Matching a modified vee Alumacraft MV 1860 W Special 2013 against a flat Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 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 W Special 2013 at 18,0 ft versus Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 at 18,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft MV 1860 W Special 2013 tips the scales at 865 lbs — 854 lbs more than the Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 at 11 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 W Special 2013 and 115 hp for the Alumacraft Pro 185 2012. 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 Pro 185 2012 carries 21 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Alumacraft MV 1860 W Special 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 W Special 2013 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft MV 1860 W Special 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft MV 1860 W Special 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.