Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 against a modified vee Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2010 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 at 16,3 ft versus Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2010 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 410 lbs more than the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2010 at 485 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 has a 35-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2010's 40-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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.