This Hewes has now been on the market more than a month. Please submit your offer today!
Beautiful 1972 Hewes Bonefisher 17 is a classic fiberglass flats boat with trailer, ready to go fishing!f
1972 Hewes Bonefisher 17 - Timeless Flats Performance!
Step into a piece of flats-fishing history with this classic 1972 Hewes Bonefisher 17. Designed by Bob Hewes, the man who helped define the modern poling skiff, this boat delivers the shallow-water capability, stability, and pure fishing focus that made the Bonefisher legendary.
This boat features hand-laid fiberglass construction from an era when boats were built to work hard in saltwater day after day. The modified-vee hull provides a surprisingly soft, dry ride for a 17-footer while maintaining the light weight and shallow draft flats anglers demand. These hulls have proven their durability over decades--many still fishing strong after proper care.
You'll appreciate the smart, functional layout with
wide, flat gunwales and large recessed casting decks fore and aft giving you rock-solid platforms for light-tackle casting. The poling-friendly design, combined with a low freeboard and balanced feel, makes quiet approaches in skinny water effortless. Transom-mounted bait wells (a signature early feature that also extended the running surface) add practical live-bait capacity without sacrificing deck space.
Dry storage compartments keep gear organized and protected, while the open, uncluttered cockpit maximizes fishing room for one or two anglers.
This boat is lightweight and highly maneuverable for easy trailering and launching. She has excellent shallow-water access and stability underfoot when you're casting or poling. The classic Hewes balance of speed, ride quality, and draft lets you cover water efficiently yet still slip into the skinny stuff where the bonefish, redfish, and permit live.
This boat is a custom design with numerous live wells, power pole, Smirad GPS/Fishfinder/Tracker, jack plate, Minn Kota trolling motor, and many other great features. The center console design allows for easy access, and the raised platform is great for checking out the skinny waters.
Whether you're chasing tailing fish on the flats, working inshore edges, or simply want a pure, no-nonsense fishing skiff with real heritage, this 1972 Bonefisher delivers.
Quality construction, thoughtful layout, and proven functionality in one classic package.
Ready for its next chapter on the water. Serious inquiries welcome.
While we will always attempt to provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market, during any purchase from Pop you will be encouraged to schedule an inspection from an independent, accredited surveyor and every purchase WILL ALWAYS BE subject to your satisfaction with the results from your independent survey and your own personal trial run.
Condition:
This boat was rebuilt custom from the hull up in 2014. The hull appears to be in very good condition with just a couple of minor nicks in it.
Simrad was installed in 2026.
The upholstery shows signs of wear as shown in photos, but no tears anywhere.
Everything inside the boat works, as it should, except for the stereo Head. It will need to be replaced, but the speakers do work. The plug for the battery tender needs to be replaced.
The trailer will likely need a tuneup before use for any distance.
The boat is stored on a trailer with a full cover on the boat and engine.
Of course, we always recommend that any buyer inspect the unit or have it independently surveyed to confirm its condition before purchase.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv3vcakesg8
Owners: 3
Non-Smoking
Pet-Free
Extended Warranty Available
Boat Type: Modified Vee
Hulls: 1
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Designer: Hewes
Engines: 1
Engine Type: Outboard - 4 Stroke
Engine: Yamaha F115LB
Engine Year: 2014
Horsepower: 115
Propeller: Stainless Steel
Cruising Speed: 30 mph
Max Speed: 35 mph
Weight: 1,050 lbs
Saltwater Use
Trailer Included: 2008 Continental Aluminum/Galvanized
Trailer Condition: Working
Trailer Axles: 1
Deck Gear: Anchor, Anchor Locker, Anchor Rode, Bait Well, Built-in Cooler, Captain's Chair, Cleats - Pull Up, Compartment Storage, Cover - Full Boat, Live Well, Non-skid Deck, Passenger Seat, Poling Platform, Rod Holders, Rub Rails, Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel Knob, Swim Ladder ( Stern ), Transom - Closed
Electrical Systems: Battery Switch, Fuel Gauge, Hour Meter, Number Of Batteries, Oil Pressure Gauge, Speedometer, Stereo, Tachometer, Trolling Motor Batteries, Volt Meter
Mechanical Systems: Bilge Pump, Fuel Injected, Jack Plate, Power Pole, Power Trim & Tilt, Trim Tabs, Trolling Motor, Trolling Motor Prewire
Navigational Equipment: Compass, GPS/ Fishfinder/ Plotter, Navigation Lights
Safety Equipment: Engine Kill Switch, Horn