Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
Alumacraft VB 1860 AW  Tunnel   2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009
2009
View full specs →

Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 vs Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 against a flat Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 at 15,0 ft versus Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 at 18,0 ft. At 34 lbs and 68 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 50 hp, the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012's 25-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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012. 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 Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelAll Weld MV 1546 AW
ModelVB 1860 AW Tunnel
Model Year2012
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam65 in
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches65
Beam - Inches86
Weight - Detail340 lbs
Weight - Detail680 lbs
Weight - kg154.22
Weight - kg308.44
Weight - lbs.34
Weight - lbs.68
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 - Feet18
Length overall - Detail15 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches18
Length overall - Inches216
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail60 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.080 in
Hull thickness0.102 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp
Engine max50 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity719 lbs
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum people3
Maximum people6

Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 vs Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 or the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009?
The Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 or the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009. 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 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 All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012. 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 Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 measures 86" wide, compared to 65" for the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012. 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 All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 and Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft All Weld MV 1546 AW 2012 and the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel 2009 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.