The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 vs Alumacraft VS170 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 at 15,0 ft versus Alumacraft VS170 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft VS170 2005 tips the scales at 852 lbs — 820 lbs less than the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 at 32 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Alumacraft VS170 2005 has a 65-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013'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 VS170 2005 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft VS170 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft VS170 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft VS170 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.