Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004
2004
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VS
Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW  Tunnel   2002 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002
2002
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Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 50 hp for the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 and 50 hp for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelMV 1756 AW
ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel
Model Year2004
Model Year2002
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam83 in
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches83
Beam - Inches86
Weight - Detail475 lbs
Weight - Detail500 lbs
Weight - kg215.46
Weight - kg226.8
Weight - lbs.475
Weight - lbs.5
Height - Detail24 in
Height - Detail25 in
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Inches24
Height - Inches25
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]22 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max50 hp w/Tiller Steering
Engine max50 hp w/Tiller Steering; 75 hp w/Console Steering
Operational Info
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people6 persons

Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002?
For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 475 lbs for the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 measures 86" wide, compared to 83" for the Alumacraft MV 1756 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 1756 AW 2004 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1756 AW 2004 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 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.