Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 1 351 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 share an 96 in. (2.44 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003?

The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 4 gallons on the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005. That 37-gallon difference translates to roughly 111–185 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 are built by Alumacraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003

Alumacraft

Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005

2005

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Alumacraft

Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 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 200 hp, the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 has a 50-hp advantage over the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005's 150-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 Tournament Sport 185 2003 carries 41 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005. 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 Tournament Sport 185 2003 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeAlumacraft

ModelNavigator 185 CS

ModelTournament Sport 185

Model Year2005

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in. (2.44 m)

Beam96 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Depth - Detail39 in. (.99 m) Maximum to floor: 22 in. (.56 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters99.06

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches39

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1351 lbs. (613 kg)

Weight - Detail1600 lbs

Weight - kg612.8

Weight - kg725.75

Weight - lbs.1351

Weight - lbs.16

Width [transom] - Detail93 in. (2.36 m)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (.51 m)

Height [transom]20 in. (25 in. available on special orders)

Length - Meters5.66

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in. (5.66 m)

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 11 in

Length overall - Meters5.66

Length overall - Meters5.77

Length overall - Inches223

Length overall - Inches227

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail43 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.09

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches43

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessBottom: .098 in. (2.5 mm) Sides: .80 in. (2.0 mm) 2XB Bow?2nd plate: .098 in. 2XB Bottom?2nd plate: .080 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal. (w/built-in reverse)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal4

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Engine max150 hp (111 kw)

Engine max200 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people6

Maximum people6 persons

Options / Other

Optionsnot available

OptionsTrolling Motor: MinnKota pre-rig Graph: Lowrance Liquid Crystal

Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 vs Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003?

For trailering, the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 1 351 lbs for the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 share an 96 in. (2.44 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 or the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003?

The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 4 gallons on the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005. That 37-gallon difference translates to roughly 111–185 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 and the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 are built by Alumacraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Alumacraft Navigator 185 CS 2005 full specs ← Alumacraft Tournament Sport 185 2003 full specs