Hewes Boats: Your Ultimate Guide for Fishing and Fun
Hewes Boats is a renowned brand in the boating world, offering high-quality fishing vessels with a keen focus on design and durability. Built to withstand the test of time, Hewes boats cater to the needs of anglers and recreational enthusiasts alike. Their range of models, such as the Alaskan and Pacific Explorer, are specifically crafted to deliver top-notch performance in both saltwater and freshwater environments, making them a popular choice for boating aficionados.
Founded by the Hewescraft company, their boats stand out for their world-class construction and time-tested designs. The brand diligently caters to unique situations, presenting specialized boats like the River Runner, which boasts the thick metal and tough welding of ocean-going boats while featuring super-shallow-running inboard jet power. The Evolution, on the other hand, combines the rugged hull of the Ocean Pro with bass and walleye tournament functionality, showcasing Hewes Boats' dedication to flexibility and versatility.
For those seeking a reliable and hardy boat for their fishing and recreational pursuits, Hewes Boats offers a diverse selection that caters to various needs and preferences. With a commitment to quality construction and dependable performance, Hewes Boats has rightfully earned its place in the hearts of boat enthusiasts all over the world.
History and Background
Hewes Boats has a long and storied history as a premier boat builder in the United States. The company's origins can be traced back to the 1950s when Bob Hewes began building wooden boats in Miami, Florida 1. As the industry evolved, Bob transitioned to working with fiberglass in the 1960s and later developed Kevlar hulls 2. Over the years, Hewes Boats earned a reputation for dependability, reliability, and superior performance, particularly in shallow water environments 3.
In the mid-1980s, Bob Hewes sold the boat manufacturing operations to Maverick Boats and the dealership to his son-in-law, Jim Wiborg 2. Around the same time, a company called Hewescraft, unrelated to Bob Hewes' business, was founded by Bob Hewes' friends in Spokane, Washington, after they returned from World War II. They built aluminum fishing boats, inspired by Hewes' boats 4.
In 2017, Bob Hewes Boats celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the family-owned business 5. Today, Hewes Boats continues to be well-regarded in the boating community, with a strong focus on innovation and quality. Hewes Boats serve a diverse group of owners who use their boats for various purposes, such as fishing and recreational activities in different geographical locations across the eastern seaboard and Texas 6.
A few noteworthy aspects of Hewes Boats throughout its history include:
- Transition from wooden to fiberglass and Kevlar hulls 2
- Strong reputation for shallow water performance 3
- Owned and operated by an enterprising family for generations 5
In summary, Hewes Boats' rich history and tradition of boat building enhance the company's position in the U.S. market. The Hewes Boats legacy is deeply rooted in innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a strong commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers.
Footnotes
Popular Boat Models
Redfisher Series
The Redfisher Series from Hewes Boats is well-known for its excellent maneuverability and shallow water performance. These models are designed for inshore fishing and have gained popularity among anglers.
Redfisher 16
The Redfisher 16 is the smallest of the series, offering agility and versatility in both shallow and rough waters. Its compact size allows for easy transportation and storage, making it a popular option for weekend fishermen.
Redfisher 18
The Redfisher 18 is a step up in size, offering more fishing space and increased stability for anglers. This model provides a smooth, comfortable ride without sacrificing performance in shallow waters.
Redfisher 21
When looking for more power and space, the Redfisher 21 is the ideal choice. This model offers an extended range, allowing anglers to venture further offshore while maintaining the shallow water capabilities that the Redfisher series is known for.
Ocean Pro Series
The Ocean Pro series from Hewescraft boasts strong, versatile aluminum boats designed for both saltwater and freshwater fishing adventures. This series is perfect for those looking to tackle big water and challenging conditions.
Ocean Pro
The Ocean Pro model offers superior strength and durability, making it ideal for anglers who require a dependable vessel when facing rough seas. This well-equipped boat is designed for sport fishing enthusiasts, providing a comfortable and safe ride.
Sport Fishing Series
Hewes boats also cater to anglers who enjoy sport fishing, offering models specifically designed for this purpose. These boats have attributes that enable them to excel in both protected waters and open ocean conditions.
Sportsman
The Sportsman model is a versatile aluminum boat, perfect for anglers who enjoy pursuing walleye or trout. Its design allows it to navigate various waterways, from the Great Lakes to meandering rivers.
Pro V
For those in search of a medium-sized sport fishing vessel, the Pro V offers a balanced combination of size and capabilities. Its sturdy construction and reliable performance make it a popular choice among experienced anglers.
The Hewes brand offers a wide variety of boat models, catering to the needs of various anglers. The Redfisher, Ocean Pro, and Sport Fishing series each provide unique features and benefits, ensuring that there is a model to suit every fishing enthusiast's preferences.
Hull Types and Design
Hewes boats are well-known for their quality and performance. One of the key factors contributing to their reputation is the hull types and designs used in their construction. This section will provide an overview of the different boat hull types and designs, focusing on those relevant to Hewes boats.
There are several types of boat hulls, such as flat-bottom hulls, deep-V hulls, modified-V hulls, and catamarans. However, Hewes boats primarily utilize the modified-V hull design in their models, such as the Redfisher 18.
Modified-V hulls are the most common hull type for small boats, offering a combination of stability, speed, and a smooth ride. This type of hull design features a V-shape that gradually flattens towards the stern or the back of the boat. The deadrise angle – the angle between the hull bottom and the horizontal plane – decreases as we move towards the stern.
Some advantages of the modified-V hull design include:
- Improved stability in various water conditions
- Enhanced maneuverability compared to deep-V hulls
- Greater fuel efficiency
- A smoother ride in choppy water due to reduced pounding
Though there are other hull designs like the flat-bottom hulls and deep-V hulls, Hewes boats focus on the modified-V design, which provides an optimal balance of performance and comfort for anglers and boaters.
In addition to the hull design, other features of Hewes boats that contribute to their performance and usability are their construction materials and techniques. Hewes employs world-class construction to ensure durability and longevity for their boats, making them a popular choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Hewes boats effectively utilize the modified-V hull design to provide a superior boating experience for anglers and recreational boaters alike. The use of a high-quality construction process and materials further enhances the reliability and performance of their boats.
Engine and Performance
Hewes boats are well-known for their performance and versatile engine options. These boats can be powered by a variety of outboard motors, accommodating different size engines depending on the model and user preference. One example of a high-performance engine equipped in a Hewes boat is the Yamaha F300XCA, which provides impressive acceleration and speed.
The Yamaha F300XCA boasts a 4.2L V6 outboard engine with a horsepower of 300. This engine particularly excels in its time to plane performance, taking just 3.32 seconds to get the boat onto the plane. Furthermore, it can achieve 0-20 MPH in just 4.58 seconds, providing a quick and efficient performance.
Hewes boats' fuel systems are designed to accommodate both gasoline and outboard-4s propulsion systems. This flexibility allows users to choose from a range of fuel options to suit their needs and preferences. Some higher performance models of Hewes boats may also come with advanced fuel system features and larger engine sizes, offering even more power and efficiency.
In terms of engine size, Hewes boats can support various outboard-4s propulsion systems depending on the specific model. For instance, the Hewes Redfisher 16, as featured in a Salt Water Sportsman article, is designed with walk-around gunwales, providing an optimal fishing platform and can be easily operated with a trolling motor or poled.
Here are some key features of Hewes boats engines and performance:
- A variety of outboard motor options
- Support for both gasoline and outboard-4s propulsion systems
- Engine sizes ranging from smaller trolling motors to high-powered, 300-horsepower engines
- Fast acceleration times, such as 3.32 seconds for time to plane and 4.58 seconds for 0-20 MPH
These performance aspects make Hewes boats a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient vessel, whether used for casual fishing trips or more demanding offshore expeditions.
Boat Types and Uses
Hewes boats are popular across various types of uses and water bodies. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of anglers, they are suitable for both saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. They have achieved considerable success in the fishing industry by producing versatile, comfortable, stable, and smooth-riding boats 1.
Hewes boats offer several types of vessels, including bass boats, flats boats, center console boats, and aluminum fishing boats. Each boat type is designed for specific conditions and fishing preferences.
- Bass Boats: Ideal for freshwater fishing, these boats provide anglers with a platform to chase bass and other species. With their sleek design and powerful engines, they enable quick maneuverability in lakes and rivers.
- Flats Boats: Perfect for shallow water and saltwater fishing, flats boats are designed to access shallow inshore areas. They provide a stable, comfortable platform for catching saltwater species such as redfish, snook, and tarpon.
- Center Console Boats: Known for versatility, center console boats cater to both saltwater and freshwater fishing, as well as day cruising. This boat type offers a remarkable amount of deck space and ample storage for tackle and gear.
- Aluminum Fishing Boats: Durable and lightweight, aluminum fishing boats are popular and suitable for a wide range of fishing activities. Hewescraft boats are made to handle specialized situations and offer a range of unique features and options 2.
While it is essential to choose the right boat type based on the intended usage, Hewes boats are also available on Boat Trader for potential buyers looking to explore comprehensive listings.
In summary, Hewes boats offer a diverse range of boat types to cater to a wide array of fishing preferences, spanning from saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing to sport fishing and specialized conditions. Each boat type is crafted with a perfect balance of performance and stability, ensuring an exceptional experience for anglers.
Footnotes
Boat Size and Dimensions
Hewes boats offer a variety of sizes and dimensions to suit the needs of different boaters. The smallest current boat in their lineup is the Redfisher 16, which is designed to provide a great flats boat experience while being easy to manage. This boat has a length of 16 feet and can be powered by engines ranging from 70 to 115 horsepower, making it suitable for backcountry fishing adventures 1.
When it comes to larger vessels, Hewes also has options such as the Redfisher 18 2. This boat is intended for those who require more space and capabilities for their fishing expeditions. The Redfisher 18 comes with a range of configurations and power levels to accommodate various angling preferences.
Hewescraft, a different but similarly named company, offers a wider range of boat sizes, with some of their models reaching up to 29 feet in length 3. These boats are commonly used in Alaska and are built to handle unique situations with thick metal and tough construction 4.
The average length of Hewescraft boats available for sale on Boat Trader is 20.01 feet 3. This indicates that the company caters to a diverse market, providing options for boaters with different needs and preferences.
When selecting a boat, it is essential to consider factors such as the intended use, available storage space, and the skill level of the captain. Hewes and Hewescraft offer various models with different sizes, dimensions, and power capabilities to ensure that you find the perfect vessel for your unique requirements.
Footnotes
Buying and Selling Hewes Boats
When looking to buy or sell a Hewes boat, it's essential to consider various factors such as dealers, boat models, and pricing. Hewes boats come in different models, including the popular Redfisher series, which can be customized according to your preferences through their official website.
To find a dealer that sells Hewes boats, you can use the dealer locator on their website. This tool helps narrow down your search and get you one step closer to owning a Hewes boat. In addition to the official dealers, Hewes boats can be found on other platforms such as Boat Trader and boats.com, where you can browse through various new and used models.
When looking for a specific Hewes boat model or year, these websites provide filters that allow you to search for boats based on model, location, condition, length, price range, and fuel type. For instance, you can find a 2007 Hewescraft 220 Ocean Pro on Boat Trader.
In terms of pricing, it varies depending on the model, age, and condition of the boat. For example, a 2013 Hewes 16 Redfisher with low hours and a range of features is listed for $42,500. Remember to factor in any add-ons, accessories or maintenance costs when comparing prices to get a better overall understanding of the boat's value.
While selling your Hewes boat, ensure that it is well-maintained and cleaned for potential buyers. Providing accurate and detailed information about the boat's history, features, and maintenance will make it more appealing to prospective buyers. It's also a good idea to compare similar boats on marketplaces to price your boat competitively.
In conclusion, the marine industry offers a variety of channels to buy and sell Hewes boats. From official dealers to online marketplaces, there are numerous options available to find the right boat at the right price. Ensuring you are knowledgeable about the boat models, their features, and pricing trends will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.