Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 or the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has the edge at 117 lbs dry weight versus 784 lbs for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 135 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 tops out at 5 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is certified for 6. 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 Frontier V 179 DC 2012 measures 99" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012

Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003

2003

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Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 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 135 hp, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has a 130-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003's 5-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 with its 5-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePolar Kraft

ModelFISHERMAN V164 T

ModelFrontier V 179 DC

Model Year2003

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam80 in

Beam99 in. (2.51 m)

Beam - Meters2.03

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Inches8

Beam - Inches99

Weight - Detail784 lbs

Weight - Detail1,170 lbs. (531 kg)

Weight - kg355.62

Weight - kg530.7

Weight - lbs.784

Weight - lbs.117

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches21

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in. (5.46 m)

Length overall - Meters4.98

Length overall - Meters5.46

Length overall - Inches196

Length overall - Inches215

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17.92

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard25

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine max5

Engine max135 hp (101 kW)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1200 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people6

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 or the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has the edge at 117 lbs dry weight versus 784 lbs for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 135 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 tops out at 5 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is certified for 6. 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 Frontier V 179 DC 2012 measures 99" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 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 FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 full specs ← Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 full specs