Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 vs Alumacraft VS170 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 vs Alumacraft VS170 2007

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004

2004

View full specs →

Alumacraft

Alumacraft VS170 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

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

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 - 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 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.

← Alumacraft Crappie Special 2004 full specs ← Alumacraft VS170 2007 full specs