Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 against a modified vee Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008 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 Trophy 185 2013 at 18,7 ft versus Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008 tips the scales at 525 lbs — 347 lbs less than the Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 at 178 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 has a 135-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Trophy 185 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.