Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008
2008
View full specs →
VS
Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011
2011
View full specs →

Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 vs Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 against a flat Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 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 1680 DB 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 tips the scales at 704 lbs — 413 lbs more than the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 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 50 hp, the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011'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 J 1668 LW 2011 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 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 1680 DB 2008 and its 50-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model1680 DB
ModelJ 1668 LW
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam68 in. (172.72 cm)
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters1.73
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches68
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail20 in. (50.8 cm)
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail704 lbs
Weight - Detail291 lbs. (132 kg)
Weight - kg319.33
Weight - kg132
Weight - lbs.704
Weight - lbs.291
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 48 in. (121.92 cm)
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]15 in. (38.10 cm)
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (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 thickness0.072 in. (0.183 cm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max50 hp
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity975 lbs. (442 kg)
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs
Maximum people4 / 650 lbs. (295 kg)

Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 vs Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 or the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011?
The Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft 1680 DB 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 1680 DB 2008 or the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 has the edge at 291 lbs dry weight versus 704 lbs for the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 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 1680 DB 2008 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 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 1680 DB 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 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 J 1668 LW 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 12 lbs per hp compared to 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 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 J 1668 LW 2011 measures 68" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 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 1680 DB 2008 and Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 1680 DB 2008 and the Polar Kraft J 1668 LW 2011 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.