THE OCEAN-BOUND BOAT THAT ACTS BIG AND TOWS EASYTake the rugged, variable-deadrise hull of the Hewescraft Sea Runner and add something that is essential to tackling even bigger water and tougher conditions — size. The Ocean Pro is deeper, wider at the bottom and beam, and can be optioned with either a 24’- or 26’- overall hull length. The Ocean Pro’s deep-v, seven-foot-wide hull width delivers a smooth ride while attacking waves and excellent stability at rest. Its 100-gallon fuel tank provides essential safety and range. The Hewescraft Ocean Pro is the essential affordable, ocean-ready craft for the serious angler. For years, the Ocean Pro has set the Pacific Northwest standard for anglers seeking the toughest, most-capable mid-sized fishing boat. So, naturally, competing brands have long pursued this boat’s safety, roominess, affordability, and fishability. With the Ocean Pro’s upgrades, they’re going to have to keep chasing. Its longer fishing deck, new 100-gallon fuel tank, roomier driving area, and enhanced performance combine to keep the Ocean Pro miles ahead of competing brands. The Ocean Pro’s design upgrades have made an excellent boat even better. As with previous editions, the new Ocean Pro is listed at 22 feet in length. However, with the addition of five inches of overall hull length, a forward-justified console, and shortened open bow, the Ocean Pro now boasts seven more inches of space in the fishing cockpit. The enclosed cabin is as roomy as ever, and the improved driving position gives you more legroom. Added under-bow storage, a raised gunwale rail to keep water out of the cockpit, and an easy-drain deck will make your fishing and boat-owning experience better than you ever thought it could be. |

When you think about it, buying a boat is a little bit like getting married. After all, this is the commitment of a lifetime, and you want to feel confident you’re making the right decision! Fortunately, there are plenty of fish in the sea, and plenty of boats and pontoons to choose from here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service. The following tips can help you narrow down the options and find your perfect match!
What kinds of activities are you interested in? This should be your guiding question when choosing a boat. If catching fish is on the agenda, you should seek out a fishing boat, with features such as rod holders and livewells. If you want to pursue the excitement of watersports, you should look for a boat with a powerful engine that can reach high speeds. Meanwhile, if you are looking to host parties on the water, a spacious luxury boat will serve you best.
That being said, there’s no need to limit yourself. There are some boats that can cover all your bases! Pontoon boats, for example, are incredibly versatile. We are passionate about pontoon boats here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service, and we recommend them to our customers who want to get a little bit of everything out of their boating experience.
Of course, you can’t talk about buying a boat without discussing all the costs involved! The upfront cost of purchasing a boat can be pretty steep, but the long-term costs are even more important to consider. When budgeting for a boat, remember to account for all the expenses that are going to add up over time – such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to set aside at least 10% of your boat’s total value each year for routine maintenance, and another 5% for any unexpected repairs. Meanwhile, you can expect to pay about 1.5% of the total value of your boat annually for insurance coverage.
If you have any questions about the boat buying process, you are always welcome to consult the sales team here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service! We are always happy to assist. You can find us in Chatham, ON, near London.