this board that they aren't as excited about Hewescraft as they are North River.
I guess the fact NR is from Eugene and Hewescraft is from Washington may be one one the reasons. Anyway, good luck with your decision, I've loved the two I have owned.

Tom

[Tagster]

"I've noticed on this board that they aren't as excited about Hewescraft as they are North River."

Different class of boats. Comparing a Seahawk to a Searunner is like comparing a Mercedes to a Ford.

Hewes is getting there, but they aren't trying to build the same boats as NR.

Before you respond with how great Hewes are and I am a dillhole for saying there aren't great, compare the specs of the two...weight...thickness of material...fit and finish...dealer service...resale value...etc.

They are great...for the price. My neighbor has a 16' Sportsman that is awesome for what he does. NR doesn't even have a comparable boat.

As for the Blackhawk and the Searunner, I would have to go Searunner.

Tag

[boater]

:lurk:

proud searunner owner.

[Catchn not fishn]

I just bought the Alumaweld BLack hawk and am very happy with it Your more than welcome to come by and look at mine.
I got mine for 18K at allen marine in salem. they rigged it out and everything and put my 115 4 stroke Honda on it. Nd had the top custom made to fit my requirements using Top Gun. Sunbrella stinks. They went out of thier way to help me get what i wanted.
The Black Hawk is the old narrower Intruder with 18 Degrees.
I traded in My Arima for it and kept my motors from the arima. Have hot water and everything. You will need to have 25" long shaft motors trolling motor if you put a motor mount on it you can use 21" all the new boats require it now.
Bruce
carvingfish@yahoo.com

[hot wire]

22' x 84" Seahawk
Center Length 22' Beam 102"
Deadrise 18º/42º Fuel Capacity 70 gallons
Bottom .250 x 84" Engine Outboard
Transom .190
Sides .125 x 35" Dry Weight 2730

24'3" Hewescraft 22 OP
Center Length ? Beam 102"
Deadrise 13.5-21-35 Fuel Capacity 85 gallons
Bottom .190 " Engine Outboard
Transom .190
Sides .125 Dry Weight 2750

They seem darn close to me!!
Way to go Hewescraft!!

Tom

[foxer]

Looked over a Blackhawk at Stevens recently. Very spartan interior. Reminded me of a Hewes Sportsman. Looks like they are going after the Thunderjet O/B / Seahawk LE market price wise. I think the Tjet and Seahawk give you more bling for your $$ though.

[Tagster]

Yep, they are close...but if your going to compare a 24' boat...use the NR 24' boat, too

24' x 84 " Seahawk
Center Length 24' Beam 102"
Deadrise 18º/42º Fuel Capacity 70 gallons
Bottom .250 x 84" Engine Outboard
Transom .190 Jet N/A
Sides .160 x 35" Dry Weight 3230

24'3" Hewescraft 22 OP

Center Length ? Beam 102"
Deadrise 13.5-21-35 Fuel Capacity 85 gallons
Bottom .190 " Engine Outboard
Transom .190
Sides .125 Dry Weight 2750

500 pound difference in the same length comes from the thicker materials...

Check out the deadrise angle...Seahawk will run smoother in the chop...

However, the Seahawk will set you back well North of $50,000...how much does the Hewes 24' cost?

Either way, NR wasn't a subject until I jumped in...for that I apologize.

Good luck with whatever you buy.

Tag

[Go_Getter]

Looked at them all and what I found was I would be proud to own any of them. Make your own choice and go have fun catching fish

Just don't limit yourself to looking and one or two brands look and compare all. Then spend the cash and enjoy

[boater]

500 pound difference in the same length comes from the thicker materials...

Check out the deadrise angle...Seahawk will run smoother in the chop...

500 pond difrence is mostly for the .250 bottom on the north river, the hewes doesnt need it for hull strength but the northriver does, if they didnt "need" it the thicker bottom would be an option.

as far as ride, total difrent bow rakes on these 2 boats, the searunner is by far the best rough water boat of the 2. :lurk:

[hot wire]

if your going to compare a 24' boat...use the NR 24' boat, too

Tag, sorry for confusion..that extra 2.5 feet is with the extended transome. So it WAS a 22' boat.

Just to clarify for everyone else, you can see NOW that the deadrise might be the SAME as NR.....on a 24' boat!!

24' x 84 " Seahawk
Center Length 24' Beam 102"
Deadrise 18º/42º Fuel Capacity 70 gallons
Bottom .250 x 84" Engine Outboard
Transom .190 Jet N/A
Sides .160 x 35" Dry Weight 3230

24' Hewescraft ALASKAN
Center Length ? Beam 102"
Deadrise 42-25-15 Fuel Capacity 85 gallons
Bottom .190 " Engine Outboard
Transom .190
Sides .125 Dry Weight 2850

I guess they too look very simular to the North River brand.... both the 22 and the 24

Sorry about the confusion everyone, I just wanted to show how simular the two brands really are.

[Go_Getter]

500 pond difrence is mostly for the .250 bottom on the north river, the hewes doesnt need it for hull strength but the northriver does, if they didnt "need" it the thicker bottom would be an option.

as far as ride, total difrent bow rakes on these 2 boats, the searunner is by far the best rough water boat of the 2. :lurk:

Whatever :lurk: :lurk: :lurk:

[Tagster]

Hewes guy and Boater

You guys want to pound your chest and say Hewes are the best that’s great there is nothing wrong with their boats?

Lets just look at a few things...some that you said and some that are in print ok?

Boater if you think that NR needs to have a .250 bottom for strength you’re wrong but if that were true is it a bad thing that when I'm running in heavy chop my boat does not sound like a tin can and I'm not worried about the bow cracking or caving in.

Let’s look at some other things.

Standard features vs. options if you take the exact same sized boat (measured bow to transom) and you put all the standard features that are in the NR and put them in the Hewes you will see where your money is best spent.

Next is why on this board and all the other ones does everybody always compare their boats to North River?

Look at the warranties. If I'm not mistaken NR was the first to offer a lifetime hull warranty and they are the only one that I know of that gives you a paint warranty. That says a lot and that’s part of why (and this is from the newspaper) North River is the #1 selling welded aluminum boat in Oregon, Washington and California.

You guys don’t have to like them but don’t make things up about them and bad mouth them because it was not the boat for you. People on this board tend to pile on North River and say bad things that are proven to be false or second hand (my friend's brother kind of stuff) before you form an opinion just be sure YOU compare apples to apples not apples to prunes.

Have either of you actually been in a Seahawk running from Ilwaco to Hammond during an ebb tide with the afternnon winds (3-5' wind waves)? I have and I was running comfortably at 25 miles per hour without slamming. Have either of you made the turn from Washougal upriver towards Beacon rock and hit the 4' wind waves that are stacked on top of each other? Again, I have and was able to comfortably run through them.

As a matter of fact, I will stand behind my boat 100%. I will be in Hammond the end of August. If you want to really find out the difference, I will set up a time that we can run together, side by side and then you can ride in my boat. I will guarantee that you will then KNOW the difference. You may not admit it, but at least you will know.

:grin:

[boater]

You guys don’t have to like them but don’t make things up about them and bad mouth them because it was not the boat for you.

who is making anything up ?

[Tagster]

500 pond difrence is mostly for the .250 bottom on the north river, the hewes doesnt need it for hull strength but the northriver does, if they didnt "need" it the thicker bottom would be an option.

Dude, I don't really want to continue the NR/Hewes debate however, I feel compelled to make sure the right info is getting out.

So, if you want to continue this, please post your source for the above quote. Why does NR "need" the additional material?

:smile:

[boater]

Why does NR "need" the additional material?

:smile:

i already told you.

[Tagster]

I understand that you 'told" me and I certainly appreciate your expertise on the subject of NR hulls...I was just wondering if you had an additional verifiable source that backed up your claim that NR boats have to have the .250 hull because they are inherently weaker than Hewes hulls.

:smile:

[hot wire]

Man, this is what I was trying to avoid....

I am soo sorry that the above conversations went sideways...My goal was only to let people know that Hewes is really making great boats and their boats are simularly seaworthy. I'm sure THAT we can agree upon. As far as my comment about many people on this site not liking Hewes as much as NR, well, I guess that will always be debated. But I'm gonna bet THAT if for another thread...I'm sorry I made the comment.
(Reguardless of how right I was)

Tom

[Tagster]

See what you did?

Boats are funny...it is absolutely amazing how blinded people can get by their purchase. It cracks me up that people buy an inferior boat for less money and try to compare it to a more expensive/higher quality product.

There is nothing wrong with any of the mass produced boats out there. They are all great! I am happy to ride in any of them given the right scenario.

Enjoy what you have and don't worry that there are nicer/more capable boats out there. There will always be a better built, more expensive, bigger, faster one somewhere on the horizon!

Now back to the orginal question...knowing as little as I do about the blackhawk (which sounds suspiciously like Seahawk), I would, again, go with the Searunner. it is a fine boat.

Have a great day! I am done! Tag has left the building!

:smile:

[boater]

Boats are funny...it is absolutely amazing how blinded people can get by their purchase.

very true and i`m not one of them.

[Tagster]

Boater, I checked back to some of the other NR vs any other boat discussions and you and I always seem to have these little jabs.

I feel badly that I have turned this guys innocent post into ANOTHER NR vs thread, but I guess I didn't really start it.

I am done getting involved in these as there will never be any other resolution than harsh words and upset people.

I am glad that you are happy with your purchase...you bought it last month, right? Is it everything that you were looking for? I hope so.

I bet your boat is perfect for the waters you fish. If you do get down here and would like to ride in a 24' Seahawk, let me know and I will try to get you out. :smile:

Tag

[WaterDog]

Boats are funny...it is absolutely amazing how blinded people can get by their purchase.

I would completely agree with that statement. :grin:

[Chrome Bumper]

Mate, all American boats not made out of tree trunks or birch bark are crap. The Aussies for instance can make a boat out of beer cans and duct tape that can out perform any yank boat.

Don't <u>even</u> get me started about the polynesians and thier palm trees, the southerners with their tupperware, the inuit with their hides or the norse with their soft woods boards.

[Tagster]

He says "laughingly" as he empties his wallet into Tom's garage!



BTW-did I tell you that your boat is gorgeous!

[WaterDog]

0

[garyk]

Don't even get me started about the polynesians and thier palm trees, the southerners with their tupperware, the inuit with their hides or the norse with their soft woods boards.

Oh, come on! They're all slacker construction!

Let's talk about real ocean-going material - REED!

Thor Heyerdahl didn't need no stinkin' 'luminum

Go Kon-Tiki!

[boater]

Is it everything that you were looking for?

yup, sips gas, good in the chop plus ive already put some fish in it.