Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 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 1650 AW 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 share an 74 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 1650 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002

2002

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 1650 AW 2002 and 35 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004. 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 1650 AW 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 1650 AW

ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel

Model Year2002

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail450 lbs

Weight - kg204.12

Weight - lbs.45

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]22 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches192

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max40 hp w/Tiller Steering; 60 hp w/Console Steering

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

Operational Info

Maximum people5 persons

Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 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 1650 AW 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 share an 74 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1650 AW 2002 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 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 1650 AW 2002 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2004 full specs