Matching a modified vee Alumacraft All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 against a deep vee Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2012 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 1860 AW CC 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2012 at 16,3 ft. At 905 lbs and 895 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 115 hp, the Alumacraft All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 has a 40-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2012's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 21 gal and 19 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Classic 165 CS 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 All-Weld MV 1860 AW CC 2012 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 Classic 165 CS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.