Rod Wrapper Posted June 8, 2007 Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 After three months of blood sweat and tears, I have my new ride about where I want her. Because of this forum, I own a Hewes and have been able to correct a great deal of defferred maintenance on my own. The previous owner had lost his job, and just didn’t have the money to keep her up. 1. Thanks to the forum, I think it was Muddy Waters, who posted that this boat was for sale in someone's yard in Orlando. I called on Sunday and picked her up on Friday. 2. Patched hull gashes (Caused because the previous owner didn't spend $5.00 on bolts for the bunks and scraped the hull on the bunk brackets.) with correctly matched gel coat. Thanks to the forum and Mini-Craft for the right color. 3. Tracked down a loose connection to the main panel, replaced float switch in bilge, re-wired stern light. There were multiple things happening at one time, which made this really difficult. Thanks Hobo for the tips and switch. 4. Replaced non-functional Bennett trim tabs with Lenco retrofit kit. Thanks e-bay and Hobo for the advice about soldering and heat shrink. 5. Replaced steering wheel. Thanks Hobo. 6. Sent Lowrance depth finder back, and it was replaced in warranty. It would not turn off. Thanks for the good service from Lowrance, even though their records said it was a few months out of warranty. 7. Replaced shot GW trolling motor w/ 74 lb Minn Kota AP/CP. Thanks to the cl***ifieds on the forum. 8. Home brewed a quick disconnect. Thanks to the forum for ideas. 9. Added grab bars and cup holders. 10. Installed 45 amp, three bay Dual Pro on board charger. Thanks to the forum for the advice. 11. Greased wheels, replaced rollers and re-worked bunks on trailer. 12. Cleaned, polished, cleaned and cleaned some more. Thanks to the forum for the advice about Bar Keepers Friend, soft scrub with bleach, and Magic Erasers. 13. Had trim tilt indicator, low oil horn sender, and fuel gauge fixed. Had carbs cleaned, fuel pump rebuilt and spark plugs changed. Thanks to Foothills Marine in Morganton, NC. 14. Replaced damaged fuel vent. Thanks Slyshon for mentioning how important they are and thanks MHP for having them in stock and referring me to a good dealer. This is my first “big†boat. There aren’t many flats boats in Western North Carolina, so there is no one around to ask. Without this forum, I would not have a boat that matched my budget, is cl***ic and will be with me along time. Thank you all. I am almost there. I still want to touch up some gel coat and get a good VHF, but that can wait. Time to fish. So, here she is. [image]http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Boat%20at%20dock_1.jpg[/image] [image]http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Boat%201_13.jpg[/image] And here is a before picture: [image]http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/top%20boat_1.jpg[/image] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reelfishin18 Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 Nice boat! I love the lapstrake hulls. Ever since I laid eyes on the Hewes I thought they were the coolest boats. One of my customers' son had one sitting in the driveway. A guide had one he offerd to me but just not the right timing. But just recently my 24 year old son (who had been lusting several years also) said "Dad I'm tired of fishing in our rinky dink old aluminum boat " and so we figured 50/50 we could get a Hewes and found one at a local marina. It's a 95 redfisher 18 and for the last month and a half we have just about fixed every thing. We too have taken advantage of the forum. We've repaired the hull,new trolling motor batteries,cleaned and buffed,decals,and currently replacing the steering and fuelfilter/water separator. I can't wait to get her on the water. I think I enjoy working on it as much as I will enjoy using it. Hope to post pics soon. Well enjoy and post some close up shots too. bw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 That are good stories of the joy of owning a boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Whorwood Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Nice skiff, have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidmotion Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 those old mariners are bulletproof! nice boat, eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted June 12, 2007 Report Share Posted June 12, 2007 Another nice and clean Hewes! Finlander Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finn-Addict Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 That is identical to my first boat, those photo's bring back a lot of fond memories. I literally shed a tear when I sold that boat, whoever said that one of the happiest days of your life was the day you sold your boat was on something! Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckhead Posted December 29, 2011 Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 Question for the board about fuel vents: I have a '99 bayfisher and noticed my plastic fuel vent/overflow was broken. I called MHP and they said they don't stock them any more and suggested West, etc. I live two hrs from my nearest West and two from my Hewes dealer. Can someone give me a suggestion on what to order, and can someone with no skills install it? There seems to be no access to the inside of this fitting from inside the hull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buntingKA Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 Im looking to buy a 95 bayfisher this weekend, how shallow can these boats draft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reel Loco Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 buntingKA, Post your question under the regular Hewes forum and you may get some answers to your question. This section is for folks to post about their vintage Hewes boats. Welcome to the forum RL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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