Rookie Fisherman

2 hours ago, mw243 said:

Thanks for the Info. It is a lot easier shopping on the west coast for this style boat. The top is different on the thunder jet, but the high bow, reverse chine and dead rise are details to consider.

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Yup like I said ...a little goofy looking but I think completely functional.

They do make a soft top version (more normal looking) as well its 5K less but then you have to spend about $2500 to get the radar arch & rocket launcher setup. 

14 minutes ago, mw243 said:

What dealers are you dealing with out west and do they ship?

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Actually talking with a few dealers. Between Oregon & Washington there are dozens of dealers that sell these style boats. So in a couple hours drive from Portland airport in almost any direction there are many dealers.

There are some closer to home but no body has any real inventory selection to look at. First step is to look at them figure out which boat I like the best then shop that make/model. I do like the TJ but haven't seen in person yet.

Any of them can arrange shipment. I did a Mock bid for shipment on U-ship for a 22 Hewes from Portland OR to Saratoga NY. Lowest bid was $2800 before I pulled it down.  

On September 15, 2017 at 0:11 PM, RodBuster said:

This topic is of interest because I was in the exact same frame of mind as you are. So, two years ago I went to Portland Oregon and went to about 8 or 9 different dealerships. I actually test drove a Thunderjet Luxor and a 22 ft Ocean Pro.  The problem with testing out there is it is on a river which is pretty calm.  I believe the Thunderjet is much nicer with respect to fit and finish. I liked the OP too but it wasn't finished as well.

I really liked  the Duckworths and also the Alumawelds. The Kingfisher and the Raider are the least well appointed with respect to fit and finish.  I ended up buying a like new Parker 232 SL, from a person in western PA. It saved me about $30k. It is a wide open platform. the sides are a little low so I used my traxstech to raise it up. it is heavy also, and a little less convenient to haul around, but it is still definitely a go anywhere boat.  I also was aboard a Steigercraft in Maryland and I don't think it is on par with the Parker.....

 

I would like to know what you end up getting, so keep us posted.

 

PS. I still have a hankering for the Thunderjet, and maybe someday???

I am taking a hard look at the ThunderJet after reading your post. Looking at the Alexis 22 Off shore though not the Luxor.

For a 22' the specs are great. Variable deadrise with 18° at transom,  8'6" Beam with 84" Bottom. 40" side walls, upswept bow. If you have one built the options are endless plus they will customize for you (for a fee of course). The welding work looks as good as anything I have seen.

The hard top version is a little goofy looking in my opinion but I am sure I can get past that for function.

Flying out west Oct 24th to look at this and a couple other boats ill report back when I get home.

10 minutes ago, rookie fisherman said:

 

Any chance you have the clamp pulleys as well?

His rigs work period! On slow Brown trout days this past spring we would venture out into Lake Trout waters and had some 40+ fish days

2 hours ago, RodBuster said:

This topic is of interest because I was in the exact same frame of mind as you are. So, two years ago I went to Portland Oregon and went to about 8 or 9 different dealerships. I actually test drove a Thunderjet Luxor and a 22 ft Ocean Pro.  The problem with testing out there is it is on a river which is pretty calm.  I believe the Thunderjet is much nicer with respect to fit and finish. I liked the OP too but it wasn't finished as well.

I really liked  the Duckworths and also the Alumawelds. The Kingfisher and the Raider are the least well appointed with respect to fit and finish.  I ended up buying a like new Parker 232 SL, from a person in western PA. It saved me about $30k. It is a wide open platform. the sides are a little low so I used my traxstech to raise it up. it is heavy also, and a little less convenient to haul around, but it is still definitely a go anywhere boat.  I also was aboard a Steigercraft in Maryland and I don't think it is on par with the Parker.....

 

I would like to know what you end up getting, so keep us posted.

 

PS. I still have a hankering for the Thunderjet, and maybe someday???

The Thunder Jet Alexis 22 could be contender! Wide deep boat 18 degrees bottom at transom w/reverse chine. I will have to do little more looking at these . 

49 minutes ago, RodBuster said:

This topic is of interest because I was in the exact same frame of mind as you are. So, two years ago I went to Portland Oregon and went to about 8 or 9 different dealerships. I actually test drove a Thunderjet Luxor and a 22 ft Ocean Pro.  The problem with testing out there is it is on a river which is pretty calm.  I believe the Thunderjet is much nicer with respect to fit and finish. I liked the OP too but it wasn't finished as well.

I really liked  the Duckworths and also the Alumawelds. The Kingfisher and the Raider are the least well appointed with respect to fit and finish.  I ended up buying a like new Parker 232 SL, from a person in western PA. It saved me about $30k. It is a wide open platform. the sides are a little low so I used my traxstech to raise it up. it is heavy also, and a little less convenient to haul around, but it is still definitely a go anywhere boat.  I also was aboard a Steigercraft in Maryland and I don't think it is on par with the Parker.....

 

I would like to know what you end up getting, so keep us posted.

 

PS. I still have a hankering for the Thunderjet, and maybe someday???

The parker is certainly a sweet boat! Sounds like you got a great deal as well. Love to see a pic of how you set up the back.

There is a guide over in Mexico (Irish Knots) with a 25 parker. I drool a little bit every time I see him on the water.

I am also considering going out to Portland as its the best area to see a lot of these aluminum boats. I have a ton of Southwest points so the flight is free, unless I buy a boat while I am there

I am fishing out of a 18' Tracker Targa so which ever way I go will be an upgrade. Although the Tracker has been great I just want a little bigger and more room at the back of the boat. 

11 minutes ago, MCF said:

Just a question, have you looked at the American Angler series by Smokercraft?-they are their west coast line.

Not in person. I have had a couple of Smokers in the past. The 222 Offshore is only a 94" beam. Not sure what the bottom width of the hull is compared to the Hewes. Certainly this boat would be less money and leave more for electronics etc but I don't believe its on the same level either.

I have an 18' boat now with a 8'6" beam. Really didn't want to go narrower.

Would be interested to know if anyone has one or any experience with one.

Thx

8 hours ago, mw243 said:

Three group 31 batteries, plus minnkota second alternator, plus on board three bank charger, plus bow mount motor were certainly contributing. If all the weight was set in the rear it would be a significant change. In my opinion the 240 op is going to be more nose heavy than the 220 or any of the sea runners simply due to the longer moment arm to the single outboard. No matter how far back you trimmed the bow would not rise enough to clear waves. Have run similar heavy hull welded aluminum in salt water and never had as much of a concern. The ride is rough, but if you prefer it over a parker or steigerctaft, go for it. It all depends who you talk to and what conditions they fish...one man's rough seas is another's walleye chop. Make sure you test drive in a heavy blow before buying is my advice. Also, may want to check the welds of a model with ten plus years on the great Lakes with a dye penetrant examination, for possible signs of stress crack formation. Of course that would be under warranty but it's a long way to Washington for a repair.

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What you are saying regarding the weight makes sense to me. If I go with a 220 OP it will be new or late model used (if i can find the right one). I really like the Steigers & Parkers. The factors for me are tow-ability, lay out (have to go a bit bigger in the glass boat to get the same room) and of course cost. I appreciate all of the feedback and information. So what are you running now?

Thx    

24 minutes ago, twinmotors said:

Too bad you weren't in Olcott last weekend... Lake Erie marine sells them and took a demo up for salmon... Could have tried one out!

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That would have been great. Although I was in CT at a wedding anyway....Oh well.

MW243

First, Thank you for the feedback

I assume that the boat in the pictures above was yours? Do you think the 3 large batteries in the bow contributed to the problem you experienced? If they were group 31 between the battery weight and the trolling motor had to be close to 250-260 pounds.

"Other owners describe them as submarining in the great Lakes and recommend the hard top for that reason"

Can you elaborate as I have spoke with a couple other owners now and have not heard this before..  

Are you saying its a known issue? Makes me re-think my choice.

Unfortunately there is no where on Lake Ontario that I can go run one. 

I have looked at (online) the other West Coast boats you mentioned as well as Kingfisher. Simply like the layout of these style boats.

Really want to stay with an Aluminum boat as it will be towed a lot. If I went glass I think Parker or Steiger would be what I would look at first. I almost pulled the trigger on a used 2359 Trophy because it was a steal, just didn't love the layout.  

Thx         

Hey Esox

Maybe that was supposed to be an emoji?

25 minutes ago, Bullet said:

I went to Cook's Inlet Alaska to look at them. My boat is a 1999 but is still solid in every way. I added Raymarine MFD's and autopilot. It tracks perfectly. I didn't choose to fish 7 footers but went out in 3-5 that swelled. Point is I didn't have any difficulty getting home safely. I had a Tracker and Lund boat previously. They don't compare.


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Thank you for the feedback. Very much appreciated! 

I have a Tracker now and its been a good boat but want a little bigger boat and more room to fish at the back. The Hewescraft layout is perfect for what I am looking for.

I am tossed between the rigid framed soft top ant the full hard top. The soft top provides better rod storage in the  gunwales, the hard top has storage there as well but not as much for rods. Really need to go where I can see side by side.

Thx again 

15 minutes ago, starweld20 said:

.

I fallow what your saying. I'd have never believed it had I not seen it myself. My friend is and engineer and he did some math I guess and it worked out to be like a 500 lb difference based on the center of the boat and how far th batteries were from that point. Do I think they are a good boat. Yes. Would I but one setup differently. Prob so. Do I think there are other options that provide the same or better performance for less money. Yes I also believe that. He hasn't decided yet. But I think he's leaning toward going back to a Starcraft. This time either a 196 or 210 fishmaster


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Thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated!

1 hour ago, Bullet said:

I have the soft top. I'm the second owner. My boat was used in the Florida keys and Lake O only. I have fished in 7 footers with it and never have had any issues with it is handling rough water. All my friend including two charter captains want to buy it, if I ever sell it. Customer service at Hewes is second to nobody! You always get a person not an answering machine or deal direct through emails.


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Fished in 7 footers...You got bigger balls then me

Have heard nothing but great things about customer service at Hewes.

Probably going to fly out to Portland next month as its really the best place to see the different models & variations, plus its a cool city. 

I'l love to see how you have the back set up if you have any pics?

16 minutes ago, starweld20 said:

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Hey thank for the pics. Just cant see that boat taking waves over the bow in 1-3's. With the ET its almost 26' of hull. Maybe the added weight of 3 batteries was just enough. What boat did your buddy end up going to?

2 minutes ago, starweld20 said:

His was also a 240 not a 220. Sorry for the size mistake.


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Hey thanks for the reply Starweld

He had a 240 with a electric trolling motor? Big boat for a bow mount. Was it a hard top or soft? Extended Transom?

6 minutes ago, Bullet said:

I have. 220 Searunner.


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Sweet boat Bullet! 

Hard or soft?

At first I was considering the SR but the OP has a little more beam and bottom width.

How do you feel the Seaunner handles Lake O on a rough day? 

I have an 2012 18' Tracker Targa now with 8'6" beam and I am reluctant to go to a narrower boat. Keeping the Targa for the smaller lakes though.

18 minutes ago, starweld20 said:

I have a friend of mine that just got rid of the one he just bought after having it out one time. I'd be happy to try and answer your questions. And if I can't I might be able to get you in touch with my friend and he can try to help as well.


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Ok I'll bite...why did he get rid of it after one time out?

Hello

As the title says....Anybody own a Hewescraft 220 Ocean pro?

Would like to ask a few questions.

Thanks 

Sold

Very Cool! These would make for great camps!

Maybe I missed it, what year is the hull?

I have a 9.9 Merc Pro kicker. It comes with a 6 amp alternator.

I run sonar/Gps, Pro troll, riggers, Fish hawk all from same battery.....never any issues