Alumacraft MV  1648 NCS 2005 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Alumacraft Waterfowler 15  2002 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002
2002
View full specs →

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 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 15 2002 tops out at 25 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 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 2005 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 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 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 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
ModelWaterfowler 15
Model Year2005
Model Year2002
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam65 in
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches65
Weight - Detail310 lbs
Weight - Detail330 lbs
Weight - kg140.61
Weight - kg149.69
Weight - lbs.31
Weight - lbs.33
Width [transom] - Detail48 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Inches21
Height - Inches2
Height [transom]15 in. or 20 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches18
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .070 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard40 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max25 hp w/Tiller Steering
Operational Info
Maximum people5
Maximum people4 persons

Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 33 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 has a documented max rating of 25 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 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 Waterfowler 15 2002 measures 65" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005. 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 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 NCS 2005 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2002 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.