The Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008 vs Action Craft 1820 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Action Craft 1820 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Action Craft 1820 2005 tips the scales at 725 lbs — 660 lbs less than the Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008 at 65 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 135 hp, the Action Craft 1820 2005 has a 45-hp advantage over the Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008'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 Action Craft 1820 2005 carries 35 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 5 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 5 lbs per hp for the Action Craft 1820 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Action Craft 1820 2005 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Action Craft 1710 Hybrid 2008 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.