Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 525 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 share an 74 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005

2005

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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 — 40 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and 40 hp for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

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 V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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

ModelV-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel

ModelWaterfowler 16

Model Year2005

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail450 lbs

Weight - Detail525 lbs

Weight - kg204.12

Weight - kg238.14

Weight - lbs.45

Weight - lbs.525

Width [transom] - Detail50 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]21 in

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches192

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .102 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max40 hp, 60 w/cons

Engine max40 hp Tiller Maximum outboard power w/Tiller Steering 60 hp Maximum outboard power w/console steering

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard40 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Operational Info

Maximum people5

Maximum people5 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityN/A

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 525 lbs for the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 share an 74 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 and the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 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.

← Alumacraft V-Bow 1650 AW Tunnel 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 full specs