Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW  Tunnel   2002 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002
2002
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VS
Alumacraft Waterfowler 15  2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003
2003
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Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 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 — 35 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 and 25 hp for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003. 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel
ModelWaterfowler 15
Model Year2002
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam74 in
Beam65 in
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Inches74
Beam - Inches65
Weight - Detail450 lbs
Weight - Detail330 lbs
Weight - kg204.12
Weight - kg149.69
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.33
Height - Detail22 in
Height - Detail20 in
Height - Meters0.56
Height - Meters0.51
Height - Inches22
Height - Inches2
Height [transom]22 in
Height [transom]15 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches18
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering; 60 hp w/Console Steering
Engine max25 hp Tiller Maximum outboard power w/Tiller Steering
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard25 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Operational Info
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people4 persons
Water capacitynot available
Water capacityN/A
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003?
For trailering, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 has the edge at 33 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 is rated to a maximum of 35 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 tops out at 25 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 is certified for 4. 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 measures 74" wide, compared to 65" for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003. 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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2002 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 2003 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.