Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 against a modified vee Alumacraft MV 1756 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 1756 AW 2010 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 889 lbs more than the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2010 at 6 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 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2010's 50-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 MV 1756 AW 2010 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2011. 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.