Alumacraft 1542 2008 vs Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1542 2008 or the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1542 2008 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 78 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft 1542 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft 1542 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 is certified for 6. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 measures 86" wide, compared to 62" for the Alumacraft 1542 2008. 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.

Q: Are the Alumacraft 1542 2008 and Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1542 2008 and the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 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 1542 2008 vs Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft 1542 2008

2008

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft 1542 2008 vs Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft 1542 2008 vs Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 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 Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft 1542 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft 1542 2008 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft 1542 2008 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

Model1542

ModelMV 1860 CC

Model Year2008

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam62 in

Beam86 in

Beam - Meters1.57

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches62

Beam - Inches86

Weight - Detail210 lbs

Weight - Detail780 lbs

Weight - kg95.25

Weight - kg353.8

Weight - lbs.21

Weight - lbs.78

Width [transom] - Detail42 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail20 in

Height - Detail25 in

Height - Meters0.51

Height - Meters0.64

Height - Inches2

Height - Inches25

Height [transom]15 in

Height [transom]21 in

Length - Feet15

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail15 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters4.57

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches18

Length overall - Inches216

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.063 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeFlat

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard25 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Engine maxnot available

Engine max90 hp Maximum outboard power w/console steering

Operational Info

Maximum capacity775 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people4

Maximum people6 persons

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityN/A

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailN/A

Alumacraft 1542 2008 vs Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft 1542 2008 or the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft 1542 2008 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 78 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft 1542 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft 1542 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 is certified for 6. 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 MV 1860 CC 2003 measures 86" wide, compared to 62" for the Alumacraft 1542 2008. 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 1542 2008 and Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft 1542 2008 and the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 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 1542 2008 full specs ← Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 full specs