Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport 2012 against a modified vee Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 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 Competitor 165 Sport 2012 at 16,6 ft versus Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special Tunnel 2009 at 18,0 ft. At 104 lbs and 105 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 MV 1860 AW Special Tunnel 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 16 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special Tunnel 2009 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport 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.