I have an 20-ft Hewes Searunner with 130 Honda and 9.9 kicker.. This boat has done everything I've wanted it to do and more. I can pull multiple kids on multiple tubes, springer fish, lake fish, Buoy 10 fish and have had it out in the ocean on good days dozens of times for bottom fish and salmon fishing. I've had it offshore more than 10 miles and have felt very comfortable in it as have my various crews. Sure.. I wish the 130 was a 150 or 175 but it has gotten the job done. The 130 is a heavy motor and the newer 135's are lighter but either one sips fuel. The searunner is awesome for getting out in the ocean. I think the pro-V would limit some more ocean days. Just giving you my thoughts..

 

W
Can you be specific on that the limitations are on the pro v that the sea runner would do better at sea? I've only heard general statements like it would have the chops better. Just exactly how? Not haven't been in that situation before I don't know that the actual real world differences are.

 

I have a 20' ProV with 115 and 9.9 Hondas. Plenty of power, with three guys, two that are fairly big and gear, I can easily top out around 36mph. Used mostly in lakes, the Columbia and Tillamook Bay.

Haven't pulled anyone behind it yet but I don't think it will be an issue. I considered the 18ft ProV but chose the 20 for the extra room. If you can fit it in the budget, always go bigger. I don't think you could comfortably fit 6 in the boat.

I've never had anything other than an aluminum so I can't compare but I've been very happy with my Hewes. Good luck, lots of good options out there.

 

Need some boat advice and options. Any advice is appreciated. At the moment, my pipe dreams are of a Hewescreaft Pro V 180 with at least 150 hp, and 9hp kicker, electric trolling motor for bass fishing, soft top. I wish it would be in the $40k range, but seems like anything I look like this is in the $60k range.

Here's a quick summary:

• I'm a long time fisherman/hunter who hasn't been able to justify spending serious money on himself vs his family (of 5 kids), am an now wanting to buy a ski and fish type of boat. I don't have much boat ownership experience.
• The trackers and lunds type just seems too small for a family day on the lake. Maybe it's not a big deal since I'm not trying to go top speed??
• I'm 70% convinced I want aluminum vs fiberglass (think...the Tahoes type have been interesting, but not sure if I can mount
• I live in Northern CA and will primarily do lakes, some delta, and the occasional trip to the coast
• I would like to do rock fish, crab pots, troll for salmon, halibut, etc. so inshore, bay, and possibly a little offshore if the weather forecast looks good. I don't think I will be chasing Tuna myself. I would like to troll, down rigger, etc, and also bass fish on lakes

Can you further advise on Hewescraft or any alternative? For example, what I can expect to NOT do with a Pro V.

In my opinion, buy a 21' boat. It does not matter the brand as much as the size of the vessel. I agree 100 percent aluminum boat is right for you. You will not be able to take a 18' boat into the ocean when it's questionable weather. The line of getting yourself out of a rough situation is just too thin. A deeper sided boat with an offshore bracket in a 21' length will handle anything you need to comfortable fish in. If the weather/water is rougher and maybe a bigger boat is better, for me I'm simply not going.

 

Pro v looks like a decent boat but I'd step up to the 20. 18 foot is a pretty small boat unless you're only going to fish 2 people all the time.

 

I have a 20 ProV ET with 150 Yami. I’ve been very pleased with it. Lots of deck space for fishing and recreation. We considered the 18 ET but it felt like it had no deck space compared to the 20 ET.

 

If you might do saltwater, eliminate the aluminum boats. They corrode with natural reaction of salt/aluminum. Do consider a cuddy cabin or walkaround fiberglass that has the capability of a bathroom. It doesn’t have to be much over 20. Do consider buying used. There are lots of used boats that are in great shape because most people only use a boat a few hours per year. You can onlly use as much money as you pay.

 

Your kidding about the aluminum boats in saltwater right? Have you looked offshore in the PNW at what kind of boats they are? ALUMINUM……

 

Just sold my Tracker 175 Pro Guide V fish/ski. Great boat did everything i wanted even the ocean on certain days. Tracker has a larger version of mine that will fit your family. My buddy has this model and we've had 6 people, crab pots and it handled it fine. I upgraded to a Raider hardtop if you haven't checked out Raider, do, you wont be disappointed.

 

I have a '96 Sea Runner that has run a lot of seas. A 90 hp Honda provides adequate power, but the 115 Evinrude (that I burned up) was better. For serious salt, you may want 20' plus of glass. For occasional salt, you can do a lot with18' aluminum. Corrosion has not yet been a problem for me.

 

Have had many boats, got a 20 foot Pro V last year. Love the room and extra storage. If your going to have more than three in the boat, an 18 will get crowded. Hewescraft has a nice seat/stand that you can fit through the windshield and Bass fish. No pedestal mount needed. I have the Honda 150 with a 9.9 for a kicker. Depending on the load I can get 40 to 43 mph out of her but usually run about 35. It is just nice to know I have power to spare if needed. Take care of your boat and I don't believe corrosion will be an issue. Occasional use in the salt with a good flush and you should be fine. I spend about half my trips in the salt. I crab, fish, and pull the kids around and so far it has not disappointed me.

 

Sounds like you'll spend way more time in the lakes than the salt... therefor I would recommend a lake boat. A fish/ski, like the tracker mentioned, will probably be better than a Hewes. I had a fish/ski in the Midwest before moving out here... and it was barely comfortable enough for a family day pleasure boating. Plus, I would hate largemouth bass fishing out of a deep V.... absolutely hate it. There is a reason the big expensive bass boats are designed a certain way. You can go out in the salt on nice days in a 12' john boat.... so any fish/ski around 20' will be plenty big.

If your priorities change, and you start spending more time in the salt or trolling for salmon, then you would want something different. I'm not sure about others on this board, but I did A LOT of bass fishing in the Midwest, so have an idea of what you might be looking for. I would steer you toward a Lund Tyee. Still a V boat, but much more functional on lakes than a Hewes or other West-Coast aluminum boat designed for Salmon.

 

Sounds like you'll spend way more time in the lakes than the salt... therefor I would recommend a lake boat. A fish/ski, like the tracker mentioned, will probably be better than a Hewes. I had a fish/ski in the Midwest before moving out here... and it was barely comfortable enough for a family day pleasure boating. Plus, I would hate largemouth bass fishing out of a deep V.... absolutely hate it. There is a reason the big expensive bass boats are designed a certain way. You can go out in the salt on nice days in a 12' john boat.... so any fish/ski around 20' will be plenty big.

If your priorities change, and you start spending more time in the salt or trolling for salmon, then you would want something different. I'm not sure about others on this board, but I did A LOT of bass fishing in the Midwest, so have an idea of what you might be looking for. I would steer you toward a Lund Tyee. Still a V boat, but much more functional on lakes than a Hewes or other West-Coast aluminum boat designed for Salmon.

Why do you hate bass fishing out of a deep V style boat?

 

I have the 20 Pro v with standard splash well. We usually fish 2 to 4 people, but have had 5 or 6 a couple times. I generally tell guests to leave their stuff home, except rain gear if necessary, and lunch and beverages. That way you don't have 3 or 4 extra tackle boxes and rods laying around in your way. The nice thing about the Pro-V is that the windshield is way forward compared to other boats which gives you more usable space in the boat. When the top is off which is most of the time, we refer to the back of the boat as, the dance floor. The Pro-V is considered a big lake boat with the bottom towards the back being pretty flat with not much of a v, which will give you a rougher ride when the water gets a little sporting. We fish in it every year in Nehalem bay in Sept. and some times go out in the ocean under good conditions. We have the 135 Honda with 8 hp kicker. I can pull tubes out of the water with 350 pounds of kids no problem. Our boat is a 2007, we bought it in 2012,and have had very minimal problems, mostly just normal ware. The Ocean Pro and Sea runner have a stronger V hull towards the rear of the boat for a smother ride in rough water. The sea runner has the windshield moved forward like the Pro- V.

I do keep an eye on Graigs list. If I found the right 21 NR with ET I might jump, but until the right deal comes around, we are very happy with the Pro-V. We put around 100 hours on the main each year and 600??? on the kicker. Mostly on the Columbia and willy.

 

Bought a Hewescraft sportsman 200 back in April with a 115 and 9.9. Have been fishing in the Columbia/Willamette a bunch, lakes, crabbing in the bays and have even slid out on the ocean in it. I've Fished 4 big adults with a couple kids and we had plenty of room. The boat has been awesome. I'd recommend a sportsman if you want it for lakes and family etc.

 

Love the thread. I'm currently eyeballing the Hewes 190 SeaRunner HT.
It's our future boat. When we'll pull the trigger, that's still TBD (hopefully will pull the trigger in the next 6-12 months). Not sure about the boating market right now as I am unsure of the current pricing situations. It seems a little too hot to get my hopes up too much right now.

I sold my 2017 Hewes 180 Sportsman in March 2020 when the lockdown started thinking the market was going to take a huge dump.... Probably should have waited 1-2 months..... Regardless, I didn't lose too much on that sale. But, I didn't think the boating market was going to do what it has (and continues) to do. Looks like I'll have to keep "couch fishing" for a little bit longer...

 

That 17 foot tracker looks like a toy compared to the 20 Hews, you could set that 17.5 footer inside the Pro- V and still have room to fish. yes it has lots of nice features, but you put 4-6 people in it and you will be full. If your catching salmon, there tends to be lots of blood. No carpeting on the floor please. The Tracker looks like it would be nice for lake fishing for 2 to 4 people but you won't have much room to get up and walk around.

 

Make sure the seats you put in or it comes with are super comfortable. It's amazing how some can really be hard on your back they have so little give and recline. A comfortable seat can really make a long day on the water easier. A subpar boat seat can really wear you down. You feel it when you get home.

 

My standard response to these threads....

Folks obsess about hull design and manufacturer but overlook the 'rigging' of the boat. So much of your enjoyments (or frustrations) will be the result of how professionally the boat is rigged (or not). There can be very big variations in how the same boat is rigged and outfitted depending on who does it. I suggest searching this forum, Salty Dogs and Motor Tech forum for threads about rigging.

 

Need some boat advice and options. Any advice is appreciated. At the moment, my pipe dreams are of a Hewescreaft Pro V 180 with at least 150 hp, and 9hp kicker, electric trolling motor for bass fishing, soft top. I wish it would be in the $40k range, but seems like anything I look like this is in the $60k range.

Here's a quick summary:

• I'm a long time fisherman/hunter who hasn't been able to justify spending serious money on himself vs his family (of 5 kids), am an now wanting to buy a ski and fish type of boat. I don't have much boat ownership experience.
• The trackers and lunds type just seems too small for a family day on the lake. Maybe it's not a big deal since I'm not trying to go top speed??
• I'm 70% convinced I want aluminum vs fiberglass (think...the Tahoes type have been interesting, but not sure if I can mount
• I live in Northern CA and will primarily do lakes, some delta, and the occasional trip to the coast
• I would like to do rock fish, crab pots, troll for salmon, halibut, etc. so inshore, bay, and possibly a little offshore if the weather forecast looks good. I don't think I will be chasing Tuna myself. I would like to troll, down rigger, etc, and also bass fish on lakes

Can you further advise on Hewescraft or any alternative? For example, what I can expect to NOT do with a Pro V.

Its your dream. Do what makes you happy. Convince me otherwise.

 

I was stuck on the Hewes band wagon to. Until I went and looked at Thunder Jets.

 

Going to a dealer the weekend of 7/10 to kick those tires too.

 

Aluminum is fine for the salt. Just wash down after, With 5 kids, 18’ is way to small. I have a 21’ Jetcraft. 1991, and has fished SF Bay, the ocean, the delta and lakes. Would fit 7 tightly. A 20’ outboard, would have about the same deck space as my inboard jet. Most all the major aluminum boat brands would be fine. They are all well built, just some better than others, but you pay for that. Look at the layout, and take a couple rides first. You may want to look at used boats for a $40k price. The aluminum boats keep their value and if taken care of last a very long time. Motor would be my limiting point on a used boat. How long is it expected to last before repower is required.

 

Couple different buddies have a 18v with offshore bracket and 115hp and another has the 20v with no bracket and a 90hp. With 5 kids there is no way I would go for an 18’ boat. No comparison in room. I’ve been in the ocean on both boats and it’s a bit nerve racking crossing the bar with a 90hp.

If you can swing it purchased a used 21/22’ boat with offshore bracket. I don’t think you will find a new boat at 40k but you can find used ones. There was a 21’ NR Seahawk on CL last week for approx 43k. North Rivers, Hewes, Alumawelds are all descent production boats.

 

Need some boat advice and options. Any advice is appreciated. At the moment, my pipe dreams are of a Hewescreaft Pro V 180 with at least 150 hp, and 9hp kicker, electric trolling motor for bass fishing, soft top. I wish it would be in the $40k range, but seems like anything I look like this is in the $60k range.

Here's a quick summary:

• I'm a long time fisherman/hunter who hasn't been able to justify spending serious money on himself vs his family (of 5 kids), am an now wanting to buy a ski and fish type of boat. I don't have much boat ownership experience.
• The trackers and lunds type just seems too small for a family day on the lake. Maybe it's not a big deal since I'm not trying to go top speed??
• I'm 70% convinced I want aluminum vs fiberglass (think...the Tahoes type have been interesting, but not sure if I can mount
• I live in Northern CA and will primarily do lakes, some delta, and the occasional trip to the coast
• I would like to do rock fish, crab pots, troll for salmon, halibut, etc. so inshore, bay, and possibly a little offshore if the weather forecast looks good. I don't think I will be chasing Tuna myself. I would like to troll, down rigger, etc, and also bass fish on lakes

Can you further advise on Hewescraft or any alternative? For example, what I can expect to NOT do with a Pro V.

Go get yourself one! Run dont walk!

 

Lots of good heavy gauge options out there- Hewes, Alumaweld, North River, Thunderjet, etc.

And at the same time, not a lot of options out there at the moment.

Construction on all the major brands is substantially the same. I recommend trying to see and get quotes on as many of the most popular brands and see what resonates the most with you. It’s hard to go wrong if you keep in the the top tier of the category.

 

Take a look at Raider too! Their new boats are on par with the other quality brands out there.

 

https://www.boultonpowerboats.com/

You're welcome

 

My son has 18 ft proV with ET 115 Honda.
Really nice boat. After riding in his I bought a 22ft
Seahawk ET 225 Honda. Only complaint with sons boat is rough ride in chop. Big chop in SF Bay the is ok because you have to slow down anyway. But smaller 1 to 2 ft chop on plane is bone jarring for this old guy. Both boats feel stable in SFBAY. The shallow draft of the proV blows around a lot. The deeper V of my Seahawk seems to not blow around as much. Not the same as a deep glass boat but better than the proV. We do fish 4 adults in the proV with no issues. My Seahawk is definitely more room.
Go as big as $$ can go!