Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008
2008
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VS
Alumacraft VS170 2005 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VS170 2005
2005
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Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 vs Alumacraft VS170 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 vs Alumacraft VS170 2005 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Alumacraft VS170 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft VS170 2005 tips the scales at 852 lbs — 387 lbs less than the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 at 465 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Alumacraft VS170 2005 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft VS170 2005 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft VS170 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft VS170 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelAngler Tiller
ModelVS17
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam65 in. (1.65 m) Bottom: 48 in. (1.22 m)
Beam74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 52 in.(1.32 m)
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Inches65
Beam - Inches74
Depth - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail465 lbs. (211 kg)
Weight - Detail852 lbs. (387 kg)
Weight - kg210.92
Weight - kg386.46
Weight - lbs.465
Weight - lbs.852
Width [transom] - Detail71 in. (1.8 m)
Width [transom] - Detail74 in. (1.88 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.51 m)
Height [transom]22 in. (.56 m)
Length - Meters4.8
Length - Meters5.18
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail16 ft. (4.8 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in. (5.18 m)
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches204
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail22 in. (.56 m)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches22
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.102 in. (2.55 mm)
Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .102 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25 hp (18 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Engine maxnot available
Engine max90 hp (67 kw)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity625 lbs. (283 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people3
Maximum people4

Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 vs Alumacraft VS170 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 or the Alumacraft VS170 2005?
The Alumacraft VS170 2005 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 or the Alumacraft VS170 2005?
For trailering, the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 has the edge at 465 lbs dry weight versus 852 lbs for the Alumacraft VS170 2005. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Alumacraft VS170 2005 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Alumacraft VS170 2005 is certified for 4. 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 VS170 2005 measures 74" wide, compared to 65" for the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008. 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 Angler Tiller 2008 and Alumacraft VS170 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Angler Tiller 2008 and the Alumacraft VS170 2005 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.