Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 has the edge at 105 lbs dry weight versus 795 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 share an 86 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 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.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006

2006

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002

2002

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 has a 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelMV 1860 AW Special

ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL

Model Year2006

Model Year2002

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam86 in

Beam86in

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches86

Weight - Detail1,050 lbs

Weight - Detail795 lbs

Weight - kg476.27

Weight - kg360.61

Weight - lbs.105

Weight - lbs.795

Width [transom] - Detail60 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail25 in

Height - Meters0.64

Height - Inches25

Height [transom]21 in

Height [transom]22 in

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness.102 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal16

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max115 hp

Engine max90 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,600 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people6

Maximum people6 persons

Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 has the edge at 105 lbs dry weight versus 795 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 share an 86 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 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.

← Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2002 full specs