2021 Alumacraft Competitor FSX 185

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Alumacraft’s new Competitor FSX (Fish & Ski Crossover) series, part of the company’s Fish & Sport category, is available in both seventeen and eighteen-foot models. For 2021, as Alumacraft celebrates its 75th Anniversary, the company will offer literally dozens of different models within its five major categories of fishing boats: one no doubt perfect for your intended use.

Living up to its “crossover” moniker, the Competitor FSX 185 is a perfect companion to satisfy the ardent fisherman in the family while also providing amenities for all-round family fun and recreation. A comprehensive list of available options allows you to personalize your boat to suit your individual preferences for on-water enjoyment.

At 18’8” overall length on a wide beam of 7’11” and rated for up to 175 horsepower of the outboard brand of your choice, the Competitor FSX 185 lives up to its crossover designation. It rides on Alumacraft’s proven Deep-V, gull-wing shaped 2XB hull design with a one-piece seamless bottom with full-length double-plating.

The extra high three-piece windshield with center opening section and curved glass outer edges provides excellent wind and weather protection, thus extending the Canadian boating season from early spring to late fall. Add the available full canvas enclosure options and boat covers and you are protected on the water and on the trailer.

Carpeting is standard throughout the interior, but you can optionally choose vinyl to replace the carpet or add vinyl flooring to the cockpit only. Snap-in carpet is also available as is comfortable mat flooring. Four seat mounting bases are provided in the cockpit plus one centered on the bow casting platform and one on the stern platform. The stern platform seat mounting base doubles as the mount for the available and stowable ski tow pylon.

Three deluxe seats are provided standard with the driver’s seat having an air-ride pedestal and slider. All manner of seating additions and upgrades are available. A pair of well-padded flip-up jump seats within the stern casting deck flank a centered 22-gallon lit, aerated livewell with timer. This livewell is also accessible from beneath the starboard side stern jump seat and a livewell divider is optionally available. A second similarly equipped 18-gallon livewell is found within the bow casting deck.

Storage compartments are found throughout the Competitor FSX 185 with three along the port side of the cockpit and another three within the bow casting deck. One of these compartments is a dedicated 13-gallon insulated cooler. A pullout storage drawer is provided beneath each console and two lockable eight-foot rod storage compartments are provided; one centered within the bow casting deck and the other along the starboard side of the cockpit. There is also storage within the bow trolling motor mounting platform.

The molded driver’s console is fronted by a soft-grip tilting steering wheel equipped with standard hydraulic steering. Immediately ahead of the steering wheel, a raised dash pod section houses the standard pair of large diameter tachometer and speedometer gauges flanking a vertical pair of small diameter fuel gauge and voltmeter. These may all be optionally replaced by an in-dash Lowrance or Humminbird combination digital display/GPS/fishfinder. A storage tray on the top right of the dash may be used as a mounting platform for a second display if desired.

The passenger console features a large lockable glove box with a storage tray on the top surface. A Bluetooth capable Infinity AM/FM stereo with dual speakers is standard, as is a combination USB and auxiliary adapter charge port. A stereo upgrade is available. Additional standard equipment includes a folding boarding ladder and a very thoughtful pair of rear deck “Comfort Mats” for kneeling or sitting while enjoying water activities at the stern. Folding cleats are also standard as is the gunnel AlumaTrak mounting system with a large selection of available accessories. A 12/24 volt trolling system is pre-wired.

You have your choice of three hull colours along with five possible accent colours. You may select from several Mercury kicker motors along with a selection of Minnkota trolling motors plus a huge range of bow-mounted electronics from Lowrance or Humminbird. You may want to add under-console or bow cargo netting or a 36-volt battery kit. To enhance your family fun, add the bow cushion set for the foredeck, and for stretch out lounging, the back rest cushion set for the front face of the consoles. Finally, choose from a selection of custom Shoreland’r trailers and accessories.

Your Alumacraft Competitor FSX 185 is a crossover in every sense of the word and will provide the fishing, cruising, and watersports enthusiasts in your family all the pleasure and excitement they could imagine.