Action Craft boats
Action Craft builds shallow draft flats and bay boats designed for inshore fishing, with 85 hulls currently registered in the US. The typical Action Craft is an 18 to 19 foot gasoline outboard boat, and most units on the used market date from the late 1990s to early 2000s. These boats suit anglers targeting shallow coastal waters who prioritize draft over offshore capability.
Are Action Craft boats reliable?
Action Craft boats have 3 USCG recalls on record, a modest figure for a builder with this registry footprint. Ownership costs on these older hulls center on outboard maintenance and age related fiberglass repairs, particularly transom and deck integrity on boats now 20 to 30 years old. Fuel systems and wiring harnesses often need attention at this age.
Common problems to inspect on a used Action Craft
- Transom wood rot or delamination from outboard stress
- Soft spots in deck or floor from waterlogged core
- Cracks or stress fractures around the tunnel hull
- Corroded wiring and fuel system components on older models
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Recalls (3)
- ⚠ Recall
920410S8/24/1992SAFE LOADING MAX PER & WT; HORSEPOWER
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
920406S6/30/1992SAFE LOADING MAX PERS; SAFE LOADING MAX WT
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
951411S3/22/1996LEVEL FLOTATION; SAFE LOAD: MAX WT
What this means before you buy →
USCG MIC entries (5)
Frequently asked questions
Are Action Craft boats good quality?
Action Craft boats are well regarded for their tunnel hull designs and shallow draft performance. Build quality is generally solid for the category, though buyers should inspect transom and deck condition carefully on hulls from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Do Action Craft boats hold their value?
Action Craft boats hold value moderately well within the flats boat segment, but condition matters more than brand at this age. Clean examples with documented maintenance and solid transoms command stronger resale prices.
What should I look for when buying a used Action Craft?
Inspect the transom thoroughly for softness or cracks, check the deck for soft spots, and examine the tunnel hull area for stress fractures. Survey the fuel system, wiring, and outboard service records on any hull over 15 years old.
How shallow can an Action Craft boat run?
Action Craft tunnel hull boats can run in very shallow water, typically 8 to 12 inches depending on model and load. This makes them well suited for backcountry flats fishing and skinny water access.
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