Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC  2012 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012
2012
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VS
Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC   2003 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003
2003
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Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 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 150 hp, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003's 125-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 189 DC 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelFrontier V 189 DC
ModelKODIAK V168 SC
Model Year2012
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam99 in. (2.51 m)
Beam87 in
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Inches99
Beam - Inches87
Weight - Detail1,410 lbs. (640 kg)
Weight - Detail1116 lbs
Weight - kg639.56
Weight - kg506.21
Weight - lbs.141
Weight - lbs.1116
Length - Feet18.92
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 11 in. (5.77 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.77
Length overall - Meters5.08
Length overall - Inches227
Length overall - Inches2
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail22 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches22
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Engine max125
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard6
Operational Info
Maximum people7
Maximum people5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1300 lbs

Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 vs Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 or the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 has the edge at 141 lbs dry weight versus 1 116 lbs for the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 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 189 DC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 tops out at 125 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 189 DC 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 is certified for 5. 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 189 DC 2012 measures 99" wide, compared to 87" for the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 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 Frontier V 189 DC 2012 and Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Frontier V 189 DC 2012 and the Polar Kraft KODIAK V168 SC 2003 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.