Buying A 22Ft Polar Boat: Is It A Good Choice?

Polar boats are manufactured by Godfrey Marine, which is a part of the Nautic Global Group (NGG). The Polar line is known for successfully mixing classic lines with contemporary features and functions, and that has made Polar one of the fastest-growing boat builders in the country. The boats are generally well-regarded for their fishing-friendly features and good value for money. However, some users have reported issues with gel coat and structural problems, particularly with boats from the 2003-2006 era. Overall, the Polar 2003 22ft boat can be considered a good option for offshore fishing and family leisure activities, but it is important to carefully inspect the boat for any potential issues and ensure that it has been properly maintained.

Polar boats have had some problems over the years, but buying used could be a good option if the price is right

Polar boats are manufactured by Godfrey Marine, which is part of the Nautic Global Group (NGG). The company has been building boats for a number of years in Alabama and Indiana, and the Polar line is known for successfully mixing classic lines with contemporary features and functions. As a result, Polar has become one of the fastest-growing boat builders in the country.

However, Polar boats have also faced some issues. In the early 2000s, several Polar dealers were forced to close their doors due to economic difficulties, and their inventories were repossessed and liquidated by third-party entities. These boats may have been poorly maintained or have missing or broken components, and they are sold on an "as-is, where-is" basis without a warranty.

Additionally, some Polar boats from 2004 to mid-2005 had issues with the factory in Alabama, including gel coat problems and structural cracks. There were also reports of transom issues and problems with the gel coat and counter balancers in the Yamaha engines for the 2003-2006 models.

Despite these problems, some owners of Polar boats have reported positive experiences. One owner of a 2003 Polar 19cc reported that it has been an excellent offshore fishing boat, and another owner of a 2006 Polar 23 WA with twin Yamaha 150s stated that they had not had any more problems than with any other boat they had owned.

Therefore, when considering the purchase of a used Polar boat, it is essential to carefully inspect the boat for any visible cracks or issues. It is also advisable to have a marine mechanic examine the boat and ensure that it is in good condition. If the price is right and there are no significant problems, buying a used Polar boat could be a good option.

Polar boats are not well-regarded and have a reputation for falling apart

Polar boats are not well-regarded in the boating community, with a reputation for falling apart. There have been numerous complaints about the brand, with some people advising others to steer clear of the boats altogether. One of the main issues with Polar boats is the gel coat, with several people reporting problems with cracking and blistering. This issue seems to be particularly prevalent in boats from the 2003-2006 era.

One person reported that their 2006 Polar boat had quite a few stress cracks on the topside, although they noted that this could be expected after putting the boat through rough conditions. Another person reported that their 2004 Polar boat had some minor cracks in the fiberglass on the deck, but they felt that this was a common issue with boats in general.

There have also been some more serious structural issues reported with Polar boats. One person mentioned that their 2004 Polar boat had to be replaced due to cracks in the structure and issues with the gel coat. There was also a report of a Polar boat where the topside section was separating from the hull section, indicating a major failure of the boat's structure.

In addition to the gel coat and structural issues, there have been some other complaints about Polar boats. One person mentioned that their Polar boat had a problem with the throttle being sticky, which affected the performance of the boat. Another person reported that their Polar boat was slow to plane when carrying more than two adults or a full load of fuel, and they had to install trim tabs to improve the performance.

Despite the negative reviews, there are also some positive comments about Polar boats. Some people have reported having good experiences with the boats, particularly with the layout and fishing features. Some people have also mentioned that Polar boats offer a lot of features for the price, making them a good value option.

Overall, while there are some mixed reviews, Polar boats are generally not well-regarded in the boating community due to the issues with gel coat cracking, structural problems, and other performance issues.

Polar boats have had issues with gel coat and transoms

Polar boats have had a history of issues with their gel coat and transoms. In 2004 and 2005, several Polar boats developed cracks in their gel coats. The factory acknowledged these issues, but some customers were left dissatisfied with the company's response.

One customer reported that their 2004 Polar boat developed cracks in the gel coat a year after purchase. While the factory acknowledged the problem, they denied any recourse since the customer was not the original owner. This left the customer feeling unimpressed with the company's response and unsure about the reliability of Polar boats in the future.

Another customer with a 2004 Polar boat experienced similar issues with the gel coat, as well as problems with the transom. They reported that the transom on their boat was flexing and cracking, and that the company was uncooperative in resolving the issue.

In addition to these reports, other customers have also mentioned gel coat problems with their Polar boats. Some have mentioned cracks appearing in the gel coat, while others have stated that the gel coat was applied too thickly, leading to structural issues and flexing.

It is worth noting that not all Polar boats have experienced these issues, and some customers have reported being happy with their purchases. However, the gel coat and transom issues experienced by a number of customers are certainly a cause for concern.

Polar boats are economical to run

Another owner of a 2006 Polar 1900 CC with a Yamaha 115 4S engine has also commented that their boat is "very economical to run". They have had their boat for a year and have used it for fishing primarily on Lake Michigan.

The Polar 1900 CC has a Yamaha 130-hp four-stroke outboard engine. The 130-hp engine "pushed the hull along nicely, topping out at 45 mph, and provided an excellent power-to-weight balance". The boat got the owner where they needed to go "comfortably and quickly". The 1900 CC has a maximum engine capacity of 150 hp.

The Polar 1900 Center Console has a single 130-hp Yamaha Two Stroke Series outboard engine with a 17-inch Yamaha prop. The boat hit a top speed of 40.5 mph.

The Polar 1900 CC has a base price of $19,995 with a Yamaha F115 outboard engine. The Polar 1900 Center Console has a base price of $19,995 without an engine.

Polar boats are good for saltwater fishing

Polar boats are a good choice for saltwater fishing. They are manufactured by Godfrey Marine, which is part of the Nautic Global Group (NGG). The company builds both shallow-draft bay boats and deep-V hull boats suitable for offshore fishing. The Polar line is known for successfully mixing classic lines with contemporary features and functions, and it has become one of the fastest-growing boat builders in the country.

The Polar 1900 Center Console, for example, is a 19-foot boat with a Yamaha 130-hp four-stroke outboard that can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. It has a 17-degree variable deadrise, which provides shallow-water access and a comfortable entry for offshore fishing. The high hull sides and padded bolsters make it a secure and comfortable boat for leaning against the rail when fishing. The raised bow platform improves visibility and casting distance, and the boat has ample storage space for fishing gear and odd-sized items.

The Polar 2300 Walkaround and the Polar 2100 Dual Console are other models that are well-suited for saltwater fishing. Polar boats range in length from 14 to 23 feet and are available in new and used conditions. They are generally well-equipped for fishing, with features such as rod holders, livewells/baitwells, and ample storage.

Some Polar boat owners have reported issues with gel coat and transoms, particularly with boats from the 2003-2006 model years. However, the factory has been responsive to these issues and has repaired affected boats. Overall, Polar boats offer good value for money and are a popular choice for weekend fishermen and families looking for a versatile boat.

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