Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012
2012
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VS
Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009
2009
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Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 against a flat Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 measures 17,9 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 at 12,0 feet (2009). At 117 lbs and 165 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 135 hp, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has a 125-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009's 10-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 V 179 DC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelFrontier V 179 DC
ModelJ 1257 LW
Model Year2012
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam99 in. (2.51 m)
Beam57 in
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Meters1.45
Beam - Inches99
Beam - Inches57
Weight - Detail1,170 lbs. (531 kg)
Weight - Detail165 lbs
Weight - kg530.7
Weight - kg74.84
Weight - lbs.117
Weight - lbs.165
Length - Feet17.92
Length - Feet12
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in. (5.46 m)
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.46
Length overall - Meters3.71
Length overall - Inches215
Length overall - Inches146
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail18 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters45.72
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches18
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail36 in
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]15 in
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches2
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.064 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max135 hp (101 kW)
Engine max10 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people6
Maximum people3 / 330 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity530 lbs

Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 or the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009?
The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is the longer of the two at 17,9 feet overall. The Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 5,9 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 or the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has the edge at 117 lbs dry weight versus 165 lbs for the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009. 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 J 1257 LW 2009 tops out at 10 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 Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 is certified for 3. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 17 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 measures 99" wide, compared to 57" for the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009. 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 Frontier V 179 DC 2012 and Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 and the Polar Kraft J 1257 LW 2009 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.