Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 vs Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 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 115 hp, the Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004's 35-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 Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft 1648 NCS 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Pro 185 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
Model1648 NCS
ModelPro 185
Model Year2004
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam88 / 60 in. (2.18 / 1.52 m)
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters1.52
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches6
Weight - Detail260 lbs
Weight - Detail1,100 lbs. (498 kg)
Weight - kg117.93
Weight - kg498.95
Weight - lbs.26
Weight - lbs.11
Height - Detail21 in
Height - DetailSide Height: 24 in. (0.61 m)
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Inches21
Height - Inches24
Height [transom]15 in
Height [transom]21 in. (0.53 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.62 m)
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches221
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18.42
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom and Sides: 0.102 in. (2.6 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max35 hp w/Tiller Steering
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum people5 persons
Maximum people4
Storagenot available
StorageBow and Aft Livewells: 20 gal. ea. (75.71 l)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs. (544 kg)