Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2012 against a modified vee Alumacraft PF170 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 Dominator 185 Sport 2012 at 18,8 ft versus Alumacraft PF170 2006 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2012 tips the scales at 153 lbs — 145 lbs more than the Alumacraft PF170 2006 at 8 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 Dominator 185 Sport 2012 has a 90-hp advantage over the Alumacraft PF170 2006's 60-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 Dominator 185 Sport 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft PF170 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2012 could be the deciding factor.