Hewes 17 368
The manufacturer of Maverick and Hewes flats and backcountry skiffs and Pathfinder bay and offshore boats is introducing a new technical poling skiff into its lineup for 2005. Designed with extreme shallow-water fishing capabilities, the Tailfisher 17 Tunnel Hull delivers Hewes quality at a remarkable price.
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| SpecificationsLOA: 17’2″ BEAM: 73″ DRAFT: 7″ WEIGHT: 750 pounds FUEL: 18 gallons POWER: 60-hp Yamaha PRICE: $19,000 (w/ engine)Hewes Maverick Boat Company, Inc. 3207 Industrial 29th St. Fort Pierce, FL 34946 **772-465-0631 **www.maverickboats.com|
The Tailfisher measures just over 17 feet long, has a beam of more than 6 feet and drafts 7 inches of water, making it the shallowest-running Hewes ever built. Hewes’ latest tunnel hull configuration technology aids its ability to get into skinny water. Unlike most of its boats, which are made using the VARIS vacuum system, the Tailfisher is actually laid-up and built entirely by hand.
While the hull rates for outboards up to 70 hp, the boat will top out at over 40 mph and will cruise at 30 mph with the standard 60-hp Yamaha. The Tailfisher has an overall hull weight of 750 pounds, and with the smaller engine it will easily run long distances into the backcountry on the 18-gallon fuel tank. Its weight and low deadrise allow it to pole and track smoothly.
The simple deck layout maximizes fishing areas while taking full advantage of all available free space below it. The forward storage locker will easily accommodate oversize gear, an anchor and safety equipment. Two aft compartments provide more storage, as well as access to wiring and steering components. Between them is a 12-gallon raw-water livewell with a recirculating pump. Additional space is available in the steering console.
The Tailfisher 17 offers extra-wide gunwales with built-in stainless-steel handrails. Like all Hewes boats, it features a self-bailing cockpit, but this model also comes standard with freeboard carpet, a seat console with enough storage for batteries, undergunwale rod storage for up to eight fly rods, and a poling platform.
