Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012
2012
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VS
Polar Kraft MV 1680  2011 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011
2011
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Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 vs Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 against a modified vee Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 at 14,3 ft versus Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 at 16,2 ft. At 144 lbs and 62 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 40 hp, the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 MV 1680 2011 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012. 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 MV 1680 2011 and its 40-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelDakota V 146
ModelMV 168
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam60 in. (1.52 m)
Beam80 in. (2.03 m)
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches6
Beam - Inches8
Weight - Detail144 lbs. (65 kg)
Weight - Detail620 lbs. (281 kg)
Weight - kg65.32
Weight - kg281.23
Weight - lbs.144
Weight - lbs.62
Length - Feet14.33
Length - Feet16.17
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 4 in. (4.35 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in. (4.92 m)
Length overall - Meters4.37
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Inches172
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] - DetailBottom: 54 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 thickness0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max15 hp (11 kW)
Engine max40 hp (29 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum people4
Maximum people4 / 680 lbs. (308 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs. (499 kg)

Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 vs Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 or the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011?
The Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 is the longer of the two at 16,2 feet overall. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 comes in at 14,3 feet, making it roughly 1,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 or the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 144 lbs for the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012. 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 1680 2011 is rated to a maximum of 40 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 tops out at 15 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 1460 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 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 MV 1680 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 2 lbs per hp compared to 10 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012. 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 1680 2011 measures 8" wide, compared to 6" for the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012. 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 1460 2012 and Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Dakota V 1460 2012 and the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2011 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.