Alumacraft MV 1860 AW   2002 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002
2002
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VS
Alumacraft MV Tex Special  2003 boat specs
Alumacraft
Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003
2003
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Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 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 1860 AW 2002 and 60 hp for the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003. 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 MV 1860 AW 2002 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 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 2002 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 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 Tex Special 2003 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 1860 AW
ModelMV Tex Special
Model Year2002
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam86 in
BeamBeam: 70 in. Bottom: 48 in
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches7
Weight - Detail500 lbs
Weight - Detail510 lbs
Weight - kg226.8
Weight - kg231.33
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.51
Height - Detail25 in
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Inches25
Height - Inches21
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]20 in. Width: 69 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches192
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max50 hp w/Tiller Steering; 75 hp w/Console Steering
Engine max60 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailn/a
Operational Info
Maximum people6 persons
Maximum people5 persons
Water capacitynot available
Water capacityn/a
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Detailn/a

Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 vs Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 or the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003?
For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 51 lbs for the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003. 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 Tex Special 2003 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 tops out at 50 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 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 is certified for 5. 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 MV 1860 AW 2002 measures 86" wide, compared to 7" for the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003. 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 1860 AW 2002 and Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1860 AW 2002 and the Alumacraft MV Tex Special 2003 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.