When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 and the Action Craft 1890 FlatsMaster 2013 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 at 18,2 ft versus Action Craft 1890 FlatsMaster 2013 at 18,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011 tips the scales at 975 lbs — 860 lbs more than the Action Craft 1890 FlatsMaster 2013 at 115 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 200 hp, the Action Craft 1890 FlatsMaster 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011'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 Action Craft 1890 FlatsMaster 2013 carries 45 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster 2011. 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.