Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 vs Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 or the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 1 309 lbs for the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 tops out at 15 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 is certified for 6. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 measures 92" wide, compared to 89" for the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011. 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.

Q: Are the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 and Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 and the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 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.

Boat Comparison

Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 vs Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011

Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003

2003

View full specs →

Polar Kraft

Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011

2011

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 vs Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 vs Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 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 115 hp, the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePolar Kraft

ModelKODIAK V178 TC

ModelV 170 FS

Model Year2003

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in

Beam89 in. (2.26 m)

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.26

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches89

Weight - Detail1309 lbs

Weight - Detail1,300 lbs. (590 kg)

Weight - kg593.75

Weight - kg589.67

Weight - lbs.1309

Weight - lbs.13

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 11 in. (5.16 m)

Length overall - Meters5.38

Length overall - Meters5.16

Length overall - Inches212

Length overall - Inches203

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters66.04

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches26

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 70.5 in. (1.79 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16.92

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard7

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine max15

Engine max115 hp (85 kW) Minimum: 75 hp (56 kW)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal27

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1675 lbs

Maximum capacity1,460 lbs. (662 kg)

Maximum people6

Maximum people6 / 760 lbs. (345 kg)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.1 in. (2.5 mm)

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 vs Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 or the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011?

For trailering, the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 1 309 lbs for the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 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 V 170 FS 2011 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 tops out at 15 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 V178 TC 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 is certified for 6. 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 KODIAK V178 TC 2003 measures 92" wide, compared to 89" for the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011. 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 V178 TC 2003 and Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 and the Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 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.

← Polar Kraft KODIAK V178 TC 2003 full specs ← Polar Kraft V 170 FS 2011 full specs