Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 or the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 has the edge at 503 lbs dry weight versus 562 lbs for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003. 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 measures 96" wide, compared to 7" for the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003. 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.

Q: Are the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 and Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 and the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 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.

Boat Comparison

Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003

Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003

2003

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Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 4 hp for the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 and 6 hp for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003. 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.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.

Bottom line: The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 and Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakePolar Kraft

ModelDAKOTA V1670 WT

ModelSPORTSMAN MV 1896

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam96 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail503 lbs

Weight - Detail562 lbs

Weight - kg228.16

Weight - kg254.92

Weight - lbs.503

Weight - lbs.562

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]20 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters4.93

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches194

Length overall - Inches216

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail23 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.58

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches23

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max4

Engine max6

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1000 lbs

Maximum capacity1115 lbs

Maximum people5 Persons

Maximum people5

Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 or the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 has the edge at 503 lbs dry weight versus 562 lbs for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003. 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 measures 96" wide, compared to 7" for the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003. 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 V1670 WT 2003 and Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 and the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 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.

← Polar Kraft DAKOTA V1670 WT 2003 full specs ← Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1896 2003 full specs