Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 or the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 1 392 lbs for the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006. 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 Trophy 180 2006 is rated to a maximum of 175 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 Trophy 180 2006 is certified for 6. 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 Trophy 180 2006 measures 96" 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 Trophy 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 and the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 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 Trophy 180 2006

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002

2002

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 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 175 hp, the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 has a 140-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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

Model1648 NCS

ModelTrophy 18

Model Year2002

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam96 in. (2.43 m)

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail260 lbs

Weight - Detail1,392 lbs. (631 kg)

Weight - kg117.93

Weight - kg631.4

Weight - lbs.26

Weight - lbs.1392

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches21

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]25 in. (0.64 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 10 in. (5.43 m)

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.44

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches214

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - DetailMaximum: 44 in. (1.12 m) To Floor: 25.5 in. (0.65 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters111.76

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches44

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail96 in. (2.43 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.43

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: .100 in. (2.5 mm) Sides: .080 in. (2.0 mm) 2XB Bow?2nd Plate: .100 in. 2XB Bottom?2nd Plate: .080 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering

Engine max175 hp (130 kw)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal. with reserve (169 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal4

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum people5 persons

Maximum people6

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,515 lbs. (687 kg)

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 vs Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 or the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 1 392 lbs for the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006. 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 Trophy 180 2006 is rated to a maximum of 175 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 Trophy 180 2006 is certified for 6. 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 Trophy 180 2006 measures 96" 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 Trophy 180 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2002 and the Alumacraft Trophy 180 2006 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 Trophy 180 2006 full specs