Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003
2003
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VS
Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009
2009
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Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 130 hp, the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 has a 55-hp advantage over the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 carries 34 gallons versus 16 gallons in the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 with its 75-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMagnum 175 CS
ModelVB 1756 AW Tunnel CC
Model Year2003
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam88 in
Beam83 in
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches83
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1175 lbs
Weight - Detail860 lbs
Weight - kg532.97
Weight - kg390.09
Weight - lbs.1175
Weight - lbs.86
Height - Detail41 in
Height - Detail24 in
Height - Meters1.04
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Inches41
Height - Inches24
Height [transom]88 in. 20 in. W & H *25 in. available on special orders
Height [transom]21 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 11 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Meters5.46
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches215
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 typeTunnel
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57
Fuel tank capacity - Gal34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Engine max130 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower75 hp
Operational Info
Water capacityn/a
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailn/a
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 or the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 has the edge at 86 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Alumacraft Magnum 175 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 175 CS 2003 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 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 175 CS 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 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 175 CS 2003 measures 88" wide, compared to 83" for the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 or the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009?
The Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 16 gallons on the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009. That 18-gallon difference translates to roughly 54–90 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 and Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft Magnum 175 CS 2003 and the Alumacraft VB 1756 AW Tunnel CC 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.