Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 has the edge at 836 lbs dry weight versus 1 338 lbs for the Polar Kraft 178 FS 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 is certified for 6. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 measures 92" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003. 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.

Q: Are the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 and the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 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.

Boat Comparison

Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003

Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008

2008

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Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 has a 75-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 with its 75-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePolar Kraft

Model178 FS

ModelFISHERMAN V164 SC

Model Year2008

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in

Beam80 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.03

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches8

Depth - Detail28.5 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters73.66

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches28.5

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,338 lbs

Weight - Detail836 lbs

Weight - kg606.91

Weight - kg379.2

Weight - lbs.1338

Weight - lbs.836

Width [transom] - Detail75 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches8

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Meters5.38

Length overall - Meters4.98

Length overall - Inches212

Length overall - Inches196

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches21

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull thickness.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

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 typenot available

Engine max150 hp Minimum: 70 hp

Engine max75

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard25

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,695 lbs

Maximum capacity1240 lbs

Maximum people6 / 950 lbs

Maximum people6

Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 has the edge at 836 lbs dry weight versus 1 338 lbs for the Polar Kraft 178 FS 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 178 FS 2008 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 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 178 FS 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 is certified for 6. 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 measures 92" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003. 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 178 FS 2008 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 and the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 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.

← Polar Kraft 178 FS 2008 full specs ← Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 SC 2003 full specs