Polar Kraft Dakota V1670  2003 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003
2003
View full specs →
VS
Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006
2006
View full specs →

Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 vs Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 vs Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003's 25-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 Dakota V1670 2003 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 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 Dakota V1670 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 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
ModelDAKOTA V167
ModelSportsman MV 1780 SC
Model Year2003
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam80 in
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches8
Weight - Detail336 lbs
Weight - Detail744 lbs
Weight - kg152.41
Weight - kg337.47
Weight - lbs.336
Weight - lbs.744
Height [transom]16 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches204
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches23
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max25
Engine max75 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity964 lbs
Maximum capacity1,160 lbs
Maximum people5 Persons
Maximum people4
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness.100 in

Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 vs Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 or the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 has the edge at 336 lbs dry weight versus 744 lbs for the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 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 Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 tops out at 25 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 V1670 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 measures 8" wide, compared to 7" for the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 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 2003 and Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Dakota V1670 2003 and the Polar Kraft Sportsman MV 1780 SC 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.