Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003
2003
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VS
Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008
2008
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Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 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 — 5 hp for the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and 3 hp for the Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 caps at 2. 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 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelFISHERMAN V164 T
ModelJon 1043
Model Year2003
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam43 in
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters1.09
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches43
Weight - Detail784 lbs
Weight - Detail100 lbs
Weight - kg355.62
Weight - kg45.36
Weight - lbs.784
Weight - lbs.1
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches21
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail10 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters3.07
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches121
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail15 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters38.1
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches15
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail30 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine max5
Engine max3 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1200 lbs
Maximum capacity325 lbs
Maximum people6
Maximum people2 / 285 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness.050 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat

Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 vs Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 or the Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 has the edge at 1 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.
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 Jon 1043 2008 is certified for 2. 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 Jon 1043 2008 measures 43" 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 Jon 1043 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft FISHERMAN V164 T 2003 and the Polar Kraft Jon 1043 2008 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.