Polar Kraft 1780 2009 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft 1780 2009
2009
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VS
Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006
2006
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Polar Kraft 1780 2009 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft 1780 2009 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 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 1780 2009 at 17,0 ft versus Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 at 16,0 ft. At 774 lbs and 756 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft 1780 2009 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006. 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: Choose the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft 1780 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
Model178
ModelFisherman V164 T
Model Year2009
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam80 in
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches8
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail774 lbs
Weight - Detail756 lbs
Weight - kg351.08
Weight - kg342.92
Weight - lbs.774
Weight - lbs.756
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail61 in
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft
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 thickness0.100 in
Hull thickness.072 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max75 hp
Engine max50 hp Minimum: 25 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,1160 lbs
Maximum capacity1,205 lbs
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs
Maximum people5

Polar Kraft 1780 2009 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006?
The Polar Kraft 1780 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 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 1780 2009 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 has the edge at 756 lbs dry weight versus 774 lbs for the Polar Kraft 1780 2009. 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 1780 2009 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 tops out at 50 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 1780 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 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 1780 2009 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 10 lbs per hp compared to 15 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 share an 80 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft 1780 2009 and the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 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.