Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 measures 74" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003. 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 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1648 2003

2003

View full specs →

Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002

2002

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 and 35 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

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 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 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

ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel

Model Year2003

Model Year2002

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches74

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail270 lbs

Weight - Detail450 lbs

Weight - kg122.47

Weight - kg204.12

Weight - lbs.27

Weight - lbs.45

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches21

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]22 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches192

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard40 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Engine max40 hp TillerMaximum outboard power w/Tiller Steering

Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering; 60 hp w/Console Steering

Operational Info

Water capacityN/A

Water capacitynot available

Maximum people5 persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailN/A

Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 measures 74" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003. 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 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.

← Alumacraft MV 1648 2003 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 full specs