Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 has the edge at 51 lbs dry weight versus 903 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002. 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 tops out at 60 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 is certified for 5. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 measures 81" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005?

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 has the bigger tank at 22 gallons, versus 9 gallons on the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 and Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 and the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002

2002

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$Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 boat specs$

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 has a 30-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 carries 22 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelMagnum 165 CS

ModelMV Tex Special

Model Year2002

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 in

Beam74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 50 in. (1.27 m)

Beam - Meters2.06

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches81

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail903 lbs

Weight - Detail510 lbs. (231 kg)

Weight - kg409.59

Weight - kg231.33

Weight - lbs.903

Weight - lbs.51

Height - Detail36 in

Height - Detail21 in. (.53 m)

Height - Meters0.91

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Inches36

Height - Inches21

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]20 in. (.50 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.88 m)

Length overall - Meters5

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches197

Length overall - Inches192

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail69 in. (1.75 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters4.88

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .102 in. (2.5 mm)

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail9 gal. (34 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28

Fuel tank capacity - Liters34.07

Fuel tank capacity - Gal22

Fuel tank capacity - Gal9

Engine max90 HP

Engine max60 hp (45 kw)

Operational Info

Maximum people5 persons

Maximum people5

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 has the edge at 51 lbs dry weight versus 903 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002. 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 tops out at 60 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 is certified for 5. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 measures 81" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005?

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 has the bigger tank at 22 gallons, versus 9 gallons on the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 and Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2002 and the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 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 Magnum 165 CS 2002 full specs ← Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2005 full specs