Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013
2013
View full specs →
VS
Polar Kraft MV 162 SS  2010 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010
2010
View full specs →

Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 vs Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 against a modified vee Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 measures 16,2 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 3,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 at 12,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 tips the scales at 713 lbs — 597 lbs less than the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 at 116 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 50 hp, the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 has a 40-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013's 10-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 MV 162 SS 2010 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010. 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 MV 162 SS 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 16,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelDakota V 126
ModelMV 162 SS
Model Year2013
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam60 in. (1.52 m)
Beam78 in. (1.98 m)
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inches6
Beam - Inches78
Weight - Detail116 lbs. (53 kg)
Weight - Detail713 lbs. (324 kg)
Weight - kg52.62
Weight - kg323.41
Weight - lbs.116
Weight - lbs.713
Length - Feet12.25
Length - Feet16.17
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 3 in. (3.74 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in. (4.92 m)
Length overall - Meters3.73
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Inches147
Length overall - Inches194
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail23 in. (0.58 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches23
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail54 in. (1.37 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp (7 kW)
Engine max50 hp (37 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A (portable)
Operational Info
Maximum people3
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs. (272 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,020 lbs. (463 kg)

Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 vs Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 or the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010?
The Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 is the longer of the two at 16,2 feet overall. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 comes in at 12,3 feet, making it roughly 3,9 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 or the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 has the edge at 116 lbs dry weight versus 713 lbs for the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010. 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 MV 162 SS 2010 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 tops out at 10 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 Dakota V 1260 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 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 Dakota V 1260 2013 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 12 lbs per hp compared to 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010. 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 MV 162 SS 2010 measures 78" wide, compared to 6" for the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013. 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 Dakota V 1260 2013 and Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1260 2013 and the Polar Kraft MV 162 SS 2010 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.