Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has the edge at 525 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 175 CS 2002 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 tops out at 40 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 175 CS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 175 CS 2002 measures 88" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

Q: Are the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 175 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002

2002

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 130 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 has a 90-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003's 40-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 175 CS 2002 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelMagnum 175 CS

ModelWaterfowler 16

Model Year2002

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam88 in

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches88

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail1175 lbs

Weight - Detail525 lbs

Weight - kg532.97

Weight - kg238.14

Weight - lbs.1175

Weight - lbs.525

Height - Detail41 in

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters1.04

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches41

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]21 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters5.46

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches215

Length overall - Inches192

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max130 HP

Engine max40 hp Tiller Maximum outboard power w/Tiller Steering 60 hp Maximum outboard power w/console steering

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard40 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people5 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityN/A

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has the edge at 525 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 175 CS 2002 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 tops out at 40 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 175 CS 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 175 CS 2002 measures 88" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

Are the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2002 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 175 CS 2002 full specs ← Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 full specs