Alumacraft MV  1648 NCS 2004 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004
2004
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VS
Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009
2009
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Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 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 Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 tops out at 25 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 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 Tunnel 2009 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
ModelMV 1648 NCS
ModelMV 1546 AW DD Tunnel
Model Year2004
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam48 in
Beam65 in
Beam - Meters1.22
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Inches48
Beam - Inches65
Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail340 lbs
Weight - Detail340 lbs
Weight - kg154.22
Weight - kg154.22
Weight - lbs.34
Weight - lbs.34
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches18
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail46 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches2
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]15 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet15
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.08 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard40 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower25 hp
Operational Info
Water capacityN/A
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people4
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity825 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailN/A
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 34 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 has a documented max rating of 25 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 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 MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 measures 65" wide, compared to 48" for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004. 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 MV 1648 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 and the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW DD Tunnel 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.