Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008
2008
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VS
Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005
2005
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Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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 1778 WT 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 tips the scales at 778 lbs — 717 lbs less than the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 at 61 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 75 hp, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 has a 35-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 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 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 1778 WT 2008 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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 FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model1778 WT
ModelFISHERMAN V164 SC
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam78 in
Beam80 in
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches8
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail610 lbs
Weight - Detail778 lbs
Weight - kg276.69
Weight - kg352.89
Weight - lbs.61
Weight - lbs.778
Width [transom] - Detail60 in
Width [transom] - Detail61 in
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches196
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness.080 in
Hull thickness.072 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max40 hp
Engine max75 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard25 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,120 lbs
Maximum capacity1,260 lbs
Maximum people5 / 700 lbs
Maximum people5

Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005?
The Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 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 1778 WT 2008 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 has the edge at 61 lbs dry weight versus 778 lbs for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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 FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft 1778 WT 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 1778 WT 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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 1778 WT 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 2 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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 1778 WT 2008 measures 78" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005. 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 1778 WT 2008 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 1778 WT 2008 and the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 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.