How does a Hewescraft compare to an Alumaweld. I don't know much about Hewes.

Hey GS,

I can't really speak about Alumawelds, but I have had 2 Hewescrafts. I bought a new 179 Sea Runner in '01. I broke the hull when a weld on one of the stringers came loose and caused a 4 in crack . After several attempts to fix it, they bought the boat back and I stepped up to a 20ft Sea Runner in '03 that I still have today.

The 179 beat the cra* out of you with any chop at all. The 20 ft rides fantastic in comparison, and still does mid 30s with a 115hp Yamaha. It has great freeboard, and feel extremely safe. Both boats are difficult to balance the weight and ride funny at times, I'm told this is true with most aluminums. I installed hydraulic trim tabs and it made a world of difference. I strongly recommend them, truly the best $400 I have spent on the boat.

I will say that you might want to do some careful comparison of the accessories, however. I admit I am not the best at cleaning and maintenance, but I am not happy with the way the salt has affected everything from the pumps to locks and hinges and even steering cable. I have had to replace every pump ( bilge, livewell, washdown) and motors (wipers). The gas gauge never worked right and completely quit right after the warranty. The hinges on the doors and compartments are either loose or froze up. All the locks froze after the first year, even with regular cleaning and wd40. The seat swivels are rusted and they didn't use stainless nuts on the fuel vent fittings and the resulting electrolysis ate right through the aluminum diamond plate. I am not an expert on boats by any means, but it seems that the Hewes was built as a freshwater boat.

After I bought it I look carefully at some of the other boats, most notably the WeldCrafts, Thunderjets, Silver Streaks, and noticed their welds were a lot nicer looking and the grinding and finishing looked much better. The seats also looked heavier and hardware better quality. Any one here will tell you that all boats are time consuming and expensive to maintain, but I wish someone would have told me to look for some of these things before I plunked down 30 grand. If I was to do it again, I would be more picky, but at the time I was stepping up from a 13 ft livingston I had fished in for better than 10 years, and was very easily impressed.

I never really looked at the Alumawelds because I was looking for a deep Vee and smoother riding boat for the Sound, and the models I saw didn't seem to match up. I also like the safer feel of the higher freeboard in the Hewes.

Best of luck to you.

North Rivers might be worth a look too

Check out Willies Asaltor. Bad ass open water boat

They all make a quality boat, however when it comes to service and knowledge I have found no place better then 3rivers marine in Woodinville. Another benefit of going with 3rivers is that they are the largest Alumaweld dealer in the world, most likely being able to give you a break on the boat/motor/trailer package you are looking for compared to other manufactures.

Being as you are in Marysville go down and talk with Bryan Nelson the sales manager, he will honestly tell you what boat to buy regardless of brand he knows his stuff!

Catch a ride in a north river with an offshore bracket befor you buy anything. The larger the Hewscraft the better. Alumawelds are good boats but you will pay for it. Just my thoughts no expert

fit and finish is better on the alumaweld thunder jet does make a nice ridding boat and fit and finish is verey nice also . I would never by a hewes crap had one about 8 years ago POS

I would take a look at Custom Weld or Motion Marine. Both a big step above Hewes or Alumaweld as far as quality goes.

Many excellent boats out three, but few places will treat you better than Three Rivers. I would shop where I know the people and the service.

Have to Agree with Dave. I pretty much buy all my tackle and boating stuff there. When the day comes that I buy an open sled I'll give them the first shot at finding what I want.
Hmmm, Arima, Clackacraft, Alumaweld. I'm gonna have to keep my resume quiet or the boat whores will be pounding on my door.

Get_Speyed- At the boat shows I've looked at Hewes and Alumaweld's side-by-side and I like the fit and finish on the Alumaweld over Hewes.

chevy vs ford

Go where you get the best service.

I bought a used (3 yrs old) Weldcraft and everyone that has been in my boat loves it,deep v,wide , stable, fit and finish and they really love the features that come standard in it, like air ride seats,off shore bracket,reverse chines and 100 inches wide at the gunnel,walk thru windshield,front deck with diamond plate and locking hatches, and I don't even get a kick-back for all the promotion that I do......

I have an 18' Alumaweld. I fish only rivers. I like the boat however the service at Three Rivers has been exceptional. Can't go wrong with guys like Steve and Curtis.


Good luck on your search!

Alumaweld at 3rivers is the only way to go. Remeber buying a boat is also buying the service after the sale!

The Choice is clear. It sounds like most prefer Alumaweld. Thanks for all the comments.

One more vote for 3 Rivers and Alumaweld.

I've had experiences similar to Auntys with other brands not purchased/repaired by 3 Rivers and am just glad that's where I bought my sled.

Not that everything's been perfect, but even more impressive to me is when a screw-up occurs they've manned up and taken care of it. I can count on one hand how many auto/motorcycle/boat shops that's ever happened in over 25 years.

3 Rivers has got a lot of my hard-earned $$$ over the past 5 years, and they've earned it.

My .02,

Brian

I'll put in my vote for Wooldridge as one to look at. The Sport or Super Sport Off-shore are nice hulls. The construction and fit are as good as I've seen and the company will work with you on modifications you might want to make (larger fuel tank), downrigger mounts, canvas, etc.

If you're not in a rush, check out the boat/sport shows this winter and you might save some $$.

x2 on looking at the sportsman show in puyallup this winter. you can look at them all and talk to the manufactures. I personally ended up with a Willie. second would have been the NorthRiver but I felt Willie had their stuff right when it came down to the fit and finish. I have the Raptor but if you want something more for open water the Asaulter would be the best choice. and they will allso customize everyhting for you. I have had several people who own other boats and they all like my Willie better for qaulity and craftsmanship as well as over all layout. Just remember they are not mass produced. they only biuld them to the customers order. You deal directly with the factory.

what ever you buy you will have it for several years to enjoy so get what you want plus some. I started out with basics and wanted to be able to add later as I used the boat. Willie is great for being able to order extra items and they just drop right in and look to be part of the boat because they are.

Kris

I will deffinately make my way down for the boat show. It sounds like it has a lot to offer. I think that my big delema now is buying new or buying used. I was looking at a used boat but quickly found out that you never really know what is wrong with them. The financing is also a little trickey. From recent experience, I found it is necessary to go into a deal with at least 10% to 15% down and expect to pay more on interest. New boats appear to be a whole different ball game. I figure it may be a while now that I know more. I will take some of your guy's advice and buy outright or bring more cash to the table. It is just a matter of time now. Lets see if I have the patience.