Matching a modified vee Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2009 against a deep vee Alumacraft Navigator 175 Tiller 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Alumacraft Navigator 175 Tiller 2011 at 17,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Navigator 175 Tiller 2011 tips the scales at 1 145 lbs — 470 lbs less than the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2009 at 675 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 Tex Special 2009 and 75 hp for the Alumacraft Navigator 175 Tiller 2011. 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2009 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Navigator 175 Tiller 2011. 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.