NRiver, WeldCraft, Boulton, Hewes ???

[Critr Gitr]

Sold my boat - I'm now looking for a new ride. Going through this stuff is pretty confusing (you should see my spreadsheet). I've narrowed it down to 4 - all 20' w/ gill bracket - 4 stroke power 115hp min. (wish the 130-150hp class Yamis and Hondas weren't so expensive). Looking for a good all around boat for lakes & near coastal ---- if there ever is any such a beast.

North River Seahawk
Weldcraft Maverick
Boulton Seaskiff
Hewes Searunner

I'm also willing to look into other mfg with similar hull designs - I've heard names like like R&B and River Wild but I can't seem to get any info on them.

Comments concerning the good and the bad (what to watch out for) of each are appreciated. (Please no salesmen).

Is there any other? Waterdog :grin:

[fish_on]

I have had my eye on one of these.

[foxer]

This should make for an interesting thread [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]
Hewes has a new model (searunner) with the bracket coming out next month

[Critr Gitr]

[ 10-24-2003, 05:05 PM: Message edited by: Crit'r Git'r ]

[Critr Gitr]

yes it should .... and as I've seen it said before ...

Hewes would have an even more convincing argument if they would drive that boat UP the hill. :shocked:

"That thing got a hemi ?"

[boater]

well, unless your into the new "show-boat" type fishing boats and just want a boat to go fishing in i would buy the hewescraft, you get the most boat for the money.

[Thumper]

Just bought a Boulton. All custom, all the way. Nice boat.

Springers

[TopWater]

I have been looking at boats with these specs. It appears to me that the Alumaweld Formula Vee which has the 18 degree dead rise would belong in this group. The older ones were 19'. It looks like they still make a 21' model.

[jimh]

You might want to take a look at the new Customweld Viper Offshore, too. I've only seen a picture of one at boattrader.com, but it looks like another option.

[Spoiled Daddy]

Team Hewescraft!

SD :grin:

[BrionLutz]

Crit'r,

One thing that was recommended to me (good advice that I didn't follow) is to look at used boats.

You save a bundle which you can put in your pocket or put into more boat.

Brion

[Fish mojo]

link

[ 10-24-2003, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: Fish mojo ]

[HOGGEMIN]

Try a Motion Marine they offer a outboard offshore bracket and a high side version. they might be a little more but you get more boat.

[The Steelheader]

Boater,

Just curious, what do you consider a "show boat?"

Thumper,

Sweet boat, was looking at them earlier this year.

[Thumper]

Had to laugh ... My son (Grasshopper here on Ifish) sells Custom Welds for Doug's Boats, but designed much of the Boulton open boat features for us. :blush:

They are all great boats!!!

[ 10-25-2003, 10:13 AM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

[FishFreak]

I spent the last almost two years looking at the same kind of boat you spec'd. I just went with the HewesCraft Searunner... I couldn't be happier... My $.02 on the used boats is that it's difficult to find one with a 4 stroke and I considered that a must have. since I have been firing up my 90 Yamaha 4 stroke I'm really glad I didn't give in on this spec....it's sooooo quiet and efficient ... a real dream.... Good luck

[Grass Hopper]

Check out the link on the used boats page for the 18' Weldcraft. I can build you a better boat, but it looks like a great deal!

[fishchaser]

I have a friend who owns a NR w/V8 inboard. He couldn't be happier. Takes it out on the big blue all the time. :grin:

I have another friend who owns a Weldcraft w/V8 inboard. He couldn't be happier. Takes it out on the big blue all the time. :smile:

I have another friend who owns a Hewescraft Searunner w/out board He couldn't be happier. Takes to out on the larger rivers and the big blue all the time. :blush:

I have another friend who owns a Alumaweld formula vee w/V8 inboard, He couldn't be happier. Takes it out the big blue all the time. :whazzup:

I don't know anyone with a Bolton boat, but if I did I bet he couldn't be happier. And I bet he would take it out on the big blue too. :blush:

I guess what I'm getting at is, which one do you feel better with. The choice is yours. Everyone loves THIER boat. I have been out it all of the boats, and I like them all. There seems to be more bow height to the Hewes, and the Weldcraft.
You will have to make that choice yourself.

[ 10-25-2003, 10:48 AM: Message edited by: fishchaser ]

[Full Freezer]

Flip a coin or roll the bones! Your probably driving everyone around you batty with the waffling. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] I know i did.

Of course, everyone knows NR is the best. That is if you want to be cool.

Full Freezer

[Thumper]

The good news is that all of these manufacturers make boats that will outlive you and your children.

An example --- my old 1985 flat-bottom Alumaweld, which I ran daily and guided from for several years, then sold to a guide in Alaska who has run it all day, every day for many, many years. It has been through 4 motors, but the boat (though full of dents) just keeps on working hard. 18 years of brutal service.

I fished out of it earlier this month in Alaska, and it runs tough water every single day. Never a leak.

You are gonna love any of these boats.

[ 10-25-2003, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

[Hookset]

Here's how I'd stack your dream list.

1) Boulton , toughest best riding boat on your list.

2) Hewescraft, good ride and value

3) Northriver, beauty is only skin deep, on par with the Hewes except more expensive.

4) Weldcraft, unless they refined their construction in the last 2 years, not worth considering.

Some other boats you may want to consider is Willie's Raptor, ask for options like off-shore bracket. Northwest Jets, it'll cost you more.

My persoanl shopping list in order goes like this.

1) Northwest Jet - may prove to costly for my pocket.

2) Boulton - a good marriage, tough/performance/cost.

3) Willie Raptor - nice quality, solid.

4) Hewescraft - for the budget minded, nice overall value for the money, good riding boats.

Another boat you may want to look at is Koffler, they happen to build one of the strongest boats you'll find anywhere. I've always wondered about Sea Peoples (Wayne Adams) from Gold Beach, nice solid looking boat, anyone have one?

Anyway, the 4 listed above should keep you fishing in style.

best of luck,

Gregg

[Critr Gitr]

Anybody heard anything about Raider Boats - Sea Raider ?
River Wild ?
R&B Boats - Springfield Or

[Tacklebuster]

Hookset- Though your "opinion" states Weldcraft not to be considered. I own one so let me state mine. I have had two times where my welds started to crack but both instances were linked at the factory for not having some sort of brace welded in the right place. It is fixed now at no cost to me and the plant paid for all shipping costs from Portland to Clarkston and back. They also threw in a bunch of upgrades for free for the hassle and gave me 1/2 off dealer costs for the suspension seats.

They make a good boat and stand behind them in my opinion. If they are not "worth considering" than I don't know what is. I don't care what you buy, the potential for something to be wrong is always present. It is how it gets handled that makes the difference.

[ 10-26-2003, 11:53 PM: Message edited by: Tacklebuster ]

[Hanapa'a Time]

CG,
Raider Boats-Don't know much about.
River Wild-Nice looking, the ones I've seen.
RB-I know Jim the owner, builds a good drift boat. His sleds are okay, quality and timliness are a factor.
Look at the Custom Weld, there is a guy from Spfld. running an 18'or 19' with a 115 Merc Salt Water prop and xtra high sides who runs out to the Chicken Ranch quite often. His boat doesn't have the outback bracket.
Custom Weld has a good local dealer.
Can't say as much for the Weldcraft, Boulton and Hewes stealer.

Kurt

[seeseered]

I suggest that you visit all of the manufacturers on your list, see how the boats are built. Looks, are important, but the construction is what matters the most..........

[finclipped]

Service should be a consideration as well. I think all the aluminum boats are pretty much the same, but small things will go wrong. For me it was a leaky fuel line on the merc, a whole in the bilge hose, venting problem, the trailer brakes locking up, and fuel gauge. I think I have had my fair share of problems, although I can't blame any of it on the workmanship of NR. These are all components built by someone else. Everytime I need something done, I don't have to fight with the service crew. They just do it. Thats important to me. Others I know have had a terrible time getting their boats fixed under warranty. If you want the manufacturers/outlet names, email me.

[seeseered]

I suggest that you visit all of the manufacturers on your list, see how the boats are built. Looks, are important, but the construction is what matters the most..........

[ 10-27-2003, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: seeseered ]

[Birdnest]

Crit'r,

The Raider boats are a new line of boats. It was started by a long time Hewescraft guy. I think they are on the same street over in Colville. They are pretty much a carbon copy of the Hewes line except the finishing didn't seem as nice. They are priced about the same as a Hewescraft as well. I suppose the pro would be that you could walk into a dealer and drive off that day vs waiting a couple of months for a new Hewes. Tom-n-Jerry's in Anacortes is where I climbed around a few.

Joe

[The Steelheader]

Fishchaser and Hookset,

Couldn't have said it better!

Good dream list! I have the first one on your list, awesome.

They are all sweet guys, and if you are like me you have spent countless hours looking, touching, and debating over what it is you want. When you make the final decision...... what a release. Good luck in your decision, I'm glad it's not me.

[SOL]

Here's my .02 cents... I own a 18' Hewes Craft Sea Runner and it has its ups and downs like every boat out there. It runs great in the rough seas, the high sides and deep vee give you that extra feeling of safety. Although with those high sides and deep vee comes two problems, when the wind kicks up, it is harder to troll, the high sides catch the wind a lot better. Then the problem with the deep vee is that you always have to have weight distrubited equally on both sides of the boat, as little as 20-30lbs can make the boat run at a slant. A good plus is that I have it equipped with the 115hp Honda and it will push it to 53MPH.

But here's the catch...When I was looking at the Hewes Craft I was also looking at the North River, and if I had to go back and do it again I would have bought the North River. Infact I am doing that and I am looking at buying the 20' Trapper. I know it is a completely different boat from a prop to a pump, to a shallow vee from a deep vee, but that is what I am doing, I believe it to be a more versatile boat...

[rola76]

Love my Weldcraft!!

[cosmo]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hookset:
Here's how I'd stack your dream list.

3) Northriver, beauty is only skin deep, on par with the Hewes except more expensive.

Gregg [/QUOTE


It's pretty obvious you've never been to the factory, possibly cannot read a spec sheet, maybe don't understand materials and have never been in both boats. That's the only way to get to that conclusion.

[id. painter]

The 200 sea runner has an 8 ft. beam also. id. painter

[FishinTechnician]

Haven't heard anyone mention ThorBuilt boats built in Chehalis. Have seen a few on the river here in Cowlitz County. What is the word on them? I understand they don't make many. Looked at one up close and they appear to be well built and probably a little better looking than most other hulls I've seen.

[apparentgenius]

I did quite a bit of comparison shopping and bought a weldcraft. I'm in the tool and die business and know a thing or two about metallurgy and welding. In my opinion the weldcraft had the best looking welds. 5he hewescraft and northrivers that I looked at had voids and filler in their welds...just the kind of spot where a crack likes to start. Also the rolled edges on the sides were a nice sign of quality.

[dlgobeavs]

I have a 20' Boulton and LOVE IT!! One feature you should consider on ANY of the boats you are looking at is going with the high sides. My Seaskiff has 36" sides and the stability and ability to lean against the side without feeling like I might go head first if an unexpected swell hit me... is so crucial. Especially if you are considering Big Blue!

I'd be happy to talk to you more about what I like about Boulton if you are interested. This is my second sled, my first being a 20' Jetcraft... so I've done this looking twice now.

[Hogback]

I have fished out many boats Duckworth, Motion Marine, Fish Rite, and Alumaweld. All that can be said is to fish all the boats you are interested in and then make a decision as to which boat you prefer. I have owned two North River boats and have been very happy with both. I presently own a 24 foot scout with a 225 Yamaha 4 stroke and am very happy with it. My fishing partners own other boats and for just fishing prefer mine over theirs. In all fairness however new always seems better and with an 8 foot beam it is wider than any of the others.
Randy

[Rockchuk]

Thumper your grandson works for Dougs Boats? Is his name Tom?

[Thumper]

Son, not grandson (whew!). Name's Tom, also known by "Grasshopper" here.

[Fin]

I got the opportunity to ride in Thumper's new BOLTON.......S W E E T !!!!

Grasshopper certainly knows how to outfit a boat!!! :smile:

[Thumper]

B-O-U-L-T-O-N. Nice bote. :grin:

[Hookset]

cosmo,

The list I created along with comments is only my opinion, nothing personal. And by the way, I've been a passenger in a Northriver sled powered with a V8 and toured the factory down in Roseburg to view their manufacturing process. Does that count?

I admit I'm no expert and never claimed to be one. I just know what I like and my list reflects that.

When I was activley in the market for a new aluminum sled, I really enjoyed traveling to various factories and reviewing boats under construction. In fact, I recommend everyone serious about buying a new boat do exactly that. You'll certainly rest better at night knowing you made the right decission that fits YOUR needs.

And Tacklebuster, I really meant no offense. It's really terrific your enjoying your Weldcraft and great that the factory is standing behind their boats by providing good warranty repairs and service.

Everyone who owns a boat is a winner no matter what, it certainly adds to the fishing enjoyment, consider yourself enriched from the expereince and pleasures you derive from having a boat you can call your own.

best of luck everyone,

Gregg

[Mrdorkfish]

In my honest opinion i would look at HewesCraft,but look into the same catalog i got from clemens and want to spend more money..Boulton is a hot looking boat(looks just like a Hewescraft) :tongue: The power sourse you choose makes or breaks the vessel you choose. Buy a prop...Go 4 stroke... Honda :grin: You may now purchase your boat. Oh..BTW, These are wonderful words or wisdom.....

Everyone who owns a boat is a winner no matter what, it certainly adds to the fishing enjoyment, consider yourself enriched from the expereince and pleasures you derive from having a boat you can call your own.

best of luck everyone,

Wow..very well said,

MrDorkfish [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Louis

[Critr Gitr]

What experiences has anyone had with Alumaweld ?

[hot wire]

I understand what you are going through. I spent 4 months looking before I decided on my Hewescraft.

A couple of resons and some opinions.

Truthfully, the cost was outstanding. I got the boat, upgraded canvas, 34 gal tank, two HONDA motors-115 and the 8 horse. Both 04 models. Both have controls with power tilt and electric start INSIDE the cabin, a VERY nice tricker trialer with surge brakes. For about $24,000.

There aint know way you can get that price for a North River. They were so arrogant and deceptive on their prices I walked away. I mean a great price on the boat and then, "oh, you want gauges for your motors?" I was totally ****ed...bye bye!

Alumaweld was not much different. Honestly, I liked the quality of the Hewes MUCH better. EVERYTHING was an option too.---rediciulous!

The best way to do what you are doing is to determine EXACTLY what you want and THEN shop @ each boat manufactorer. When your done....you'll end up @ Hewescraft.

The best price and honest sales for me was in Pasco. Northwest Jet Boats was the place. Talk to Dennis. Awesome salesmanship AND prices on Hewescraft!


Tom

[Grass Hopper]

Thanks for the compliment Fin! I am glad you liked it. Well I have been running jets for over 20 years now and guiding for over 16, but I find as a salesman its important to listen to a customer. Find out where he fishes find out what techniques he likes to use. A boondoggin boat and a T-bay boat are different setups. You need to determine where you want to spend most of your time and design your boat for that. You can find a boat that does almost everything yet they are all compromises. The trick is to work with a salesman who cares enough to take the time to explain the difference so you get what you are looking to. If you go in looking for a good deal thats what you get. Fast service. In and out. Sign the check and here you go. But you may not get the right boat for you. Your salesman wont care becuase when you need another one he will make more money. How many people out there have owned more than one Alumaweld. Are you happy about it. After a year of fishing you decide to sell your boat and get one set-up more for the way you fish. Here we go again!!! How many of you are 2-10 time boat owners. Its more important to look at the package set up and layout for your fishery that the hull design itself. They are all good they all last forever!!! So when you decide to buy the ONE BOAT to last a lifetime dont ask whick brand. Just find a salesman who will listen and a boat company willing to do custom layouts for your needs. I got news for you. 99% of all builders dont ever fish. I dont think Mike Boulton even owns a fishing rod. Look at the big picture. DO IT ONCE AND DO IT RIGHT! If anyone has any technical questions I am always glad to help even if I send you down the road to buy from someone else.

[Critr Gitr]

Thanks for everyone's comments .. couldn't pass it up... 2001 20' Boulton Sea Skiff F100 Yamaha 4 stroke w/ 9.9 kicker ... now I can spend all that saved $$ on boat jewelry.......( the name on the side is a product of photo editor)

[jimh]

Congratulations. Nice boat.

[Mrdorkfish]

Very cool boat ! If you look close...and look at the catalog i got...You got a HewesCraft...or I got a Boulton.....just smaller :grin:

MrDorkfish [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Louis

[ 12-18-2003, 10:03 PM: Message edited by: Mrdorkfish ]

[blacktail519]

Well,
If you want my opinion, I would say alumaweld, Because that is what i bought this year, and love it. And I tell ya what partner.... Everybody on here is going to tell you the best boat of them all,is the one that is in there driveway . So go with what you like best. I checked out alot of boats before purchasing my 2002 Intruder. You have to go with what suits your fancy. Good luck partner. Go with your gut..

[Fish Tales]

Crit'r Congratulations on your new boat
Welcome to the small but growing number of Boulton boat owners.
If that's the same boat that was advertised in the Oregonian last month you got a good deal
I also have a Sea Skiff and they live up to their name I've had mine out in Big Blue several times the worst conditions I've been in it so far was out of Garribaldi on a day with 4 ft swells heading west with 5 ft. wind waves heading north with white caps While it was just about impossible to stand up I never felt unsafe we took only spray over the bow It was that day that
I realized what a quality boat they build
Your gonna love it.

[Beerbelly]

Crit'r where did you get the boat at . I would like to go bigger too.

[bulldog]

if you look at all the boats you mention and then look at a custom weld. that is what you will get.