Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 925 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 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 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 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.

Q: Are the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 and the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 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 2004 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004

2004

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 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 60 hp, the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 has a 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004'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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

Model1648 NCS

ModelNavigator 165 Tiller

Model Year2004

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam90 in. (2.29 m)

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches9

Weight - Detail260 lbs

Weight - Detail925 lbs. (420 kg)

Weight - kg117.93

Weight - kg419.57

Weight - lbs.26

Weight - lbs.925

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches21

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]20 in. (.51 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 7 in. (5.05 m)

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.05

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches199

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - DetailMaximum: 36 in. (.99 m) To Floor: 21 in. (.53 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches36

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail90 in. (2.29 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches7

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: .098 in. (2.4 mm) Sides: .080 in. (2.0 mm) 2XB Bow?2nd Plate: .080 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering

Engine max60 hp (45 kw)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum people5 persons

Maximum people5

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,245 lbs. (565 kg)

Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 has the edge at 26 lbs dry weight versus 925 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 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 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 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 1648 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 and the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 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 2004 full specs ← Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 full specs