Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 vs Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 against a modified vee Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 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 V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 2006 at 18,0 ft. At 153 lbs and 105 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 150 hp, the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 has a 35-hp advantage over the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 2006's 115-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 16 gallons in the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Alumacraft Dominator 185 Sport 2013 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft V-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special 2006 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeAlumacraft
MakeAlumacraft
ModelDominator 185 Sport
ModelV-Bow 1860 AW Tunnel Special
Model Year2013
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in. (2.41 m)
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches86
Depth - Detail43 - 23 in. (1.09 - 0.58 m) max to floor
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,530 lbs. (694 kg)
Weight - Detail1,050 lbs
Weight - kg694
Weight - kg476.27
Weight - lbs.153
Weight - lbs.105
Width [transom] - Detail94 in. (2.39 m)
Width [transom] - Detail60 in
Height [transom]25 in. (0.63 m)
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet18.75
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in. (5.7 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches225
Length overall - Inches216
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail25 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches25
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.080 in. (2 mm)
Hull thickness.102 in
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal. (128 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57
Fuel tank capacity - Gal34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (111 kW)
Engine max115 hp
Operational Info
StorageBow & Aft Livewell: 13 gal. (49 l)
Storagenot available
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs. (726 kg)
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum people6
Maximum people6