Alumacraft 1542 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1542 2005 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1542 2005 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1542 2005 tops out at 25 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 Alumacraft 1542 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 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.

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

The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 measures 88" wide, compared to 62" for the Alumacraft 1542 2005. 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 Alumacraft 1542 2005 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1542 2005 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 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.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft 1542 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1542 2005

2005

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1542 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1542 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 140 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 has a 115-hp advantage over the Alumacraft 1542 2005's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft 1542 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft 1542 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

Model1542

ModelMagnum 175 CS

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam62 in

Beam88 in

Beam - Meters1.57

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches62

Beam - Inches88

Weight - Detail210 lbs

Weight - Detail1175 lbs

Weight - kg95.25

Weight - kg532.97

Weight - lbs.21

Weight - lbs.1175

Width [transom] - Detail42 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail20 in

Height - Detail41 in

Height - Meters0.51

Height - Meters1.04

Height - Inches2

Height - Inches41

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]20 in. Width: 88 in

Length - Feet15

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail15 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in

Length overall - Meters4.57

Length overall - Meters5.46

Length overall - Inches18

Length overall - Inches215

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .063 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max25 hp

Engine max140 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Operational Info

Maximum people4

Maximum people5 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityn/a

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Detailn/a

Alumacraft 1542 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1542 2005 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1542 2005 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1542 2005 tops out at 25 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 Alumacraft 1542 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 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 Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 measures 88" wide, compared to 62" for the Alumacraft 1542 2005. 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 1542 2005 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1542 2005 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 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.

← Alumacraft 1542 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2004 full specs