Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260  2006 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006
2006
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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 DAKOTA V1260 2006 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 measures 16,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 at 12,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 tips the scales at 756 lbs — 640 lbs less than the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 has a 40-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006'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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 comes in at 12 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 DAKOTA V1260 2006 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 V126
ModelFisherman V164 T
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam60 in
Beam80 in
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches6
Beam - Inches8
Depth - Detail25 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches25
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail116 lbs
Weight - Detail756 lbs
Weight - kg52.62
Weight - kg342.92
Weight - lbs.116
Weight - lbs.756
Width [transom] - Detail47 in
Width [transom] - Detail61 in
Height [transom]15.5 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet12
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters3.73
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Inches147
Length overall - Inches196
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.050 in
Hull thickness.072 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp
Engine max50 hp Minimum: 25 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity605 lbs
Maximum capacity1,205 lbs
Maximum people3
Maximum people5

Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 vs Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006?
The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 or the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 has the edge at 116 lbs dry weight versus 756 lbs for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 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 V1260 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 3 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 DAKOTA V1260 2006 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 12 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 measures 8" wide, compared to 6" for the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006. 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 V1260 2006 and Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1260 2006 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.