Matching a tunnel Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 against a deep vee Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 at 18,0 ft versus Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 at 16,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 300 lbs less than the Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 at 875 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 and 90 hp for the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 carries 21 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft All-Weld VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Dominator 165 CS 2011. 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2011 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 Dominator 165 CS 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.