Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 795 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004. 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 2004 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004

Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002

2002

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 90 hp, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 has a 40-hp advantage over the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002's 50-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 2004 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel

ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL

Model Year2002

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam86 in

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches86

Weight - Detail500 lbs

Weight - Detail795 lbs

Weight - kg226.8

Weight - kg360.61

Weight - lbs.5

Weight - lbs.795

Height - Detail25 in

Height - Meters0.64

Height - Inches25

Height [transom]22 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max50 hp w/Tiller Steering; 75 hp w/Console Steering

Engine max90 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people6 persons

Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 or the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004?

For trailering, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 795 lbs for the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004. 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 2004 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 and the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel 2002 full specs ← Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel SPL 2004 full specs