Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011
2011
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VS
Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007
2007
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Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 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 MV 1780 2007 measures 17,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 3,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 at 13,9 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 tips the scales at 688 lbs — 440 lbs less than the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 at 248 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 60 hp, the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 has a 35-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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: The Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 at 17,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 at 13,9 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelJ 1468 LW
ModelMV 178
Model Year2011
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam68 in. (172.72 cm)
Beam80 in
Beam - Meters1.73
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches68
Beam - Inches8
Depth - Detail20 in. (50.8 cm)
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inches23
Weight - Detail248 lbs. (112 kg)
Weight - Detail688 lbs
Weight - kg112.49
Weight - kg312.07
Weight - lbs.248
Weight - lbs.688
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 48 in. (121.92 cm)
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Height [transom]15 in. (38.10 cm)
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet13.92
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail13 ft. 11 in. (4.24 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.24
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches167
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.072 in. (0.183 cm)
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull typeFlat
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Engine max60 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity875 lbs. (397 kg)
Maximum capacity1,105 lbs
Maximum people4 / 550 lbs. (249 kg)
Maximum people4

Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 or the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007?
The Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 comes in at 13,9 feet, making it roughly 3,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 or the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 has the edge at 248 lbs dry weight versus 688 lbs for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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 MV 1780 2007 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 tops out at 25 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 J 1468 LW 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 is certified for 4. 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 J 1468 LW 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 10 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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 J 1468 LW 2011 measures 68" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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 J 1468 LW 2011 and Polar Kraft MV 1780 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft J 1468 LW 2011 and the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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.