When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Excel Boats 1860VCC 2013 and the Excel Boats SE960 2011 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Excel Boats 1860VCC 2013 at 18,0 ft versus Excel Boats SE960 2011 at 19,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Excel Boats 1860VCC 2013 tips the scales at 825 lbs — 713 lbs more than the Excel Boats SE960 2011 at 112 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 150 hp, the Excel Boats SE960 2011 has a 35-hp advantage over the Excel Boats 1860VCC 2013's 115-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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Excel Boats SE960 2011 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Excel Boats 1860VCC 2013 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.