Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006
2006
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VS
Polar Kraft V 1778 WT  2007 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007
2007
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Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 vs Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 vs Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 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 Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 tips the scales at 713 lbs — 652 lbs more than the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 50 hp for the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 and 40 hp for the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 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 V 1778 WT 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 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 V 1778 WT 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 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
ModelBass America MV 162 SS
ModelV 1778 WT
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam78 in
Beam78 in
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches78
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail713 lbs
Weight - Detail610 lbs
Weight - kg323.41
Weight - kg276.69
Weight - lbs.713
Weight - lbs.61
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - Detail60 in
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull thickness.080 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max50 hp
Engine max40 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,020 lbs
Maximum capacity1,120 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people5

Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 vs Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 or the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007?
The Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 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 Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 or the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 has the edge at 61 lbs dry weight versus 713 lbs for the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006. 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 MV 162 SS 2006 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 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 Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 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 V 1778 WT 2007 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 2 lbs per hp compared to 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 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 Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 and Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 share an 78 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 Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 and Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Bass America MV 162 SS 2006 and the Polar Kraft V 1778 WT 2007 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.