time to take the plunge?.....advice

[shrimpman steve]

Dirty c man and I are being offered what looks to be the deal of a lifetime. A 2004 19 foot Polar CC. with a 90 HP saltwater merc. for less than half of book value, with the trailer which is also in great shape. The boat is being sold for $9,500, but we can pick it up for $5,000 (with the trailer).

any polar owners out there with feedback? The reviews online were fantastic and the boat looks great. This would be my first ride and I think it is a perfect boat to learn on. My feeling is, how can you go wrong for $2,500 a piece to split a boat like this?

would love any advice. the pic is not the exact boat, but very close. The only difference is we don't have a t top, but it does have a new bimini.

[JerseyCoast]

My neighbor loves his! Same exact boat I believe..... For the price, dont think you can go wrong to be honest. Polar is a decent ride, from what I hear.

$5,000 today will buy you a boat that is usually 20 yrs old, so to find something this clean, this model, sounds like a good deal.

Just remember 1 thing........... BOAT translated: B-Break O-Out A-Another T- Thousand!!! :D

Good luck if you go ahead with it! If you dont want it, send me the info. My kid wants his own,,,,, :)

[Reel Class]

how many hours on the motor?

polars make a nice hull a 19' is a good starter boat so as long as its in good shape and you're getting your $$'s worth

[shrimpman steve]

how many hours on the motor?

polars make a nice hull a 19' is a good starter boat so as long as its in good shape and you're getting your $$'s worth

about 250 hours on the motor. The sale is pending a mechanic checking out the engine. The hull is in GREAT shape (as far as I can tell). If the engine checks out, I think I'm in

I can't see not getting my moneys worth at this price.

[Michael82929]

My buddy had a 23 polar - great boy - great ride..

For the price - I think its a great deal..

Only leery thing I thought when you posted... Cant stand Merc's

Everyone I know that has ever had one, always had issues with them...

Great river / bay boat - can hit the ocean on a flat day..

Good luck steve..

[dales529]

Where are you keeping it and what time should I be there. Nice timing getting DCM to pay his half when he cant fish for the rest of the season.
Momma didnt raise no fool!!

[Reel Class]

2 stroke/4 stroke motor? Out of warranty?

[shrimpman steve]

2 stroke oil injected, never thought about the warranty, but it is a 2005. I have to assume it is out of warranty. what is the typical warranty period for these things?

[shrimpman steve]

Where are you keeping it and what time should I be there. Nice timing getting DCM to pay his half when he cant fish for the rest of the season.
Momma didnt raise no fool!!

May keep it right at my house and trailer it. I think I can also keep it at sports yard in point if I want, but will use it more in the bay, so that may not be good. We'll see. as far as when you should be there, I'll let you know!

[vinntastic]

I SEE A CAPTAIN SHRIMPMAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE:eek: WUTTTTTT!!!!!!GOOD LUCK IF YOU COMMIT...

[LeftyReeler]

You can leave it in my yard if you want with the keys... access to the rumson launch only minutes away..

Launch at Chris Deli and crab all day long.....

[Reel Class]

2 stroke oil injected, never thought about the warranty, but it is a 2005. I have to assume it is out of warranty. what is the typical warranty period for these things?

3 years or so

2 stroke means you're gonna have to buy oil for it to keep it running - oil per gallon isn't terribly cheap nor expensive and I haven't run an outboard since 2009 so I can't tell you what the cost of the oil will be

[Reel Class]

Just remember 1 thing........... BOAT translated: B-Break O-Out A-Another T- Thousand!!! :D



Not really true until you run a diesel, ahem, two diesels :)

Outboards can be a bit costly, but they got nothing on the bigger beasts :eek:

[LeftyReeler]

it looks like those are the Optimax 2-strokes.. be careful with the past oil changes, make sure they were done regularly and no issues..

A friend of mine's (yes I have friend Steve other than you) had a pair of 200 twins on the back of a 28ft Grady felt like he was constanly changing the oil on these...but otherwise they held up quite well...

[Reel Class]

it looks like those are the Optimax 2-strokes.. be careful with the past oil changes, make sure they were done regularly and no issues..

A friend of mine's (yes I have friend Steve other than you) had a pair of 200 twins on the back of a 28ft Grady felt like he was constanly changing the oil on these...but otherwise they held up quite well...

2 stroke engines require routine oil changes as they are 2-cycle engines - 4 strokes are motors that are 4 cycle motors which require semi-routine oil changes like you'd do w a car

[Tuna Tales]

Steve:

I would make sure you have the following done on motor:

Compression test
Cylinder light test (look for any scorching etc.)
Lower gearcase oil check/analysis (although they can change it the day before and you will never know).

Oil to run your motor will be about $30.00 per gallon.

Don't forget other costs:
Monthly/yearly maintenance, insurance, NJ reg, BOAT/US or Seatow, fuel additives etc.


Call me with any other questions...



Joe T.

[Capt. Lou]

I've had both OB & inboards , simple scenario maintenance regularly keeps you out of trouble!
I can't believe that if this engine passes the basic tests with 300 hrs there will be major issues!
The investment is not enough to not buy the boat, which is a good deal if all proves out.
Cost of operation after the sale is what you should review. Upkeep will you running , when things are let go problems arise.
Good luck , realize it will cut into your fishing time, hard to believe but true.
On ther other hand it let's you fish on your schefule & the freedom to go where you'want .

Good Luck !

[GDubya07]

Good Luck gentleman - No more Chartering for you - It is alot of work

GDubs-:cool:

[hammer4reel]

2 stroke engines require routine oil changes as they are 2-cycle engines - 4 strokes are motors that are 4 cycle motors which require semi-routine oil changes like you'd do w a car


there is NO OIL changes to be done on a 2 stroke.( except lower gear oil , same as 4 stroke)
oil is injected from a tank as fuel is used. does not stay in the engine as it does in a four stroke.

oil for the opti if you use opti oil is over 40 a gallon / which you will use 1 gallon for approx every 50 gallons of gas.

Did alot of fishing in a 19 and had alot of fun / that being said I think you will find very quickly you want something bigger.

I think you would be better suited for all the fishing you like to do do jump right up to a 23-25 footer. as you lose less days to weather and will find you wuold use it more.

I already wish I had just started with something over 30 foot, so I wasnt always looking to buy something bigger with the hassles of having to sell another

[Baccala]

Steve, find out what year the Merc. is if I'm right it was involved in a class action lawsuit. I had one and couldn't give it away. Boat is definitely worth it though. My motor was a 2001. Google it, you will find out all info.

[Reel Class]

I guess I didn't make myself clear enough w my last post - capt Dan dutifully clarified what I was trying to state in a more eloquent fashion - thanks Capt!!! ;)

[tjd24]

Pay for a Survey by a qualified firm. It's only a few hundred dollars and could save you thousands.

[SHAMROCK EDDIE]

My friend has had a Polar for 5 seasons now and I have fished with him on many occasions he has the 23 walk around, The boat itself is a nice ride very comfortable and stable it's comfortable for all his needs. With a 19CC you will have many days that will limit you to the bay so thats something to consider but like you said for $2500 a man you can't go worng.

I can't compare the power since my friend has twin 115 yamis on the back. But the advice the others gave you seems correct. The hull does hold it's color really after a good winters wax job they had an issue with the hull which is an inlay so make sure thats it's sealed well.

All pumps and fuses are veru easy to get to if needed and his 23 trailers well since they are not heavy weights.

Best of luck.

[Irish Jigger]

Had a 2001 Optimax 200hp on the last boat and she never let us down. Heard about a lot of issues but never ran in any problems. We used Quicksilver Premium Plus oil which is made by Merc and ran like a champ!!!

[1captainron]

At $5,000 you could fish 12 times a year with me for 6 years....and not get beat up!!

I would take a trip in a 19ft boat, especially in the ocean before you commit.
I could just see You, Johnnie tomato's, Big Billy and John in the channels when a ship goes bye!! It may not be "SUCH A DEAL"..:D :D

[MVP]

All comes down to the motor and how it checks out. May even consider selling motor used and picking up a used 4 stroke (Yamaha 150) still under warranty. Also make sure to have agreement in writing with your partner. Have seen alot of good friendships ruined by partnering on boat.

Good Luck

[fin_s_guy]

Do it Steve! It will take you all over the bay! What more could you ask for?

Of course it's expensive and a stupid idea...but I wouldn't go back and NOT buy mine for a second! There is no better feeling than cruising across a flat bay at first light. You'll see! :D

Enjoy it!!

[tropics]

First off Good Luck
From previous post I understand DCM is as big as you.
You are going to need a skinny Arse man to work the net, as to keep boat from capsizing :D
Have fun be safe bud.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Optimax engines were problematic but by looking at the pic I dont think its an opi which is good. At the price your are talking here if the motor runs good its a home run...

Go for it !!!!!

[Pool winner!!!]

only problem i have seen with Polar boat is the clear coat cracking....not a huge deal and nothing really worth fixing...

[Fishbone]

Partners??? I had to sell a boat one time to save a relationship with a good friend! Be careful with a partner!!

[howarda780]

Partners??? I had to sell a boat one time to save a relationship with a good friend! Be careful with a partner!!

I agree. If everything checks out. Store it for the winter and flip it in the spring. You guys both walk away with enough cash to pay for trips for the next year

[Detour66]

Sounds like a great deal.... almost TOO good of a deal. The boat isn't very old and shouldn't have any major problems and none if well maintained.... take it for a sea trial before buying! Best of luck!

[TDaly25]

The biggest benefit of owning is that you can sail on your own schedule and fish with whomever you choose to. The downsides are many. If keeping in a slip the fixed costs rise quickly. If keeping on a trailer, the inconvenience of trailering and launching will be an impediment to going out on those short magic hours trips you could easily partake in for less agony and less money. In addition to costs of operation and maintenance, also consider the time and effort of cleaning boat and flushing motor after each use. Also consider the practical limitations of the boat you are considering buying and to where and when you can motor. Also figure in costs of insurance for the boat and registration for both boat and trailer. Also figure in costs of winterization.

After getting rid of my Silverton 34' a few years back I've been recently thinking about getting another boat, though something more practical and efficient. I keep coming back to the ease and accessibility of charters and party boats and the total lack of any ancillary costs - and there will absolutely be some if you are a boat owner. Good luck with the decision!

[shrimpman steve]

I want to thank everyone for their input! LOTS of things to consider. Looks like I have a lot of pros and cons to consider. I will take ALL of the advice into consideration.

As mentioned, worse case, I can buy it and flip it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks again to everyone!

[DirtyChimneyMan]

Where are you keeping it and what time should I be there. Nice timing getting DCM to pay his half when he cant fish for the rest of the season.
Momma didnt raise no fool!!
Gee THANKS! :eek:

[DirtyChimneyMan]

First off Good Luck
From previous post I understand DCM is as big as you.
You are going to need a skinny Arse man to work the net, as to keep boat from capsizing :D
Have fun be safe bud.
Now that stings....just a lil bit :p

[DirtyChimneyMan]

Again, as Steve said, all of your input is greatly appreceated, and I too thank you all for the advice.

[GOTCHA1224]

i have a partner in my boat and i regret every minute of it! one person always uses it more than the other,just saying it sucks having a partner.i am stuck for 7 more years.

[Detour66]

i have a partner in my boat and i regret every minute of it! one person always uses it more than the other,just saying it sucks having a partner.i am stuck for 7 more years.


Partners and boats are a no no.... If you want the boat buy it yourself. I have seen too many boat partnerships go bad too many times. If you have good fishing buddies... there will be plenty of people to help with the costs of a trip!