Matching a modified vee Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 against a tunnel Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 at 18,8 ft versus Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009 tips the scales at 127 lbs — 108 lbs less than the Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 at 19 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hewes Redfisher 18 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 18,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hewes Tailfisher 17 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.