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 Jon J 1257 2007 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007
2007
View full specs →

Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007 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.

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 Jon J 1257 2007 at 12,0 feet (2007). 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 Jon J 1257 2007'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 Jon J 1257 2007 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 Jon J 1257 2007. 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 Jon J 1257 2007 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
ModelJon J 1257
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
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 materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness.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
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity530 lbs

Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 or the Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007?
The Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 is the longer of the two at 17,9 feet overall. The Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007 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 Jon J 1257 2007?
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 Jon J 1257 2007. 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 Jon J 1257 2007 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 Jon J 1257 2007 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 Jon J 1257 2007. 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 Jon J 1257 2007. 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 Jon J 1257 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Frontier V 179 DC 2012 and the Polar Kraft Jon J 1257 2007 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.