Alumacraft MV 1546 AW   2004 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004
2004
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VS
Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009
2009
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Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 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 VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 caps at 4. 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 SC 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 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 MV 1546 AW 2004 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
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMV 1546 AW
ModelVB 1860 AW Tunnel SC
Model Year2004
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam65 in
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters1.65
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches65
Beam - Inches86
Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail250 lbs
Weight - Detail875 lbs
Weight - kg113.4
Weight - kg396.89
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.875
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 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
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.102 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max90 hp
Operational Info
Water capacityN/A
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people4 persons
Maximum people6
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailN/A
Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 or the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 875 lbs for the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 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 MV 1546 AW 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 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 is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 measures 86" wide, compared to 65" for the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004. 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 MV 1546 AW 2004 and Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1546 AW 2004 and the Alumacraft VB 1860 AW Tunnel SC 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.