Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008
2008
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VS
Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013
2013
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Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 vs Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 against a flat Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 tips the scales at 751 lbs — 460 lbs more than the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 at 291 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 35-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 162 SC 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model162 SC
ModelJon J 1648 LW
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam78 in
Beam68 in. (1.73 cm)
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters1.73
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches68
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail751 lbs
Weight - Detail291 lbs. (132 kg)
Weight - kg340.65
Weight - kg132
Weight - lbs.751
Weight - lbs.291
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. (4.88 m)
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs
Maximum people4

Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 vs Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 or the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013?
The Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 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 J 1648 LW 2013?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 has the edge at 291 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 J 1648 LW 2013 tops out at 25 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 J 1648 LW 2013 is certified for 4. 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 Jon J 1648 LW 2013 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 12 lbs per hp compared to 13 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 162 SC 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 68" for the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013. 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 J 1648 LW 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 162 SC 2008 and the Polar Kraft Jon J 1648 LW 2013 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.