Oregon boat dealer

[laxwyo]

I've been looking at getting a Hewescraft sportsman 20' boat. Looks like Oregon is the go to place for these kind of boats. Any of you Oregon guys know of a boat dealership I should be dealing with? I've browsed a few but was curious if the Oregon members had a great dealer. Thanks

 

[Tim McCoy]

Had a buddy buy one about a year ago. I went there with him. Appeared to be a great shop.

http://www.clemensmarina.com/contactus.php

There could be others, possibly closer to you, I see them come up used a lot too. There was one 20' Sportsmans on Portland Craig's list a few days ago. If you are looking used, I am a boater and would be happy to look at it for you. If you do go used, I would pay NW Marine Solutions to check it out, hull for corrosion, wiring issues, salt damage, motors for function and compression etc.

 

[Iron Mike]

laxwyo
I will make a couple calls also. I own a 20 Duckworth and my dealer doesnt sell that model but I run with a bunch of folks from the Portland area that all have boats and/or guide and should be able to get you some more useful info on top of what Tim gave you.

 

[laxwyo]

Yeah thanks Tim and Mike. I was in contact with a guy from Clemensmarina but I threw a low ball price out there and he's never talked to me again.

Mike, you have a preference on those kind of boats? North River and Duckworth seem to be the high dollar boats but I've looked at the Alumaweld, Hewescraft and Smokercraft.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Yeah thanks Tim and Mike. I was in contact with a guy from Clemensmarina but I threw a low ball price out there and he's never talked to me again.

Mike, you have a preference on those kind of boats? North River and Duckworth seem to be the high dollar boats but I've looked at the Alumaweld, Hewescraft and Smokercraft.

Alumaweld in particular has several lines of boats, Talon, Stryker, Super Vee, Columbia, that are all very different. All solid boats for the various price points. Probably along with Hewes the most popular boat brands around here since NR's demise. Give Mike an idea of the intended use, lake/river/salmon/trout/... if you are set on a 20' is there a width criteria? Degrees of V in the hull etc. Are you set on new or will you consider used? Duckworth is a top quality ride for sure, NR makes great boats too. As do Thunderjet, Custom Weld, and many others. Smoker craft is seen more for trout fishing on lakes, but they have more models now than ever that compete with the other brands mentioned.

I ended up buying a used 20' x 6' open hull made by Riddle Marine out of Lewiston, ID. 12 degree vee with a delta pad to run as a jet. Already set up just as I wanted. It is a small family custom shop, builds boats at least as tough as the top brands, and was a great deal. I wanted to be able to fish the fall season for Salmon at Astoria and be safe in 6-8 foot stuff out there if needed, and still fly up the skinny waters on local rivers, so for me the use dictates the design/power, then the brand comes in last.

Hope you find the perfect one for you. If you will consider used, it is a great time to buy now, not so much in a few months.

 

[sneakypete]

Talk to Brent @ Boat Country in Escalon, Ca or check them out on I believe boatcountryusa.com. I bought my Weldcraft from them very far dealers and they are a Hewescarft dealer . I hope this helps.they ship boats all over.

 

[laxwyo]

I wouldn't be running rivers so an outboard is what I'm looking for. Used is preferred. I'd like to be a cast some from front and back, Jig for macs and do some trolling for Kokanee and lake trout. Like the setup on those Hewescraft etc. Found a used Lund Pro-V that I'm working on for a good price which means the guy looking at it tomorrow will snake it before me

 

[Tim McCoy]

I wouldn't be running rivers so an outboard is what I'm looking for. Used is preferred. I'd like to be a cast some from front and back, Jig for macs and do some trolling for Kokanee and lake trout. Like the setup on those Hewescraft etc. Found a used Lund Pro-V that I'm working on for a good price which means the guy looking at it tomorrow will snake it before me

That use criteria really opens up your choices. I always say, when you are looking for a boat, stay patient and it will find you... Good luck getting the Lund. My buddy in Billings has a 19' footer, he loves it, handles Ft. Peck water well, which says something.

 

[laxwyo]

Wife would like one that has a full enclosure with the drop down sides and back etc for getting out of weather. Lunds are kinda pricey but popular so looks like I can find some used ones around. That pro-v is a double bubble but fills most of MY needs. I definitely need to be patient. Once you decide you want one, it's hard not to go full bore.

Guys at work said I should definitely try and go 20' for 4 people even though it might only be 2 people on it most of the time.

 

[Iron Mike]

I love my Duck laxwyo but there is so much out there now to choose from. So many good boats! I bought mine in 2004 and actually had it customized from the original boat. Deeper V to handle rough water on the bigger lakes and ocean and An offshore bracket to keep my Outboard off the transom which gives you another 3 - 4 feet of usable space. Had other upgrades done as well. Now all the manufactures sell boats with the offshore brackets and multiple hull designs. Everyone has come along way in improvements. I too fish for big Macs and troll and Jig for Kokes - darn good eating! Those big lakes can kick up some rough water in a hurry and having that deeper degree of V not only keeps you on the water longer but can save your life. I have been on the Columbia and in the ocean and was damn glad of the way my boat was built. I was in a friends 20ft Thunderjet that scared the living bejeasus out of me in rough water. She has since bought a new Thunderjet with a deeper v that is stout! I believe all the manufactures you are looking at make fine products. To bad you couldnt make a trip the the NW somewhere and spend a day at dealers looking at boats. In Portland you could probably find a dealer for every brand you mentioned. Make sure to hit a couple of boat shows if you can - that circuit should be starting soon, I would also say to be patience and wait for what you want and need. I put a 150 Yamaha on mine for the main engine and although it is one sweet engine and really does every thing I need I wish I would have spent a little extra at the time and upgraded to a 175 or 200! Also compare freeboard between brands (dont want to fall over the side in rough water!) and width of the boat. Width of boat was one of the reasons I went with the Duckworth originally - it was one of the widest boats at the time. Hulls are usually different on the jets vs outboards. Also you may need to think about any other uses. My wife told me at the time I was looking that she didnt care what I got but it better get her up on a ski! I got the hint and made sure the boat would work for summer play also and installed a wakeboard tower that fits over the full enclosed canvas. Of course that tower has a row of rod holders across the top! Whatever you choose I am sure it will be nice! If you want some more lowdown on my thoughts shoot me a pm.

Mike

 

[Iron Mike]

PS Yes I would go with the 20 ft!

 

[OregonJim]

I'm with Mike, even with only two folks I'd go for the 20".

Lund is a good boat but I'd probably go with the HewesCraft (but Im in OR)
It all comes down to personal preference. I would think the HC is a bit heavier but might have a little thicker hull.
Then again if hull thickness is important an older Duck would be the ticket.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Yep, 3x on the 20, it will keep you from having two footitus. I like a wide bottom, on my boats. A 6' bottom usually works on a 20' hull very well, they seem to have twice the interior room vs a 66" bottom. I know Willie Boats makes a 7' bottom on a 21' hull. If you are debating on length, go with the bigger number, then I'd suggest the same on width.