SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 boat specs
SeaArk
SeaArk 1542 MV 2005
2005
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VS
SeaArk 1648MV 2007 boat specs
SeaArk
SeaArk 1648MV 2007
2007
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SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 vs SeaArk 1648MV 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 vs SeaArk 1648MV 2007 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 at 15,0 ft versus SeaArk 1648MV 2007 at 16,0 ft. At 27 lbs and 34 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 25 hp for the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 and 40 hp for the SeaArk 1648MV 2007. 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 SeaArk 1648MV 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SeaArk 1648MV 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The SeaArk 1648MV 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the SeaArk 1648MV 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SeaArk 1542 MV 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
MakeSeaArk
MakeSeaArk
Model1542 MV
Model1648MV
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam61 in. (1.56 m)
Beam67 in
Beam - Meters1.55
Beam - Meters1.7
Beam - Inches61
Beam - Inches67
Depth - Detail20 in. (.51 m)
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches2
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail270 lbs. (122.5 kg)
Weight - Detail340 lbs
Weight - kg122.47
Weight - kg154.22
Weight - lbs.27
Weight - lbs.34
Width [transom] - Detail42 in. (1.07 m)
Width [transom] - Detail48 in
Length - Meters4.57
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches18
Length overall - Inches192
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]15 in. / 20 in
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.100 in. (2.54 mm)
Hull thickness0.100 in
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (18.69 kw)
Engine max40 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity730 lbs. (331.1 kg)
Maximum capacity985 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people5

SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 vs SeaArk 1648MV 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 or the SeaArk 1648MV 2007?
The SeaArk 1648MV 2007 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 or the SeaArk 1648MV 2007?
For trailering, the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 34 lbs for the SeaArk 1648MV 2007. 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 SeaArk 1648MV 2007 is rated to a maximum of 40 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 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 SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the SeaArk 1648MV 2007 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The SeaArk 1648MV 2007 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The SeaArk 1648MV 2007 measures 67" wide, compared to 61" for the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005. 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 SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 and SeaArk 1648MV 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SeaArk 1542 MV 2005 and the SeaArk 1648MV 2007 are built by SeaArk. 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.