MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 vs MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 or the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005?

For trailering, the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 has the edge at 481 lbs dry weight versus 481 lbs for the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 is certified for 8. 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 MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 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 MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 are built by MirroCraft. 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

MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 vs MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005

MirroCraft

MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004

2004

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MirroCraft

MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 vs MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 vs MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and 60 hp for the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005. 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.

Both boats are rated for 8 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: The MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeMirroCraft

ModelMV860 Utility Predator

Model Year2004

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam86 in

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches86

Weight - Detail481 lbs

Weight - kg218.18

Weight - lbs.481

Height - Detail26 in

Height - Meters0.66

Height - Inches26

Height [transom]20 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max60 HP

Operational Info

Maximum people8 Persons

MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 vs MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 or the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005?

For trailering, the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 has the edge at 481 lbs dry weight versus 481 lbs for the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 is certified for 8. 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 MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 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 MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 and the MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 are built by MirroCraft. 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.

← MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2004 full specs ← MirroCraft MV860 Utility Predator 2005 full specs