Matching a modified vee Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 against a tunnel Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013 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 MV 1860 AW Special 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013 tips the scales at 875 lbs — 770 lbs less than the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 at 105 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 — 115 hp for the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 and 115 hp for the Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013. 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 MV 1860 AW Special 2006 carries 16 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013. 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 MV 1860 AW Special 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW Special 2006 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013. 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 MV 1860 AW Special 2006 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 VB 1860 W Special Tunnel 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.