The Alumacraft Competitor 175 CS 2011 vs Alumacraft MV 1650 AW SC 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 Competitor 175 CS 2011 at 17,7 ft versus Alumacraft MV 1650 AW SC 2005 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Competitor 175 CS 2011 tips the scales at 1 285 lbs — 1 217 lbs more than the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW SC 2005 at 68 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 150 hp, the Alumacraft Competitor 175 CS 2011 has a 90-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW SC 2005's 60-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 1650 AW SC 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Competitor 175 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Competitor 175 CS 2011 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW SC 2005 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.