Alumacraft Magnum 165  2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003
2003
View full specs →
VS
Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009
2009
View full specs →

Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 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 — 65 hp for the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 and 60 hp for the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009. 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.

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 2003 and Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 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
ModelVB 1650 AW Tunnel SC
Model Year2003
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam81 in
Beam74 in
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Inches81
Beam - Inches74
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail840 lbs
Weight - Detail680 lbs
Weight - kg381.02
Weight - kg308.44
Weight - lbs.84
Weight - lbs.68
Height - Detail36 in
Height - Detail22 in
Height - Meters0.91
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inches36
Height - Inches22
Height [transom]81 in. 20 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches192
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet16
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.102 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 max60 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 capacity1,100 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 or the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 has the edge at 68 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 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 2003 measures 81" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009. 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 VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 165 2003 and the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2009 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.