I bought a 19' Raider in 04 which is very similar to a Hewes. My boat will take rough water like no other boat I have ever been in. Big Columbia River swells? No problem.

I know of a person that used to work in the welded boat biz and he told me that although Alumawelds are nice they are the "economy" boat in the business. He said they tend to skip on additional strengthening features in the walls, floor, etc. Take this for what it's worth because I don't know for certain that this is true. Look at the aluminum specs for each boat too, you will note that the aluminum is thinner on some boats than it is on others. Finally, walk along the side of the boat starting at the back and and hit it with your fist as you move toward the bow.......you will notice that some boats are flat solid the entire length and others wobble all over the place on the sides with most of the support in the front.

One other thing, I have noticed is that heavier aluminum boats with inboards seem to handle wind better.......they sit lower in the water and their additional weight causes them to move less from left to right while trolling and loading. Lighter boats like mine, hewes, etc., seem to be more affected by wind which can make trolling more work. Of course lighter boats are easier to trailer so it's a trade-off.

Good luck.