Lee's Polar Kraft 1670

topdsm0138 · August 27, 2021, 03:10:43 AM

Figured I'd start a build thread before I get home and get started on modifying my boat to my liking. Now, I know it's not a full bass boat or mod-v/jon like most are used to, but for the price, condition and size of the boat, I couldn't say no.

Here we have a 2020 PolarKraft Dakota 1670 w/15" transom. on a Continental trailer. Guy I bought it from deals in small boats, had this one in his garage, used it maybe three times and lost interest. So, he sold it to me.

My plans for boat include a casting deck in front, deck the rear and put a floor in it. Along with the normal bilge pump, depth finder, seats and rod holders. I have purchased a new in box 2019 Evinrude E-Tec 30hp for propulsion. Not looking to win any races, just get me and up to 2 passengers around the local lakes n waters.

Plans for the trailer, replace that bow stop with a v shaped one, put some side bunks/guides on, and add a transom saver.

I'm always up for suggestions, concerns and comments. Enjoy.

topdsm0138 · August 27, 2021, 03:50:16 AM

Aerial shot and short specs from their website.

Capt. BassinLou · August 27, 2021, 04:09:12 AM

Congrats on your find. Looking forward to following your build progression on this boat .

topdsm0138 · August 28, 2021, 02:48:51 AM

Thanks Capt!

I was considering on removing the center bench, and putting a 48qt cooler w/cushion there. My plan was to use that as my livewell/cooler. But....wife said she wants me to keep the bench for her.

I guess she does have a say as it's 1/2 hers "technically". She even asked if I could get one of those fold up bimini tops for it, for when we're just out joy riding or live bait fishing. I think I can live with that. I mean they do remove quick with three thumb screws if it's just going to be me and a buddy.

Pacific NW Ron · August 28, 2021, 02:22:14 PM

Nice boat and good luck with the build. I just did a MV or maybe I should say I'm not completely done with it yet. Still considering modifications.
From my experience and from what I'm hearing is that it seems most of the basic aluminum boats are not built completely square. I'm not sure about the style you have but mine and the ones I know about have been Modified-V style boats. At places mine was as much as 1 1/2" off in about a 2' range.
Before you cut any wood measure twice maybe three times at all corners and sides. I used marine grade plywood and carpet.
What are the dimensions of the center seat that you're considering removing? Is there flotation in it? Before removing it I'd probably try to find a cooler that would fit inside the seat and just cut the top. It looks like it's part of the structure of the boat.

topdsm0138 · August 29, 2021, 07:00:23 AM

Your boat looks great Ron. I figured there will be some "off square" areas, same as when I did my tracker. What I did for the Tracker was find the centerline of the boat and measure outwards from that line. Just looked up the price of .090 aluminum sheet in 4' x 8' at the local metal supply, 90bucks. Not as expensive as I thought it would be. But 3/8 plywood is way lighter and less expensive. I don't want to be too heavy on this build.

Pacific NW Ron · August 29, 2021, 11:28:45 AM

Thank you sir. I thought about going with aluminum but I don't have a way to work with it. I used marine plywood and it cost me way more then $90.00 for a 4x8 sheet but it was easier for me to work with. I have more money in the boat then I figured I would and still have a few minor changes I'm thinking about.
Good luck with your build.
Oh on the top, if it makes the wife happy I'd get it. A happy wife is a happy life!!

Oldfart9999 · August 29, 2021, 07:41:08 PM

Quote from: Pacific NW Ron on August 29, 2021, 11:28:45 AM
Thank you sir. I thought about going with aluminum but I don't have a way to work with it. I used marine plywood and it cost me way more then $90.00 for a 4x8 sheet but it was easier for me to work with. I have more money in the boat then I figured I would and still have a few minor changes I'm thinking about.
Good luck with your build.
Oh on the top, if it makes the wife happy I'd get it. A happy wife is a happy life!!

You will most likely not do boat in budget and will be under budget, just the way it is. Because of the changes you'll make as you go it'll be much more than you thought. Just enjoy the process and look forward to all the enjoyment you'll have.
Rodney

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D.W. Verts · August 29, 2021, 08:14:25 PM

GREAT!!!

Dale

topdsm0138 · August 31, 2021, 03:43:10 AM

What's y'all's thoughts on the Suzuki outboards? The company I was getting the 30hp Etec from is now 100% out. They have Mercury 20-25hp and Suzuki 25-30hps though.

Terry G · August 31, 2021, 07:50:34 AM

Love my "DF150" Suzuki I have been running it for 8 years.

topdsm0138 · November 15, 2021, 05:16:49 PM

And I got a chance to pick up and bring the new motor home. A new 2021 Suzuki DF25A, pull start w/battery charging kit and short shaft.

Capt. BassinLou · November 15, 2021, 05:48:09 PM

Quote from: topdsm0138 on November 15, 2021, 05:16:49 PM
And I got a chance to pick up and bring the new motor home. A new 2021 Suzuki DF25A, pull start w/battery charging kit and short shaft.

That's awesome man!! That's going to be a great boat for your home lakes.

Donald Garner · November 15, 2021, 08:31:20 PM

Congrats again on getting your boat. We're all looking forward to seeing the pictures of the build.

topdsm0138 · November 17, 2021, 04:53:03 PM

Got the 25hp mounted. The manual says to have the cavitation plate 1" below the bottom on a deep V.. that's a 1st for me, but atleast I read the manual.

I have the trim pin set in the middle hole of 5 in the pic.

topdsm0138 · November 17, 2021, 04:56:51 PM

Trying to figure out where to put the 27 battery, fire extinguisher, gas tank and 800gph bilge. I will be putting a platform/floor back here to level it out. Can't forget a transom saver as well..

zippyduck · November 17, 2021, 05:29:21 PM

I would mount the bilge pump at the lowest point of the boat. Which looks like right in front of the gas tank.

topdsm0138 · November 17, 2021, 06:05:08 PM

Quote from: zippyduck on November 17, 2021, 05:29:21 PM
I would mount the bilge pump at the lowest point of the boat. Which looks like right in front of the gas tank.

If I relocate the fire extinguisher, I can shift the gas tank foreword and mount it behind, in the middle. Was looking at that after I posted up.

topdsm0138 · November 18, 2021, 06:49:15 AM

Hmm....their website has totally different specs than the plateon the transom. The website says 6 people/30hp, but the plate says 5 people/25hp?...

Oldfart9999 · November 19, 2021, 06:13:47 AM

Go with the plate, it's what the Coast Guard will go by. You may want to move the batteries to midships or the bow, if you're alone the nose may run to high making it hard to see what's in front of you. The cable is pricey but # 6 welding cable works better than most other, I used it for my TM in the last boat I had, worked great.
Rodney

topdsm0138 · November 20, 2021, 09:29:57 AM

So went with Zippy's advice and relocated the fire extinguisher so I could scoot the tank forward, giving me room to mount the bilge pump a little lower. I can't put it at the lowest, lowest point because I wont be able to get to my drain plug, but now it sits where there will only be about 1.5" of water (happened on my jon boat all the time) max. Transom doesn't go all the way to the floor, so there's really no where else to mount it either. Swapping it to this side dropped it by about 2 more inches.

Bud Kennedy · November 20, 2021, 10:29:39 AM

As you may be aware, we have an excellent resource for boat compliance questions in Florida waters. FlaltsNbay is a recently retired game warden in Florida that might be able to give you information about other possible requirements.

topdsm0138 · November 22, 2021, 12:18:36 PM

Put the hose on for the bilge pump, mounted my navigation lights, bought an engine cover, and mounted my rod holders up

Oldfart9999 · November 23, 2021, 07:00:52 AM

Taking shape Top, taking shape!!!
Rodney

topdsm0138 · November 24, 2021, 08:45:35 AM

Thanks guys for all the support and ideas.

I think I'm not going to not put a deck on this boat and just a floor instead. It was really nice having all that room to walk around, and I could still cast comfortably. Also, you sit pretty high up, so I don't want to raise the center of gravity any. So just a nice floor with some vinyl or seadek will be great.

Today's project, some guide bunks. Loading a light aluminum boat, on a trailer with no guide bunks or posts, in the wind, was NOT fun. Challenging, but no fun. Just got the boat close enough to pull out of water, then son and I picked the back up and shifted it.