Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 88 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 tops out at 60 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 measures 82" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006. 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003

2003

View full specs →

Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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 — 75 hp for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 and 60 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006. 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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

ModelNavigator 165 CS

ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC

Model Year2003

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam82 in

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches82

Beam - Inches74

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail880 lbs

Weight - Detail680 lbs

Weight - kg399.16

Weight - kg308.44

Weight - lbs.88

Weight - lbs.68

Height - Detail36 in

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters0.91

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches36

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]82 in. 20 in

Height [transom]21 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches197

Length overall - Inches192

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail50 in

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness.102 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal22

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max75 hp

Engine max60 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Water capacityn/a

Water capacitynot available

Maximum people5 persons

Maximum people5

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailn/a

Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 88 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003. 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 tops out at 60 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 measures 82" wide, compared to 74" for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006. 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 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 Navigator 165 CS 2003 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel SC 2006 full specs