Polar Kraft 1680  2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 1680 2008
2008
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VS
Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005
2005
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Polar Kraft 1680 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 1680 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 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 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 tips the scales at 915 lbs — 853 lbs less than the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 at 62 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 90 hp, the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft 1680 2008's 40-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 1680 2008 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 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 BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model168
ModelBASS AMERICA MV176 FF
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam83 in
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches83
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches23
Weight - Detail620 lbs
Weight - Detail915 lbs
Weight - kg281.23
Weight - kg415.04
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.915
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail60 in
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches2
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches21
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 max40 hp
Engine max90 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard40 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity1,235 lbs
Maximum people4 / 680 lbs
Maximum people4

Polar Kraft 1680 2008 vs Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 or the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005?
The Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft 1680 2008 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 or the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 915 lbs for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005. 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 BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft 1680 2008 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 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 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 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 2 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 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 MV176 FF 2005 measures 83" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft 1680 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 2008 and Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 1680 2008 and the Polar Kraft BASS AMERICA MV176 FF 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.