Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC   2003 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003
2003
View full specs →
VS
Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013
2013
View full specs →

Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 vs Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 vs Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 125 hp for the Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 and 115 hp for the Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.

Bottom line: The Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 and Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelKODIAK V168 DC
ModelNor'Easter 163 SC
Model Year2003
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam87 in
Beam93 in. (2.36 m)
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches87
Beam - Inches93
Weight - Detail1157 lbs
Weight - Detail1,035 lbs. (470 kg)
Weight - kg524.81
Weight - kg469.47
Weight - lbs.1157
Weight - lbs.1035
Height - Detail22 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches22
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 6 in. (5.03 m)
Length overall - Meters5.08
Length overall - Meters5.03
Length overall - Inches2
Length overall - Inches198
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet16.5
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard6
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine max125
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1300 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people5
Maximum people5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 vs Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 or the Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 has the edge at 1 035 lbs dry weight versus 1 157 lbs for the Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 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 Kodiak V168 DC 2003 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 tops out at 115 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 Kodiak V168 DC 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 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 Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 measures 93" wide, compared to 87" for the Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 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 Kodiak V168 DC 2003 and Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft Kodiak V168 DC 2003 and the Polar Kraft Nor'Easter 163 SC 2013 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.