Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 against a modified vee Alumacraft Navigator 165 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 Dominator 185 Sport 2013 at 18,8 ft versus Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006 tips the scales at 965 lbs — 812 lbs less than the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 at 153 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 2013 has a 60-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006'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 Dominator 185 Sport 2013 carries 34 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.