Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008
2008
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VS
Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008
2008
View full specs →

Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 vs Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 against a flat Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 measures 16,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 at 12,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 tips the scales at 751 lbs — 586 lbs more than the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 at 165 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 60 hp, the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model162 SC
ModelJon 1257 LW
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam78 in
Beam57 in
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters1.45
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches57
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail18 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters45.72
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches18
Weight - Detail751 lbs
Weight - Detail165 lbs
Weight - kg340.65
Weight - kg74.84
Weight - lbs.751
Weight - lbs.165
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail36 in
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet12
Length - Inches2
Length - Inches2
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters3.71
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches146
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull thickness.064 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp
Engine max10 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity530 lbs
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs
Maximum people3 / 330 lbs

Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 vs Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 or the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008?
The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 or the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 has the edge at 165 lbs dry weight versus 751 lbs for the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 is certified for 3. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 13 lbs per hp compared to 17 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 measures 78" wide, compared to 57" for the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 and Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 and the Polar Kraft Jon 1257 LW 2008 are built by Polar Kraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.