The Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005 vs Polar 220 Bay 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar 220 Bay 2009 measures 22,8 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005 at 16,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005 tips the scales at 1 036 lbs — 1 010 lbs more than the Polar 220 Bay 2009 at 26 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 250 hp, the Polar 220 Bay 2009 has a 180-hp advantage over the Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005'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 Polar 220 Bay 2009 carries 87 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005. 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 Polar 220 Bay 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar 220 Bay 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Polar 220 Bay 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 22,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar 1680 Rolled Gunnel Flats 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.