Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel  2005 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005
2005
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VS
Alumacraft Waterfowler 16  2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009
2009
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Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 measures 16,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 tips the scales at 525 lbs — 440 lbs less than the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 at 85 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 and 40 hp for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMV 2072 AW Tunnel
ModelWaterfowler 16
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in
Beam74 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches74
Weight - Detail850 lbs
Weight - Detail525 lbs
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - kg238.14
Weight - lbs.85
Weight - lbs.525
Width [transom] - Detail72 in
Width [transom] - Detail50 in
Height - Detail30 in
Height - Detail22 in
Height - Meters0.76
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Inches3
Height - Inches22
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches24
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .102 in
Hull thickness0.102 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max60 hp, 130 w/cons
Engine max40 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum people8
Maximum people5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009?
The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 14,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 525 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 tops out at 40 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 13 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 measures 96" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009. 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 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 2072 AW Tunnel 2005 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.