Hewescraft????????

copperhead · 10-04-2005, 07:59 AM

I am looking at a 2000 Hewescraft, 175 sportjet, 19ft Fishrunner. I don't have any experience with Hewescraft and am looking for any input, good or bad.

Thanks in advance

Arima17Ryan · 10-04-2005, 08:45 AM

My $.02. Fit and finish is not as good as some of the well know aluminum manufacturers but still very solid boats. Here's a link to the owners group. Some good info on there.

http://groups.msn.com/HewescraftBoats

FastAction · 10-04-2005, 10:46 AM

A good friend of mine has one.. I think it is a very functional FISHING craft. Zolotone interior.. is what I like, not a fan of the paint inside.. No carptet like the NR's and Lumaweld.. The finish work reflects a fishing boat. Just hose her down when your done. I also like the consoles.. they actually have a dash. They are not the most stylish boats on the water. I would buy one!

boater · 10-04-2005, 10:49 AM

hewescraft has come along ways, i put them in the same class as a northriver or alumaweld.

Arima17Ryan · 10-04-2005, 11:50 AM

boater, I agree that they are making improvements every year and becoming better and better boats but I still wouldn't put them in Northriver territory(and I'm not a Northriver owner so I'm not bias). I was shown a little test once. Go bang on the side of each boat(which I did). When you bang on the gunnel of a Hewescraft there are some rattles and stuff, not a big deal, but there none the less. When I did the same test to a Northriver all I heard was a dull thud. Solid as a rock. I was impressed to say the least. These were both new boats BTW. I have owned a Hewescraft and they are great boats(especially for the money), I just don't think that they are the top rung of the ladder yet. I think it was said best as a great "fishing" boat. Also remember he's asking about a 2000 model which is now five or six years old. It will not be as refined as the Hewescrafts coming off the line today. These are just my humble opinions of course. Take them with a grain of salt.

Tightlines

garyk · 10-04-2005, 11:51 AM

Really, after 5 seasons, the main consideration is how the prior owner used it and maintained it rather than the manufacturer.

I wonder where the boat originated from? At least around these parts the SportJet package is seen far, far less than being rigged with Honda or Yamaha outboards.

Again, that Hewes site mentioned above has lots of great info and owner experiences.

(I have a 2000 Hewes Searunner)

Arima17Ryan · 10-04-2005, 12:05 PM

"Really, after 5 seasons, the main consideration is how the prior owner used it and maintained it rather than the manufacturer."

Well said Garyk

copperhead · 10-04-2005, 12:13 PM

I agree that condition is a major factor in determining value. this boat appears to be in great condition, no dents, finish is bright, good top, very nice trailer. The sport jet and the merc. 9.9 run excellent.

So now comes my other million dollar question. Can anybody give me a ballpark idea of what a boat like this is worth? I know that is a tough question but any help is appreciated.

Thanks Again

Fish-N-Fun · 10-04-2005, 12:44 PM

There is a NADA for boats, consider searching the web.

copperhead · 10-04-2005, 12:49 PM

I did the nada thing and it said $12,145.00. I thought that was kind of low but maybe not. That is why I thought I would throw out the question.

Arima17Ryan · 10-04-2005, 01:24 PM

Remember that NADA value is boat only. You have to add for trailer and motors(the sportjet might be included since it's an inboard but a kicker would be extra).

skunkpatrol · 10-04-2005, 01:36 PM

I just bought a 2000 179 Sea Runner, after looking at and talking to the owners of dozens of Alumawelds, North Rivers, Weldcrafts, Smokercrafts, and pretty much every other aluminum boat out there. And some Arima owners too.

My take: Hewescraft makes a very sea-worthy boat that has some nice features for rougher water use (wide splash well with wave board, deeper vee in the bow than the stern to cut through the chop, taller sides than most boats of similar length, shallow but open bow with scuppers). They also have generally good quality in the their windshield, seats, dash and other welded features, strong top and quality canvas, and decent storage.

What I don't like is that, as others have said, the fit and finish isn't up to the same level as North River and others, but in my opinion it's at least as good or better as Alumawelds of the same model type. Hewescrafts are a bit rustic inside and not as flashy, but do you want to fish in it or go to the movies?

They run a lot less (20% or more) than the NR, MM, and more finished-looking boats, but again, that's labor and paint, etc. that doesn't catch you more fish.

As for price, I paid more than $15K and less than $20. But the 90 hp Honda that came with the boat had a whopping 54 hrs. on it. The boat came with extra seats, electronics, davit, kicker, new anchor & nest, swing-tongue trailer, full canvas etc. etc. and the boat didn't have a scratch.

I could have probably gotten it for a bit less, but it was exactly what I wanted. Now I just need to get it bloody. Hopefully the CG tower and Ghost Hole won't disappoint this weekend.

Good luck!

HVACGuy · 10-04-2005, 02:21 PM

I am a Certified Weld Inspector and have looked at every boat I've come accross from a professional inspection point of view. Hewescraft has gone to the dogs! I was at a boat show last week and was looking over the welding on every boat that was there, they all were consistantly bad.

Take the time to look at any boat you buy. It doesn't take a trained eye to see bad welding. The trouble spots you'll look for are around the transom/deck areas. With the Hewes boats I found incomplete fusion, lack of reinforcement (in fact I found them to be concave), undersized for application and cratered at every single bead crown. If you see cratering look for more, what will happen is that the weld will fatigue (which is normal)but with cratering, cracks will skip from crater to crater like a zipper causing catistophic failure. Aluminum is particularly succeptible to this phenominon due to it's inherent rigidity. Boat transoms are no place for small cratered welds...

If you think about it, take pictures of any suspect welds that you find on a boat you want and post them here, someone will be able to tell you if it looks good/acceptable or not...

Be Careful with your money!

HVACGuy

garyk · 10-04-2005, 04:04 PM

HVAC said -

Quote:

I was at a boat show last week and was looking over the welding on every boat that was there, they all were consistantly bad.

I assume you mean all the Hewes? Or, do you mean EVERY boat at the show?

Your input on identifying bad welds is appreciated!

timinthegorge · 10-04-2005, 06:05 PM

Enquiring minds Do want to know! Thanks garyk. Just Hewe's, or Every boat at the show? And thanks for sharing your expertise... What I know about welding aluminum, you could put in a thimble.

skunkpatrol · 10-05-2005, 07:51 AM

Of course I'm prejudiced because I own one, but does anyone really think a company that's been in the boat business for decades would risk "catastrophic failure" of every weld on every boat they build?

And I wonder why Hewescraft is the most popular aluminum boat of its kind in Alaska? Must be because the conditions up there are so forgiving, and because people just don't care about safety and quality equipment.

Me thinks I hear an axe grinding somewhere in the distance...

HVACGuy · 10-05-2005, 09:12 AM

I looked at every boat at the show, but Hewes boats were the only ones with real issues in really bad locations...By far the best welds I found was were on the Weldcraft boats. Even the NW Jetboats weren't as nice.

One thing that needs to be declared is that every day is different at a factory and every welder is different...the thing that worried me is that these boats got out of the factory like this.

Most of the critical welds on a boat, with extruded intersections, are hidden under the flooring. I didn't tear up any flooring but I can say that if I were buying a boat, I would! Also the location of these welds is in your face obvious and I would think that if these could make it out with QA approval, I'd hate to see whats under the floorboards.

I was looking at the hewes boats for a reason. I'm on the market for a boat. I went to the show to buy a hewescraft boat. The boats I looked at last year didn't have welding problems so I was shocked to see how far down their Quality had gone.

Anyone in the Tri-Cities area looking for a boat, I'd be happy to go along for an inspection. Anyone that wants to see the welds I'm talking about is welcome to go with me to NW Marine & Sport and look directly at these boats, I'm sure they're still there...One of them actually had a hole in the starboard transom weld that would certainly have leaked on day one of operations.

Nothing against Hewescraft as I know for a fact that this is a recent problem. They just need to keep with the crowd and watch what goes out the door. I've also seen Willie boats take a quality crap before, but I still bought a willie drift boat after inspection...

HVACGuy

snit · 10-05-2005, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Of course I'm prejudiced because I own one, but does anyone really think a company that's been in the boat business for decades would risk "catastrophic failure" of every weld on every boat they build?

And I wonder why Hewescraft is the most popular aluminum boat of its kind in Alaska? Must be because the conditions up there are so forgiving, and because people just don't care about safety and quality equipment.

Me thinks I hear an axe grinding somewhere in the distance...

Most popular in Alaska? New to me. Where'd ya get that info?

IMO, they're a nice, decent boat company that puts out an adequate product. There's definately lots of them around too! They don't "do" alot for me, but it's just aesthetics for me.

FYI, I bought a '99, 20' Intruder with SJ and 9.9 merc in excellent condition not quite 2 years ago for $18K. I sold it this summer for $17K and I kept the kicker. Do a search on SJ's and you'll get lots of opinions.

RiverMan · 10-05-2005, 08:38 PM

I bought a 19' Raider this past spring after looking at Hewes Craft. I took measurements in the floor of both boats from front to back and left to right. I compared wall thickness, floor thickness, and talked to the the owner's and builders as much as possible. I didn't look at the Alumaweld boats although I wish I had now. I checked with North River and they were out of my price range...wanted to keep it in the low 20's. The Raider I have was built by a guy that worked for Hewes for a number of years. I found the Hewes and Raider to both be the "economy" version of lightly welded boats and nearly identical.

I ultimately went with the boat I did because the builder told me that the floors of the Raider were built considerably heavier. I also didn't like what Hewes did with the back battery compartment, it was flimsy. I did like the dash of the Hewes tho and some other small features like welded in cup holders, etc. I also liked the fact that the Raider came with a Suzuki motor.....I'm a fan of Suzuki's. I would agree with what was said about welds, I have noticed areas with poor welding on my boat and the Hewes. That being said tho, my boat does have a lifetime hull warranty for the original owner.

I would say if you like the boat and feel the price is right then go for it. Keep in mind that most all of us way "over-boat" ourselves. If you go out on the Columbia now all you see is heavy welded jet boats. These boats were originally made for the salmon river, Hells Canyon, and similar places with huge current, giant boulders, and a very real chance of hitting something hard!! Most of those buying heavy welded boats today could just as well be using something way lighter. If you don't believe it, take a look at the bottom of your average heavy welded boat, it will look like new!! Then take a look at the bottom of a guides boat on Hells Canyon, dents everywhere!! These boats are made to take abuse and if you aren't going to use it in shallow water and heavy current then why tow the extra 2,000 pounds everywhere and pay the additional fuel costs? Unless you plan on running heavy white-water, the Hewes you are describing will last all of your life and beyond easily.

Regards,

RM

copperhead · 10-06-2005, 03:27 PM

Thanks for all the input

I bought the boat and now I have another problem. Two boats and the wife says one must go.

I also have a 2000 Harbercraft, 20ft, 175 sportjet that I bought a few months ago.
I think I will put them both up for sale, and when one sells I will keep the other one. So if you know anyone in the market tell them to keep their eyes open for post on the boats for sale side

Arima17Ryan · 10-06-2005, 04:40 PM

Why did you buy ANOTHER jet boat when you had just bought one? Did you not like the Harborcraft? Curious minds want to know...

:smile:

cody · 10-06-2005, 06:55 PM

They are cheaper sleds and they use a lower gauge aluminum than their competitors. Definately not North River or Alumaweld quality. If you want a real boat get a Duckworth. I had a friend who owned a Hewes and he couldn't wait to trade it in for a number of reasons. CODY

RiverMan · 10-06-2005, 07:10 PM

Actually Alumaweld is considered by most builders to be the "economy light guage boat". Check out the aluminum specs for an Alumaweld...they are light boats. I do think Alumaweld puts some good thought into how to build their boats tho and they try to make them fisherman friendly.

RM

Leader shy · 10-06-2005, 07:14 PM

I own a Hewes, and for me it's an all around great boat. I have ran shallow rivers, pulled skiers, and fished for kokes at the local lake. I don't need a whole lot of flash to get the job done. It's a good solid boat. I have heard good and bad about alot of boats , I'm not trying to sell you a Hewes, all I'm saying is mine is fine.

copperhead · 10-07-2005, 01:14 PM

Why did I buy another boat? I like to buy and sell. Sometimes I even can make a buck or two. I thought the price was right on both the Harbercraft and the Hewes. I don't care which one I sell, heck I might even sell both then I can start shopping again.

bigs · 10-07-2005, 05:22 PM

all i can say is personal preference. we all would like to think we own the best made boat. if you like hewes and are satisfied with its specs or how it performs thats all that matters. good luck fishing. bigs 2272 sea raider

BONES · 10-07-2005, 05:57 PM

I have a Hewes River Runner with a 175 sj. It is in my opinion a very very strong and capable boat.

And, by the way I had it in to a local Alumaweld dealer for some maintenance and a guy that works there told me the Hewes are actually made stronger than the Alumawelds. According to him the Hewes boats have more bracing and stringers than the Alumawelds. Just a thought.

I would own any of the major makers though. I think with the competition that all the boats are pretty good.