Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003
2003
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Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC  2008 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008
2008
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Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 and 75 hp for the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 carries 22 gallons versus 16 gallons in the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008. 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: The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 and Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMagnum 165 CS
ModelVB 1756 AW Tunnel SC
Model Year2003
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam81 in
Beam83 in
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches81
Beam - Inches83
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail903 lbs
Weight - Detail830 lbs
Weight - kg409.59
Weight - kg376.48
Weight - lbs.903
Weight - lbs.83
Height - Detail36 in
Height - Detail24 in
Height - Meters0.91
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Inches36
Height - Inches24
Height [transom]81 in. 20 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches204
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail56 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.102 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28
Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57
Fuel tank capacity - Gal22
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Engine max90 hp
Engine max75 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Water capacityn/a
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity825 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 or the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008?
For trailering, the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 has the edge at 83 lbs dry weight versus 903 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003. 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 2003 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 tops out at 75 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 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 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 VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 measures 83" wide, compared to 81" for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003. 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 2003 or the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008?
The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 has the bigger tank at 22 gallons, versus 16 gallons on the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008. That 6-gallon difference translates to roughly 18–30 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 and Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2003 and the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel SC 2008 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.