Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 boat specs
Ultracraft
Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008
2008
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VS
Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 boat specs
Ultracraft
Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006
2006
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Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 vs Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 vs Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 measures 18,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 at 11,0 feet (2008). At 8 lbs and 9 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 has a 84-hp advantage over the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008's 6-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 Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 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: Choose the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeUltracraft
MakeUltracraft
ModelJon Boat 1231
ModelModified Vee Jon 1860MVD
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam46 in
Beam83 in
Beam - Meters1.17
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches46
Beam - Inches83
Weight - Detail80 lbs
Weight - Detail900 lbs
Weight - kg36.29
Weight - kg408.23
Weight - lbs.8
Weight - lbs.9
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 31 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 60 in
Height - DetailBow: 14 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.36
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches14
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]15 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet11
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters3.61
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches142
Length overall - Inches216
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise10℃
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.050 in
Hull thickness.100 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max6 hp
Engine max90 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity390 lbs
Maximum capacity1,350 lbs
Maximum people2
Maximum people6

Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 vs Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 or the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006?
The Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 comes in at 11,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 or the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006?
For trailering, the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 9 lbs for the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006. 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 Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 tops out at 6 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 Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 2 passengers, while the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 measures 83" wide, compared to 46" for the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 and Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ultracraft Jon Boat 1231 2008 and the Ultracraft Modified Vee Jon 1860MVD 2006 are built by Ultracraft. 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.