Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008
2008
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VS
Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005
2005
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Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 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 1680 SE 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 tips the scales at 772 lbs — 130 lbs more than the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 at 642 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 and 40 hp for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

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 1680 SE 2008 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 16 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005. 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 SE 2008 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model1680 SE
ModelBASS AMERICA MV160 SS
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam73 in
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches73
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail772 lbs
Weight - Detail642 lbs
Weight - kg350.17
Weight - kg291.21
Weight - lbs.772
Weight - lbs.642
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail51 in
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp
Engine max40 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard25 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity1,020 lbs
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs
Maximum people4

Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 or the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005?
The Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft 1680 SE 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 SE 2008 or the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 has the edge at 642 lbs dry weight versus 772 lbs for the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 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 SE 2008 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 tops out at 40 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 SE 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 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 1680 SE 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 13 lbs per hp compared to 16 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005. 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 BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 measures 73" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 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 SE 2008 and Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 1680 SE 2008 and the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV160 SS 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.