Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 1 135 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 2004 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 tops out at 35 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 1648 NCS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 2004 measures 88" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002. 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 1648 NCS 2002 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002

2002

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 80 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 has a 45-hp advantage over the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002's 35-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 and its 80-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

Model1648 NCS

ModelMagnum 175

Model Year2002

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam88 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches88

Weight - Detail260 lbs

Weight - Detail1135 lbs

Weight - kg117.93

Weight - kg514.83

Weight - lbs.26

Weight - lbs.1135

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detail41 in

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Meters1.04

Height - Inches21

Height - Inches41

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]20 in. Width: 88 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.46

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches215

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering

Engine max80 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 people5 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityn/a

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Detailn/a

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 1 135 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 2004 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 tops out at 35 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 1648 NCS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 2004 measures 88" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002. 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 1648 NCS 2002 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 1648 NCS 2002 full specs ← Alumacraft Magnum 175 2004 full specs