Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Alumacraft Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 vs Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 against a modified vee Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 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 Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 at 16,3 ft versus Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 tips the scales at 925 lbs — 919 lbs less than the Alumacraft Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 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 60 hp, the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 has a 35-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012's 25-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 Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller 2006. 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 Navigator 165 Tiller 2006 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft Fisherman 160 Tiller 2012 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelFisherman 160 Tiller
ModelNavigator 165 Tiller
Model Year2012
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam73 in. (1.85 m)
Beam90 in. (2.29 m)
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches73
Beam - Inches9
Weight - Detail600 lbs. (272 kg)
Weight - Detail925 lbs. (420 kg)
Weight - kg272.16
Weight - kg419.57
Weight - lbs.6
Weight - lbs.925
Width [transom] - Detail67 in. (1.7 m)
Width [transom] - Detail90 in. (2.29 m)
Height - Detail32 in. (0.84 m) To Floor: 20 in. (0.55 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.81
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches32
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.55 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (.51 m)
Length - Feet16.25
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 3 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 7 in. (5.05 m)
Length overall - Meters4.95
Length overall - Meters5.05
Length overall - Inches195
Length overall - Inches199
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - DetailMaximum: 36 in. (.99 m) To Floor: 21 in. (.53 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters91.44
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches36
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.05
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches7
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.070 in. (1.78 mm) Sides: 0.065 in. (1.65 mm)
Hull thicknessBottom: .098 in. (2.4 mm) Sides: .080 in. (2.0 mm) 2XB Bow?2nd Plate: .080 in
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Engine max60 hp (45 kw)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Operational Info
StorageSide Livewell: 13 gal. (49 l)
Storagenot available
Maximum capacity1,118 lbs. (507 kg)
Maximum capacity1,245 lbs. (565 kg)
Maximum people5
Maximum people5