Starcraft 186 Titan DC Review

For more than 100 years Starcraft has enjoyed an extraordinary level of customer loyalty on the strength of its quality construction and innovative designs. Originally launched as the Star Tank Company, in 1903 the Indiana-based manufacturer began building boats as an offshoot of its main business, which was creating aluminum tanks for agricultural applications. Before long, its boats were outselling its tanks by a wide margin, and the company – now known as Starcraft – elected to focus on building boats exclusively. That proved a wise decision, as it went on to become one of the most iconic brands in the business.

The innovation that rocketed Starcraft to its initial success is still very much evident today, and perhaps nowhere more so than in it’s all-new 186 Titan DC. Based on a development of the company’s proven 176 Starfish hull, the Titan is longer, wider, and slightly taller than its ancestor, giving it an entirely new level of performance. Its Power Trac hull is built from massive .125 inch aluminum plates, while the hull sides are formed from .80 plate – much heftier stuff than what one normally sees on an aluminum boat of 18 feet, six inches in length. The battleship-like build is further evident in the double-riveted chine and transom seams. What you don’t see is the internal torsion beam construction below the floor, which gives the Titan a stiff, solid hull that doesn’t twist under load. The result of all this engineering is a tremendously smooth ride, impeccable handling, and the ability to eat choppy waves and large boat wakes with ease.

The passenger console provides a secure storage bin for wallets, keys and other valuables.

The 186 Titan DC follows the proven dual console layout, with a raised front casting deck, big walk-through windshield, and an open main cockpit and raised stern deck. Because the Titan carries its full beam all the way forward of the windshield, the bow deck is absolutely huge for a boat of this size, with plenty of room for two anglers to fish without getting in each other’s way. Two hatches provide access to a pair of massive storage compartments, while a third hatch reveals an 18-gallon aerated live well.

A second door on the passenger console reveals a cabinet that holds two Plano 3600-size tackle trays.

Between the twin consoles, a large in-floor rod locker provides secure protection for expensive fishing rods. The passenger console offers the expected large, secure storage compartment up top to keep wallets, truck keys and other important things safe, while below it a second door opens to reveal a slotted cabinet that holds two Plano 3600 boxes.

Between the twin consoles is a large rod locker, complete with reel well to prevent expensive tackle from banging together.

The driver sits behind Titan’s stylish pro console, a neatly organized helm that offers easy-to-read lighted gauges, Infinity PVR250 AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, 12-volt powerpoint, and enough space to easily accept large, flush-mounted multi-function displays. The supportive helm seat swivels and rides on a sliding base, so it can be adjusted for optimal fit with the tilt adjustment on the stylish, chrome-on-black Torcello steering wheel. Hydraulic steering is much-appreciated standard equipment.

The helm is designed to easily accommodate large, flush-mounted multi-function displays.

The windshield is a tall, three-section walk-through type that wraps around to provide excellent protection. Thanks to the height of the bow casting deck, it still sits low enough that you’re unlikely to find it getting in the way while fishing. Pull-up cleats are another nice touch here, retracting when not in use to avoid snarling fishing lines.

The main cockpit has four seat bases, in addition to the ones in the bow and stern casting decks. The 186 Titan DC comes with thee seats, and you can add a fourth one if required. The flooring on our review boat was Starcraft’s Sea Weave, a synthetic surface that provides greater comfort and non-slip properties than traditional vinyl, but with similarly easy cleanup. Snap-in carpet is available as an option for those who prefer it.

Sturdy, wide gunnels provide deep storage below, while offering a flat reinforced surface for mounting rod holders, downriggers and accessory racks.

A huge in-floor storage compartment in the main cockpit accommodates bulky gear, while there’s additional lighted storage space in the spacious gunnel side walls. One really nice cockpit amenity is the provision of padded coaming around the top of the gunnels, something you really come to appreciate after a full day of fishing. The gunnel tops are quite wide, and fully reinforced for mounting rod holders, accessory racks or downriggers.

An additional large in-floor storage locker aft of the rod locker accommodates bulky gear.

The stern casting deck contains a couple of flip-up jump seats on each side, which are surprisingly comfortable. Two beverage holders and a 25-gallon live well occupy the central portion of the rear deck, along with the aluminum seat base. There is room to add an optional ski pylon as well.

The aft casting deck conceals a pair of surprisingly comfortable jump seats, letting the Titan flip from fishing mode to family boat in seconds.

Although rated to handle outboards to 175 horsepower, the 186 Titan DC’s Power Trac hull is so efficient that it offers impressive performance with less than maximum power. I would expect most of them to be sold with 115s or 150s, saving the owner a few bucks while giving up no more than two or three mph of top-end speed.

All-new for 2016, Starcraft’s 186 Titan DC takes everything good from the company’s legendary 176 Starfish and makes it just that much better.

Starcraft 186 Titan DC Specs

Length: 18’ 6”
Beam: 8’ 3”
Weight: 1,4500 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 27 gal.
Passenger capacity: 8
Maximum Power: 175 hp
Info: starcraftmarine.com