Alumacraft 1648 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 2005 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 2005 has the edge at 285 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002. 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 2002 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 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 2002 measures 88" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 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 1648 2005 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 2005 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 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 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1648 2005

2005

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002

2002

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1648 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1648 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 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 130 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 has a 95-hp advantage over the Alumacraft 1648 2005'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 CS 2002 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft 1648 2005 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

Model1648

ModelMagnum 175 CS

Model Year2005

Model Year2002

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam88 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches88

Weight - Detail285 lbs

Weight - Detail1175 lbs

Weight - kg129.27

Weight - kg532.97

Weight - lbs.285

Weight - lbs.1175

Width [transom] - Detail48 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detail41 in

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Meters1.04

Height - Inches21

Height - Inches41

Height [transom]15 in. or 20 in

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.46

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches215

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .070 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max35 hp

Engine max130 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

Maximum people5 persons

Alumacraft 1648 2005 vs Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1648 2005 or the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1648 2005 has the edge at 285 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002. 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 2002 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft 1648 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 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 2002 measures 88" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft 1648 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 1648 2005 and Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1648 2005 and the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 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 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 full specs