When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Polar Kraft Frontier 189 SC 2013 and the Polar Kraft MV 1585 SE 2011 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar Kraft Frontier 189 SC 2013 measures 18,9 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft MV 1585 SE 2011 at 15,5 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft Frontier 189 SC 2013 tips the scales at 1 375 lbs — 597 lbs more than the Polar Kraft MV 1585 SE 2011 at 778 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 150 hp, the Polar Kraft Frontier 189 SC 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft MV 1585 SE 2011's 50-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 Frontier 189 SC 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Polar Kraft MV 1585 SE 2011 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 Frontier 189 SC 2013 could be the deciding factor.