Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011
2011
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VS
Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 boat specs
Polar Kraft
Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005
2005
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Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 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 1780 2011 at 17,0 ft versus Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 tips the scales at 688 lbs — 122 lbs more than the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 at 566 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 — 60 hp for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 and 40 hp for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005. 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 1780 2011 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005. 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 SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePolar Kraft
MakePolar Kraft
ModelMV 178
ModelSPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB
Model Year2011
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in. (2.03 m)
Beam75 in
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches75
Depth - Detail23 in. (0.58 m)
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail688 lbs. (312 kg)
Weight - Detail566 lbs
Weight - kg312.07
Weight - kg256.73
Weight - lbs.688
Weight - lbs.566
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 54 in. (1.37 m)
Width [transom] - Detail51 in
Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in. (5.19 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness.100 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp (44 kW)
Engine max40 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,105 lbs. (501 kg)
Maximum capacity1,120 lbs
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs. (272 kg)
Maximum people4

Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 vs Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 or the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005?
The Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 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 1780 2011 or the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005?
For trailering, the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 has the edge at 566 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 SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 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 1780 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 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 1780 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 12 lbs per hp compared to 14 lbs per hp for the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005. 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 SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 measures 75" wide, compared to 8" for the Polar Kraft MV 1780 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 MV 1780 2011 and Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Polar Kraft MV 1780 2011 and the Polar Kraft SPORTSMAN MV 1675 DB 2005 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.