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Help me pick a used flats boat

Posted on 4/10/20 at 12:43 pm
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6902 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 12:43 pm
If all pans out, I plan to be in a boat by the end of the year. I think I've decided against a poling skiff as I will be riding the trolling motor 90% of the time sight fishing. I also think I've decided against aluminum at this time.

I'm thinking something from 18'-20' with 90hp-150hp will fit my needs. Trying to keep it under $30K. With that said the Hewes redfisher has caught my eye lately, but I have no idea how that boat would fare in SELA marshes. Any insight is welcome.
This post was edited on 4/10/20 at 1:04 pm
Posted by BlackCoffeeKid
Member since Mar 2016
12889 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 12:52 pm to
I've had to talk myself out of impulse buying a Gheenhoe multiple times in the past month.
(I know a few people on this board have them. Use the search function if you want to find some threads on them.)
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
4024 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 1:21 pm to
I’d take a serious look at an 18’ salt marsh heron.

18’ Heron

New packages start at $30k but they can be found used time to time for under that.
Love the lines on the boat and flexibility it offers.
I was looking at the 16’ heron years ago but jumped on a Ankona Cayenne that came available.

Nothing wrong with a Hewes though, and a lot of them for sale under that $30k mark
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6902 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 1:34 pm to
Yeah I just priced one of those and it was coming out north of $44.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
17930 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 1:43 pm to
quote:

With that said the Hewes redfisher has caught my eye lately, but I have no idea how that boat would fare in SELA marshes. Any insight is welcome


I've fished off of a friend's 16 Redfisher a bunch and loved it. Actually looking for a 16 myself but they are hard to come by. The 18 would be great for the marsh. I'm partial to the flip up bench seat on a flats boat.

Besides the Hewes Redfisher I'd keep an eye out Action Craft and Maverick Master Angler which both come in 18ft models.
This post was edited on 4/10/20 at 1:54 pm
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
4024 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 1:49 pm to
quote:

Yeah I just priced one of those and it was coming out north of $44.


Wow, didn’t realize they are priced that high now.

Saw one on microskiff for $28k at the beginning of the year.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up with!
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6902 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 1:53 pm to
Once you start adding platform, trolling motors, electronics, stereo, 90hp it start getting up there in a hurry.
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6223 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 2:34 pm to
Posted by PapaPogey
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
40457 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 2:35 pm to
Check Microskiff. You can easily find a 2017+ Beavertail for that price with a 60hp. Skiff prices are outrageous these days.
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6223 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 2:44 pm to
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6223 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 2:54 pm to
LINK

Sorry, im bored
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6902 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 2:56 pm to
Yeah I was looking at that one this morning.
This post was edited on 4/10/20 at 2:57 pm
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6223 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 3:04 pm to
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
4024 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 3:23 pm to
That Young built boat is a beast. Wouldn’t hesitate buying an older hull with newer engine.
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6902 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 3:27 pm to
That’s my problem, I’m scared to buy an older boat and most in my price range seem to be 8 plus years old.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
17930 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 3:33 pm to
Hewes 18

Here's one @ TheBoatYard in your price range. Yammy 4stroke. Will probably the closest one to you. Has been there for a little bit so they may even work on the price. MBG boats (Hewes, Pathfinder, Maverick) hold up exceptionally well over time. May just want to check the wiring but at that price you could re-wire and still be in your budget
Posted by Flats
Member since Jul 2019
26758 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 4:00 pm to
quote:

I was looking at the 16’ heron years ago but jumped on a Ankona Cayenne that came available.


How do you like it? I want to do a water test of the Cayenne and the Copperhead.
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6223 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 4:07 pm to
The last Hewes I posted is a fantastic buy, never understood why buying a quality older boat hangs up so many.???
Posted by Dock Holiday
Member since Sep 2015
1819 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 4:29 pm to
Look at Eastcape as well, just hard to find one in your price range and in good shape
Posted by stewie
Member since Jan 2006
4024 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 7:36 pm to
quote:

I want to do a water test of the Cayenne and the Copperhead.


I love my Cayenne. I wish I could say that I get to use it more but it’s been a great boat for the four years I’ve had it.

It’s a solid and simple build. It floats in a true 8” of water and fishes three comfortably.
I’ve taken it out to Chandeleur islands a number of times leaving from Venice and Biloxi but have to be very choosy about the day.

It’s a beast in the marsh, we can get where we want and in comfort.

Also, I cant say enough about Erin and the crew over at Ankona. I’m the second owner of the boat but they’ve treated me like I was the original owner of a custom built boat.

I’d offer up a water trial but my work schedule has me jammed up for the next few months.
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