Matching a modified vee Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 against a flat Lund 1852MT Jon 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 — Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 tips the scales at 475 lbs — 372 lbs less than the Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 at 103 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 Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 has a 25-hp advantage over the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012's 65-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 7 lbs per hp for the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012. 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: Choose the Lund 1800 Alaskan SS 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.