Side Depth on Boat (Polar Kraft)

[Big Ridge Brewer]

I call upon the brain trust here once again. I sold my bass boat which was a bear to garage so I'm in the boat market again.

Been looking at boats everywhere and talked with some good dealerships about a new one. In the meantime I ran across a Polar Kraft Bass Series. Talked with owner and he fishes big lakes in MN so he is looking for a Deep V. The enticing part is he figures the motor may have 20-30 hours on it, most from trolling.

With that said, he emailed me some pics. From looking at Polar's website this model boat has 20" sides. Most of the boats I have looked at have 23-26" sides. This worries me a little for I have a 6 yr old and don't want him falling out of the boat. Just by looking at the pics the boat seems "shallow", but then again I haven't seen it in person.

What does the brain trust think? Are the sides of the boat too shallow? Is that possibly a blessing regarding not catching as much wind? I'll repeat - I do have a 6 yr old who I don't want falling out. Being a bass model, it has the raised front deck.

[FroggerZack]

It doesn't look to bad in the cockpit but I could see him walking down the rod box and falling in or out of the boat. Just depends I would trust my 6 year old in that boat. I make him wear a life jacket regardless.

Just curious what kind of price is that boat? It looks like a dandy!

[kkrueger]

Since It's decked I don't know how much of a difference the height of the sides makes. It's such a spotless clean boat I'd hate to pass it up if the deal is right.

[Big Ridge Brewer]

Since It's decked I don't know how much of a difference the height of the sides makes. It's such a spotless clean boat I'd hate to pass it up if the deal is right.

Yeah that's what has me so hung up, for I like the low front deck. He says the motor has around 25 hours and 4 years worth of warranty left. According to him, very little, if anything, is wrong with the boat.

Doesn't have a 24V TM or any fancy fish finder.

[CrappieKillerJigs]

i have a 2072 polar kraft and it has 26in sides....once in the boat the sides are a lil over knee high and im 6ft....my son is also 6 and its about waist high on him...no matter what tho i make him wear a life jacket at all times.....i think you would be fine

[Big Ridge Brewer]

Well after doing some more reading, PK no longer makes a 176. Instead they make a 175 & 182. This boat is laid out like the 182 which has 23" sides.

This boat which is 17.5' is rated for a 90hp, whereas their new lines of 175 are only rated for a 75hp. I believe this boat was replaced by their 182, which is rated for a 90. Long story short, if Im right this boat will have 23" sides.

I'm going to call the seller and just have his measure. Only way to know for sure.

[Big Ridge Brewer]

I'll give a bump for the nice gentleman selling this boat. I'm going to pass for I want a lowered front deck. Motor has 4yrs warranty remaining and he has it priced at $12,400. Said one of the seats was broke so he would knock $200 off for that. Price might be further negotiable.

Boat is located near Lawrenceville, Ill. You can PM me for his email.

[mrwillis]

How close to Lawrenceville? I live in Lawrenceville and wouldn't mind running over and getting a measurement or something for you.

[Big Ridge Brewer]

How close to Lawrenceville? I live in Lawrenceville and wouldn't mind running over and getting a measurement or something for you.

Thanks for your generosity, it's much appreciated and one of the reasons I like this forum.

I'm sorta hung up on a lowered front deck, so I am going to pass on the boat. After talking with this gentleman for over an hour, he is real pleasant to talk with and honest about the boat. I hope he sells it and gets the deep-v that's more suited to his fishing style.

The boat is actually in Vincennes, IN.