Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller 2012 against a modified vee Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2006 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 — Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller 2012 at 18,7 ft versus Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2006 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2006 tips the scales at 1 351 lbs — 1 338 lbs less than the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller 2012 at 13 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 Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2006 has a 60-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.