Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 has the edge at 78 lbs dry weight versus 105 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005. 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 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 CC 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005

Alumacraft

Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003

2003

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003'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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelMV 1860 CC

ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL

Model Year2003

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam86 in

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches86

Draft [drive up] - DetailN/A

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail780 lbs

Weight - Detail1,050 lbs

Weight - kg353.8

Weight - kg476.27

Weight - lbs.78

Weight - lbs.105

Height - Detail25 in

Height - Meters0.64

Height - Inches25

Height [transom]21 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail60 in

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom/sides: 0.102 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A

Fuel tank capacity - DetailTwo 7.5 gal

Engine max90 hp Maximum outboard power w/console steering

Engine max115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters30.28

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7.5

Operational Info

Water capacityN/A

Water capacitynot available

Maximum people6 persons

Maximum people6

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailN/A

Trailer - Detailnot available

Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005?

For trailering, the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 has the edge at 78 lbs dry weight versus 105 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005. 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 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 CC 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft MV 1860 CC 2003 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 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 CC 2003 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2005 full specs