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Serious flats fishermen want to sneak up on snook and
track tarpon and Honda Marine has come up with just the ticket to
satisfy their needs.
Honda-powered Flatsmaster is a sleek, quiet boat that cruises at 38
mph
The company has developed a unique "stealth
fishing" combination with the Action Craft 1820 FlatsMaster boat
and the Honda 130 hp four-stroke outboard, which helps to ensure that
anglers achieve the desired element of surprise.
The modified deep-V hull of the 18-foot-two-inch
FlatsMaster features rounded chines that reduce wave slap noise that
might spook fish as the boat lurks in the shallows. The quiet-running
Honda motor allows the boat to slip into the flats unnoticed.
A unique "Pocket Drive" notch in the aft
part of the hull helps the boat access extra-skinny water. This
exclusive Action Craft feature, along with the boat's high transom,
allows an outboard to be mounted higher than normal, reducing draft to
just nine inches.
The tough, lightweight hull provides a dry ride in
choppy water and delivers superb performance. With the Honda 130 hp,
the boat can hit speeds up to 44 mph and cruises easily at 38 mph.
Fuel consumption at cruise is just nine gallons per hour.
Beyond the performance aspect, the 1820 FlatsMaster is
a pleasure to fish off of and provides for just about any angler need.
Rod racks along the gunwales feature shock cord tie downs and rod tip
tubes. An optional poling platform allows easy scanning of wide flats
areas. To prevent snags with fly fishing lines, the bow light and
stainless steel grasp rails are flush-mounted and the bow cleat
retracts flush, too.
An ergonomic console features ample leg space and a
stylish front seat with storage. A cushioned bench seat behind the
console also has storage and it folds flat, extending the deck area
for easier casting.
Other standard features include a self-draining
cockpit, wide 12-inch gunwales, a non-slip finish, a 35-gallon fuel
tank, lockable anchor storage and dry storage in the bow. Options
include a compass, bass seat, trolling motor, tinted windshield, push
pole and trailer. The boat's beam is 84 inches.
The Honda 130 hp is not only the most powerful
4-stroke outboard on the market, but it provides excellent
reliability. Many of its parts, such as crankshaft, pistons, rings,
connecting rods and valve springs, are also found in the
ultra-dependable Honda Accord automobile engine.
With a four-stroke design that runs on straight
gasoline, rather than the mix of oil and gas used by two-strokes, the
130 hp is a remarkably clean-running outboard. It already meets EPA
standards for the year 2006 and the more stringent California Air
Resources Board requirements for 2008.
Suggested retail price of the 1820 Flats Master begins
at $14,520, without motor or trailer. The Honda 130 hp retails for
$11,143.
Action Craft offers flats boats from 16 feet to 20
feet. For more information on its line, write to 2603 Andalusia Blvd.,
Cape Coral, FL 33909; phone 941-574-7008; or visit the company website
at www.actioncraft.com.
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