The Action Craft 1720 FlyFisher 2006 vs Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 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 1720 FlyFisher 2006 at 17,0 ft versus Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 at 18,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 tips the scales at 975 lbs — 884 lbs less than the Action Craft 1720 FlyFisher 2006 at 91 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 135 hp for the Action Craft 1720 FlyFisher 2006 and 150 hp for the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 carries 35 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Action Craft 1720 FlyFisher 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.