Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 against a tunnel Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013 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 Dominator 165 CS 2011 at 16,7 ft versus Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 360 lbs more than the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013 at 815 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 and 75 hp for the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 2 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2013 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Dominator 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.