Have pretty much decided that I am going to upgrade from my current Smokercraft Tracer to either an 18' Alumaweld Stryker or a Hewes Craft 18' Sportsman. Wondering if anybody has any experiences (good / bad) with either boat or manufacturer they would be willing to pass along. Any problems, issues or opinions would be apreciated to elp me decide which boat to go with~

I went to highschool in colville and know hewes well. Many friend worked there still and they are a great boat. Never fished the 18' but the 20' and 22' are both nice.
The Alumaweld I have fished was nice as well but dont seem to have as high of sides and dont seem to ride out the heavier chop as well. That said I have only been in a 20 and 22 ft hewes and not the 18'. Only been in an 22' alumaweld as well and not 18'. Take it for what it is worth.

Another to look at are Raiders. Basically a clone of the Hewes. Built by a guy that used to work at Hewes.

My brother has the Raider 182 Sport. Bought it last spring. He has a 115 Suzuki on it,pushes the boat a tad over 40mph.

The Raider has more forward vee than the other two so it will ride nicer in the chop.

I had a 17' SuperVee LS which is the Stryker without a windshield. His Raider feels a whole lot more well constructed than my Supervee did.

The Hewes dealer right next to my house closed the doors and shut down.

I think they have 2 18' Hewes that they would like to get rid of and I think
they own them and need to clear out soon!

If you are interested I could try to get you a price, only if you are ready to buy now!!

Hoquiam, WA. I'll be back Sunday, going fishing on the Columbia for a couple days.

I can only get ahold of them when they show up at the shop clearing out stuff. It's not open but they are taking all the tools and equipment out. I do not think they have any motors left as 3 semi's took them all away.

fp

I've fished out of a 20' hewes. I could tell that it was a light boat, but I was impressed with how smooth it rode and how well it performed with a 115 yamaha.

There were a few little things that were "trinkity", but most boats have that kind of stuff.

I would definately be interested to see what they have! can you PM me their contact info? Or you can pass them the e-mail address in my profile if that would be better.

Wooldridge Super Sport Offshore

You have a PM.

fp

UM Rules,

If you need to get in touch with the dealer in Hoquiam that shut down, I have their contact info. At last glance they hae a 20', two 18's, and a number of other boats available. Good Prices.

Both FP and I know these folks very well, and it would be a screaming deal.

Dogfish, The 20, 1 18 and 16 are sold I think to another dealer. They told me that 1 18' was available but will also be gone soon if nobody buys it.

They also have a few jon type boats and a couple of party barges in the shop available.

fp

George said they have a 20 and an 18 left as of a few minutes ago. The 16 and one 18 are going tomorrow.

I guess my first question would be since they do not have motors, do they have all of the cabling / controls installed for the motors or is that something that would be done with the purchase of the motor? And if anybody knows, would buying the boat from a business that is unfortunately out of business affect the warranty in anyway ?

I have a 19' Alumaweld Stryker SportJet. I love it, it has its short falls, as do all boats I guess. The motor takes up a bit of space, I like the high sides and stern though.
It fishes great, gets a little bumpy in the bigger chop, although my friends tell me I drive a bit "hard".
Test drive a couple if you have the time, it helped me make my decision.

Cables and such come with the motor. Steering depends on what type of motor you get, so those usually are added at the time of motor installation. (Yamaha controls on an Evinrude is a no-go)

The boat would still have the warranty, as they were purchased from a licensed dealer. They closed their doors, not the business name. It still exists as a coropration. The boat was never titled, etc, so you would be the first owner. Good to go.

The Hewes have the control box for a Yamaha 4 stroke.

Steering is also there.

I have no idea on warranties but I would think it is available through Hewes.

I'm out of here and headed to the Columbia for 3 days of fishing.

If ya have the means Dogfish has the numbers to call until I get back Sunday.

fp

The 2 boats are very comporable and have similar resale values. I go for the cheapest one.

Personally, having been caught in some really ugly slop out on The Sound and The Straight in a 18', I wouldn't get anything shorter than 20' with a good deep V and a lot of wind & rain protection and at least 2 serviceable bilge pumps. 24' would be what I'd prefer for salt.

I'd agree with Irie on the length. 18' works for many situations, but the wave frequency on this end of the Straits can make a ride in boats 18' or less uncomfortable and the wind/waves can pick up in a hurry. 20' is a nicer fishing platform.

I've also got a 19' Stryker Sportjet. One of the best all around boats I've seen. Not the best at any one thing but will get you just about anywhere from Admiralty straight to 6" water in a river. Guess it all depends on where you intend to use it. If you're looking for a deepwater boat, your options are broader. If looking for something to go anywhere, the new 20' Stryker sportjet would be where my money is.

Wooldridge they have been building boats since 1915 and there here to stay. There all custom made for the same price as a cookie cutter boat. Thats a No Brainer