Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 525 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has a documented max rating of 40 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 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 Waterfowler 16 2003 measures 74" 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.

Q: Are the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 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 MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004

2004

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 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 Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 tops out at 40 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

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 MV 1648 NCS 2004 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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

ModelMV 1648 NCS

ModelWaterfowler 16

Model Year2004

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam48 in

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters1.22

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches48

Beam - Inches74

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Weight - Detail340 lbs

Weight - Detail525 lbs

Weight - kg154.22

Weight - kg238.14

Weight - lbs.34

Weight - lbs.525

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches192

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]21 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard40 hp

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Engine maxnot available

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

Operational Info

Water capacityN/A

Maximum people5 persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 525 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has a documented max rating of 40 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 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 Waterfowler 16 2003 measures 74" 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 Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2004 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 MV 1648 NCS 2004 full specs ← Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 full specs