The Open Boat Built For The MassesFor solo anglers and charter captains alike, the new Hewescraft Pioneer is the perfect tool when 360 degrees of fishing access is essential. The Pioneer (available in 20’ or 22’), has been meticulously crafted with the same uncompromising safety built into every Hewescraft—now available in this versatile open boat. The Pioneer features a tiller or center console controls, a jet-pump-ready transom, 11’ lockable rod storage, and much more. The Hewescraft Pioneer offers the right size and smart design details that make it the best choice for anglers seeking the freedom and versatility of an open-boat platform. It bests every boat in its class by combining a beam that is wider than eight feet, and an all-welded lifetime-warranty hull that is .190” thick and 78” wide at the chines. With the largest fuel capacity in its class (45 gal. in the 200 and 65 gal. in the 220) and rated up to 200 or 250 horsepower (on the 200 and 220 respectively), the Pioneer can handle plenty of people and gear effortlessly—and all day long. The Pioneer does all this while still providing the legendary Hewescraft flotation and safety unavailable in its competitors. An impressive list of features and options completes the Pioneer fishing experience. The Pioneer’s casting-deck bow provides the safety and comfort of a traction-rated diamond treadplate surface and multiple toe-kicks. The generous bow area also provides ample space for today’s larger electric trolling motor mounts, easy-access battery storage (up to three Group 31 batteries), and a convenient rode locker. With in-floor storage (20 gal.), bow livewell (30 gal.), and lockable gunwale-top rod storage, you won’t need to leave anything at the dock. Multiple seating combinations and suspension options provide comfort for any fishing style, and tiller steering or optional center console provide comfort for any driving style. Exclusive lockable sliding-door sounder boxes deliver protection and convenience at the transom. Every inch of the Pioneer has been carefully designed and built to bring open-boat anglers ease-of-use, ruggedness, and unmatched safety. |

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.