Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 903 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005. 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 2005 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 tops out at 35 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 2005 measures 81" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004. 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: Are the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 2005 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005

2005

View full specs →

Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 2005 has a 55-hp advantage over the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004's 35-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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelMagnum 165 CS

ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 in. (2.08 m)

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters2.06

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches81

Beam - Inches74

Depth - Detail36 in. (.91 m) Maximum to floor: 22 in. (.56 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches36

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail903 lbs. (410 kg)

Weight - Detail450 lbs

Weight - kg409.59

Weight - kg204.12

Weight - lbs.903

Weight - lbs.45

Width [transom] - Detail81 in. (2.05 m)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (.51 m)

Height [transom]22 in

Length - Meters5

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in. (5.00 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters5

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches197

Length overall - Inches192

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches22

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessBottom: .080 in. (2.0 mm) Sides: .065 in. (1.7 mm) 2XB Bow?2nd plate: .080 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal. (83 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal22

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max90 hp (67 kw)

Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering; 60 hp w/Console Steering

Operational Info

Maximum people5

Maximum people5 persons

Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 903 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005. 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 2005 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 tops out at 35 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 2005 measures 81" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004. 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.

Are the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 CS 2005 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 full specs