Alumacraft Magnum 165  2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003
2003
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VS
Alumacraft MV 1546 AW  DD 2007 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007
2007
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Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 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 65 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 has a 40-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMagnum 165
ModelMV 1546 AW DD
Model Year2003
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam81 in
Beam65 in
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Inches81
Beam - Inches65
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail840 lbs
Weight - Detail340 lbs
Weight - kg381.02
Weight - kg154.22
Weight - lbs.84
Weight - lbs.34
Height - Detail36 in
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Meters0.91
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Inches36
Height - Inches2
Height [transom]81 in. 20 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches18
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail46 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet15
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.082 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal
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 max65 hp
Engine max25 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Water capacityn/a
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people4
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity570 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 or the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 84 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 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 2003 is rated to a maximum of 65 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 tops out at 25 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 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 is certified for 4. 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 2003 measures 81" wide, compared to 65" for the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007. 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 2003 and Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 and the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD 2007 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.