Polar Kraft MV 1680  2007 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007
2007
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VS
Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011
2011
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Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 at 16,0 ft versus Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 tips the scales at 688 lbs — 626 lbs less than the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 at 62 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 and 60 hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011. 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 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 MV 1680 2007 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelMV 168
ModelMV 178
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in
Beam80 in. (2.03 m)
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches8
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Detail23 in. (0.58 m)
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches23
Weight - Detail620 lbs
Weight - Detail688 lbs. (312 kg)
Weight - kg281.23
Weight - kg312.07
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.688
Width [transom] - Detail54 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 54 in. (1.37 m)
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in. (5.19 m)
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull thickness0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max40 hp
Engine max60 hp (44 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity1,105 lbs. (501 kg)
Maximum people4
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs. (272 kg)

Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 vs Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 or the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011?
The Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 or the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 688 lbs for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011. 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 2011 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 tops out at 40 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 MV 1680 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 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 MV 1680 2007 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 2 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 and Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 share an 80 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 and Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft MV 1680 2007 and the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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.