Alumacraft VS170 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft VS170 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has the edge at 525 lbs dry weight versus 852 lbs for the Alumacraft VS170 2005. 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 VS170 2005 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 tops out at 40 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 VS170 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 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 VS170 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 share an 74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 52 in.(1.32 m) 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 VS170 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft VS170 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 VS170 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft VS170 2005

2005

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003

2003

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft VS170 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft VS170 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Alumacraft VS170 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003'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 Waterfowler 16 2003 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft VS170 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 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 VS170 2005 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

ModelVS17

ModelWaterfowler 16

Model Year2005

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 52 in.(1.32 m)

Beam74 in

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail852 lbs. (387 kg)

Weight - Detail525 lbs

Weight - kg386.46

Weight - kg238.14

Weight - lbs.852

Weight - lbs.525

Width [transom] - Detail74 in. (1.88 m)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail22 in. (.56 m)

Height - Detail22 in

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Inches22

Height [transom]22 in. (.56 m)

Height [transom]21 in

Length - Meters5.18

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in. (5.18 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches192

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: .102 in. (2.5 mm)

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max90 hp (67 kw)

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

Operational Info

Maximum people4

Maximum people5 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityN/A

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft VS170 2005 vs Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft VS170 2005 or the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 has the edge at 525 lbs dry weight versus 852 lbs for the Alumacraft VS170 2005. 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 VS170 2005 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 tops out at 40 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 VS170 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 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 VS170 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 share an 74 in. (1.88 m) Bottom: 52 in.(1.32 m) 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 VS170 2005 and Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft VS170 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 VS170 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft Waterfowler 16 2003 full specs