Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008 against a flat Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008 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 Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008 at 18,0 ft versus Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008 tips the scales at 1 385 lbs — 900 lbs more than the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008 at 485 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Alumacraft Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Alumacraft Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Tournament Pro 185 Tiller 2008 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft VB 1650 AW Tunnel 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.