Polar Kraft 168 SC   2009 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009
2009
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Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005
2005
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Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 vs Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 vs Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 tips the scales at 1 072 lbs — 1 003 lbs more than the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 at 69 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 130 hp, the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 has a 55-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009. 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 168 SC 2009 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 with its 75-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model168 SC
ModelOUTFITTER MV1896
Model Year2009
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam87 in
Beam96 in
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches87
Beam - Inches96
Depth - Detail22 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches22
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,072 lbs
Weight - Detail690 lbs
Weight - kg486.25
Weight - kg312.98
Weight - lbs.1072
Weight - lbs.69
Width [transom] - Detail72 in
Width [transom] - Detail72 in
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.08
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches2
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.090 in
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102.2 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max130 hp Minimum: 50 hp
Engine max75 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,435 lbs
Maximum capacity1,360 lbs
Maximum people5 / 720 lbs
Maximum people5

Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 vs Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 or the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005?
The Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 or the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 has the edge at 69 lbs dry weight versus 1 072 lbs for the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009. 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 168 SC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 tops out at 75 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 168 SC 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 is certified for 5. 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 OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 8 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009. 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 OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 measures 96" wide, compared to 87" for the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009. 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 168 SC 2009 and Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 168 SC 2009 and the Polar Kraft OUTFITTER MV1896 2005 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.