Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004
2004
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VS
Alumacraft VS170 2007 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VS170 2007
2007
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Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 vs Alumacraft VS170 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 vs Alumacraft VS170 2007 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 70 hp, the Alumacraft VS170 2007 has a 30-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 VS170 2007 and its 70-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelCrappie Special
ModelVS17
Model Year2004
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam74 in. Bottom: 52 in
Beam74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 52 in. (1.32 m)
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Inches74
Beam - Inches74
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail800 lbs
Weight - Detail852 lbs. (387 kg)
Weight - kg362.87
Weight - kg386.46
Weight - lbs.8
Weight - lbs.852
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches21
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]22 in. Width: 74 in
Height [transom]22 in. (0.6 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in. (5.18 m)
Length overall - Meters5.08
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches2
Length overall - Inches204
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail22 in. (0.56 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches22
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail74 in. (1.88 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.18
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.102 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detailn/a
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (68 l)
Engine max40 hp
Engine max70 hp (51 kw)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Water capacityn/a
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people4 persons
Maximum people4
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs. (499 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 vs Alumacraft VS170 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 or the Alumacraft VS170 2007?
For trailering, the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 852 lbs for the Alumacraft VS170 2007. 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 VS170 2007 is rated to a maximum of 70 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 tops out at 40 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 Crappie Special 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft VS170 2007 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 and Alumacraft VS170 2007 share an 74 in. Bottom: 52 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 and Alumacraft VS170 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 and the Alumacraft VS170 2007 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.