Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 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 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.
Bottom line: The Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 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
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
Model1442 NCS
ModelMV 1546 AW DD
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters1.57
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Inches62
Beam - Inches65
Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A
Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A
Weight - Detail200 lbs
Weight - Detail260 lbs
Weight - kg90.72
Weight - kg117.93
Weight - lbs.2
Weight - lbs.26
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Inches2
Height - Inches2
Height [transom]15 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length overall - Detail14 ft
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Meters4.27
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches168
Length overall - Inches18
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25 hp
Engine/s standard25 hp
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Operational Info
Water capacityN/A
Water capacityN/A
Maximum people4 persons
Maximum people4 persons
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailN/A
Trailer - DetailN/A
Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 — Common Questions
Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004?
For trailering, the Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 has the edge at 2 lbs dry weight versus 26 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 measures 65" wide, compared to 62" for the Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004. 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 Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft 1442 NCS 2004 and the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2004 are built by Alumacraft. 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.