Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher

2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher: What to Know Before You Buy, Fish, or Upgrade If you’re looking at a 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher, chances are you’re already thinking about skinny water, quiet approaches, and a boat that can handle serious inshore fishing without feeling bulky. That’s exactly why this model gets attention from anglers who want a shallow-water skiff with a practical layout and enough versatility for both fly fishing and light tackle work. But here’s the common challenge: a boat like this can look perfect on paper, yet still leave buyers wondering whether it truly fits their fishing style, local waters, and long-term needs. Is it stable enough for casting? Is the storage layout actually useful? Will it work for solo trips, or is it better for two anglers? And if you already own one, how do you get the most out of it without fighting its limitations? The good news is that most of the confusion comes down to understanding what the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher is designed to do well—and where smart setup choices make a big difference. Let’s break it down in a way that helps you make a better decision and fish more confidently. - What Makes the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher Stand Out The 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher is built for anglers who spend a lot of time in shallow, calm, or moderately protected waters. At 17 feet, 2 inches, it sits in a sweet spot for people who want easy trailering, simple handling, and enough deck space to cast comfortably. What makes this boat appealing is not just its size, but its purpose. It’s designed around fishing efficiency, especially for anglers who value a clean deck, low draft, and a layout that supports quick movement around the boat. A few reasons this model gets noticed: - Compact enough for easy towing and launching - Shallow-water friendly for flats, bays, and creeks - Built with fishing-first deck planning - Better suited to stealthy approaches than larger bay boats - Practical for anglers who want a simple, manageable rig For many buyers, the real value is in how approachable it feels. You do not need a huge truck, a massive trailer, or a complicated learning curve to enjoy it. - The Main Problem Buyers Face With a Boat Like This The biggest issue people run into with the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher is expectation mismatch. In other words, they buy it expecting one boat to do everything, then realize it shines in some situations and compromises in others. That usually shows up in a few ways: - Wanting more offshore capability than a 17-foot fishing skiff can realistically offer - Expecting lots of storage in a smaller footprint - Assuming every shallow-water boat will feel equally stable at rest - Overlooking how much setup affects the boat’s performance - Buying without thinking through their local water conditions This is a common problem in the boating world. A boat can be excellent, but if it is matched to the wrong use case, it becomes frustrating fast. The solution is not just “buy the boat” or “don’t buy the boat.” It’s understanding whether the hull, layout, and size align with the way you actually fish. - Who the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher Is Best For This boat makes the most sense for anglers who prioritize shallow-water access, easy handling, and a simple fishing platform. It is a strong fit for: - Fly anglers who need room to cast - Inshore fishermen targeting flats species - Solo anglers who want a manageable boat - Two-person fishing trips in protected waters - Owners who prefer a lighter, easier-to-trailer rig It may be less ideal for: - Families wanting a general-purpose recreation boat - Anglers who regularly run long offshore distances - People who need lots of seating and passenger comfort - Buyers expecting a large amount of enclosed storage If your fishing style is built around getting into skinny water, working shorelines, or sneaking up on fish quietly, this boat is closer to the right tool than a big center console. - 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher Performance: What to Expect Performance in a boat like this is usually less about speed records and more about control, draft, and confidence in shallow areas. Here’s what matters most: - Draft: A shallow draft helps you reach places bigger boats can’t. - Hole shot: Lighter boats often get on plane quickly with the right engine setup. - Maneuverability: Smaller hulls are easier to position in tight spaces. - Ride quality: In calm to moderate water, the ride is usually comfortable; in rough water, size becomes a limitation. The key takeaway is this: the 1720 Flyfisher is designed to be efficient in the environments where fly and inshore anglers actually spend most of their time. If you’re fishing mangroves, tidal creeks, back bays, or flats, that matters more than raw horsepower. A boat that gets you there quietly and lets you fish effectively is often more valuable than one that simply runs faster. - How to Choose the Right Setup for Better Results A lot of owners underestimate how much setup affects the way a fishing boat performs. With the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher, the right rigging can make the boat feel dramatically better. Focus on these areas: - Engine choice: Match power to your typical load and water conditions - Prop selection: The right prop can improve acceleration and efficiency - Battery placement: Proper weight distribution helps balance the hull - Trolling motor setup: Essential if you fish shallow flats often - Storage organization: Keep the deck clean and uncluttered for casting If you fish mostly solo, you can set the boat up lighter and simpler. If you often bring a second angler, you’ll want to think more carefully about balance, gear placement, and deck access. A good setup doesn’t just improve performance. It reduces fatigue, makes the boat easier to control, and helps you focus on fishing instead of managing clutter. - Practical Tips for Using the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher Well Once you understand the boat’s strengths, the next step is using it in a way that matches its design. Here are some practical tips: 1. Keep weight low and centered Smaller shallow-water boats respond noticeably to weight distribution. Avoid piling heavy gear in one spot. 2. Travel light when possible The more gear you bring, the more you affect draft, balance, and efficiency. 3. Use the boat’s quiet approach advantage This model is best when you can ease into position and make precise casts. 4. Plan around water conditions It is a better tool for protected waters and calmer days than for choppy open runs. 5. Maintain the hull and running gear carefully Small performance losses from fouling, damaged props, or neglected maintenance are easier to notice on a compact fishing boat. These habits may sound basic, but they make a real difference. A well-run 17-foot fishing boat can feel much more capable than one that’s overloaded or poorly maintained. - What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher If you’re shopping used, the boat’s condition matters just as much as the model itself. A well-cared-for example can be a great find, while a neglected one can become a money pit. Before buying, inspect: - Hull condition for cracks, repairs, or soft spots - Transom integrity - Steering and control systems - Wiring and electronics - Fuel system condition - Trailer condition, including bearings and brakes if equipped - Signs of water intrusion or poor storage Also ask how the boat was used. A flyfishing skiff used mostly in protected waters and stored properly will usually age better than one that was run hard, left uncovered, or modified poorly. If possible, do a water test. That gives you a feel for: - Stability at rest - Acceleration - Steering response - Noise and vibration - How it handles with your typical load A short test run can reveal more than a long list of specs. - Common Upgrades That Make Sense The 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher is already built with anglers in mind, but a few upgrades can make it even more practical. Useful upgrades often include: - Poling platform or casting aids - Better trolling motor integration - GPS/fish finder combo unit - Improved rod storage - Custom cooler or dry storage solutions - LED lighting for early mornings or late returns - Trim tabs if the hull and load setup benefit from them Not every upgrade is necessary. The best ones solve real problems you actually have on the water. For example, if you fish shallow flats frequently, a trolling motor and better battery setup may be far more valuable than cosmetic accessories. If you fish at dawn and after sunset, lighting and navigation gear matter more. - 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher vs. Bigger Boats A lot of buyers compare a boat like this to larger bay boats or center consoles. That’s understandable, but the comparison only makes sense if you focus on how you fish. Compared with bigger boats, the 1720 Flyfisher usually offers: - Easier trailering - Lower operating complexity - Better access to shallow water - Less fuel and maintenance burden - A more intimate fishing layout What you give up is: - Open-water comfort in rough conditions - Passenger space - Large storage capacity - Long-range versatility So the question is not “which boat is better?” It’s “which boat fits your fishing?” If your answer is mostly shallow inshore work, the smaller skiff often wins. - How to Decide If It’s the Right Boat for You A good way to decide is to think about your actual fishing routine, not your ideal one. Ask yourself: - Do I fish shallow water often? - Do I trailer and launch frequently? - Am I usually fishing solo or with one other person? - Do I value casting room over seating? - Am I comfortable staying closer to shore and protected waters? If you answered yes to most of those, the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher may be a very smart fit. If you need a boat for family outings, rougher water, or multi-purpose recreation, you may want to look at something larger and more versatile. That’s the real solution to the buyer’s problem: match the boat to the mission. - Getting More Value From Your Boat Over Time Once you own the boat, the best way to get value from it is to keep it simple, clean, and tuned for your fishing style. A few long-term habits help a lot: - Rinse and clean after each trip - Check hardware and fasteners regularly - Keep batteries charged and maintained - Inspect the trailer before long hauls - Store the boat properly to protect the hull and electronics - Review your setup each season and adjust based on how you actually fish Boats like this often improve with thoughtful use. The more you refine the setup around your habits, the better it performs. That’s especially true for anglers who fish the same waters often. Over time, you’ll learn where the boat shines, how it balances best, and what gear is actually worth carrying. - Final Thoughts on the 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher The 2020 Action Craft 1720 Flyfisher is a strong choice for anglers who want a compact, shallow-water fishing boat that stays focused on the job. Its real strength is not flashy features or oversized capacity—it’s the way it supports quiet, efficient fishing in the kinds of waters where a smaller skiff makes the most sense. If your main challenge is finding a boat that is easy to trailer, simple to manage, and well suited to inshore or fly fishing, this model deserves a close look. The key is to match your expectations, setup, and water conditions to what the boat is designed to do. Do that, and you’ll get a lot more satisfaction out of every trip. If you’re still comparing options, it’s worth digging into how different skiff layouts handle storage, stability, and shallow-water performance before making your final call.