Fastest 20' Action Marine?

[Hot Shot Merc]

Curious to know whats the fastest top end numbers anyones been,seen or heard of in the 20' Action Marine. The fastest I know was Kenny parkers with a Diamond Marine 2.5 280. His went 104 ish. I know he did because I ran beside him all the way down the suwannee river in my Lightning STV copy w/280 on gps. I know there wasnt as many of the 20's made than the other lengths through the years so there may not be many that have beat the 104 I know of. Never seen one with a 300x or xs only 2.5's. I would love to take mine past 105. Its getting painted 1st of feb and then rigged out. Im going to start with my 28 big ear chopper then try a 32 cleaver then 34 and see what a stock 280 with rev limiter raised can do. This hull has more lift than anything in its class so its also something I will have to be super mindful of. Thinking heavly about switching to a 15" 300xs soon after its complete. Not just for top end but better low to mid range torque. Its a pretty heavy boat and I think the bigger bore would be more suted for it.....Anyway thats what ive been consuming my thoughts with lately so anyone know of one faster than 104?

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[frederick55]

Probably is fastest right before it goes over. Happened to a couple of guys I know of in the Keys many years ago. Maybe not the best hull for setting top end records, so be careful... they can bite! They ride nice though! From you're collection I can see you know Action's pretty well, but like you said, the 20's have a lot of lift.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Probably is fastest right before it goes over. Happened to a couple of guys I know of in the Keys many years ago. Maybe not the best hull for setting top end records, so be careful... they can bite! They ride nice though! From you're collection I can see you know Action's pretty well, but like you said, the 20's have a lot of lift.Yeah I know they have a bad rep. I think Deznuts and Bobby Pazos sr have gone swimming. Im not trying to break any records realy just ......well I guess that is what im trying to do but not trying to go as fast as the other v bottoms are attemting w/green power anyway. I know thats a record thats way out of site for this hull. The fact it creates so much lift realy slows it down from wind drag..... When I was side by side with Kenny Parker at 104 his boat looked nice and tame considering the speed. I was very impressed. I think with the right set up and if I can turn up a big cleaver then I might be able to hold the nose down with trim. Deznuts told me when im ready he would help me set it up and try a few props at his Canal X testing grounds.....Its been a while sinse Ive been behind the wheel of a pad v bottom so I'll get some seat time in to get my balance again:D

[Tom Foley]

Sliding weight bundle on a track on center in front of the driving area .
Just a small 12v electric motor geared down on a rack system . Small parts .com would have everything . OK I'll grab another beer now !:cheers:

[dcj7699]

There was one in key west ran mid 90s with 300xs in much less than ideal conditions

[frederick55]

Keep the setback to a minimum, and maybe try some negative wedges.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Great idea Tom....Another beer that is LOL!!!:cheers:

Mid 90's shouldnt be a problem even in the chop ;)

Ive got a 10" Bobs hydraulic jack plate going on it. Two reasons. 1 Im planning on changeing from the 20" im going to run to start with for a 15". You cant run a 15" without that much setback and 2 because of the weight of the boat. Ive been told they run best with around 6" set back but my thoughts are leverage and ballance would be better on a hull this length and weight with 10" set back. If and when I get a 300xs I will run 10" if I go with a 15" mid and will get a 6" setback if I get a 20" 300xs. What I just typed made sense to me not sure if you get my drift LOL!!! Basicly a 15" motor wont work without at least 10" set back,the steering will hit the back of the boat.

[Hot Shot Merc]

There was one in key west ran mid 90s with 300xs in much less than ideal conditions Do you know who that was and any details of the set up?

[timmc6]

Willy from Miami was in one with a 300 on it at the Suwannee not shure of all details ,or mph but it run pretty damn good,tim

[RNM018]

Rob , The 15" Xs sounds like a sweet package for this ride . Maybe save that 280 , for another tunnel project , if you can put your hands on the 300 parts .

Keep us posted , as you go on this project .

See Ya Soon !


Rich Martin 018

[Hot Shot Merc]

Willy from Miami was in one with a 300 on it at the Suwannee not shure of all details ,or mph but it run pretty damn good,tim
Was it a 20 or a current 19? They arent even close to same boat. The 10 action builsd now is not the same. Its close in length but the 20 is a lot wider,taller and heavier.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Rob , The 15" Xs sounds like a sweet package for this ride . Maybe save that 280 , for another tunnel project , if you can put your hands on the 300 parts .

Keep us posted , as you go on this project .

See Ya Soon !


Rich Martin 018Rich I would say "you have no idea how bad I would like to keep this 280 for an STV and get a 300xs for this boat " But im sure you totaly understand LOL!!! Theres no way in hell I would be able to swing that unless I win the lottery. Things arent like they used to be. Im just lucky and happy to be this far. Boat should get painted 1st of feb and then rigged out and tested. My project list for 2014 is to finish the Action then remodel my two bathrooms and put a new roof on my house. Thanks Rich :cheers:

[motorheadbishop]

Was it a 20 or a current 19? They arent even close to same boat. The 10 action builsd now is not the same. Its close in length but the 20 is a lot wider,taller and heavier.

Its a new style 18...
And Dave got wet in a 19...

[speedinstream]

I dont know about a 20 but I talked to a man in north Carolina with a 18 that let out of it a 139mph stock promax cle and a 24 trophy lol.I told him if it would run that speed I would give him 50k for the boat but if he couldn't run it over 90 he had to give it to me he thought I was a smart ass lol

[Mr. Action]

There was a heavy yellow 1 wtr logged **** bottom total beater it ran 93 with a 300xs but I forgot prop gear ratio ext but deff was in 90s

Scott from intense marine in n Miami had a evolution v8 on a 20 in the early 90s he almost went for a swim n said was around 105 n he was big time in point so I don't c y he would tell story's said he got his scare n took it apart n sold same week lol

[Hot Shot Merc]

I dont know about a 20 but I talked to a man in north Carolina with a 18 that let out of it a 139mph stock promax cle and a 24 trophy lol.I told him if it would run that speed I would give him 50k for the boat but if he couldn't run it over 90 he had to give it to me he thought I was a smart ass lolThats some funny schit right there LOL!!!

Bishop. I thought the new 18 is actualy a 19 that was a stretched 18 ? Mr Action what is the dimensions of the current action you build?


Hell Ive almost went for a swim in every single hot boat Ive ever owned. I remember comeing out of the water from testing my last q shot at Ft Rucker and Ray Leach,Jack Barsh and Andy Driver all walked up to me and said if I keep that up(over trimming) im going to get spit out of that T3 like a watermelon seed. I had one test session in that NEW boat before that day and had been fighting with my girl friend all the way from Florida to Alabama and my head wasnt in a good place. The next day I was calmed down and took second place to Jeff Tyner in River Racer.

Knowing the lift the 20 produces im going to be very cautious of flight and keeping the bow down.

[dcj7699]

Do you know who that was and any details of the set up?

It was a heavy boat they actually line x the inside
He was running 20" 300xs with sportmaster and 6" hydro Jackplate
owner could not drive it and had a friend of mine run it for him

[Hot Shot Merc]

Im thinkin mid 90's with a stock 280 and my 28 chopper should be a starting point. 7000 rpms with a 32 cleaver should be 100. I dont think 105+ is out of reach. Even if I have to run more compresion maybe around 175-180 and a 34. Hell Anyone have thoughts on 1.75 sporty and this setup? Think a 280 can turn a 1.75 sporty to 7000 rpms on this heavy v bottom? Dreifort? Any input?

[baja200merk]

My buddy ran 1.75s on his 280/mirage. It was not heavy and he hated the gear.

I thought kenny's boat was faster then 105? was it 107-8? I dont think he has tried to go faster there might be some left in it. Its fast for sure

Dave and Andy both went 117-118 in 18s but they were both motion bottoms like my old armstrong (action copy) with the flat pad.

A 280 and a big prop should run 105. A 300XS should get it up there too and double your mileage at cruise.

Looks like a fun project, be safe :cheers:

[mr fun]

who gives a damn what the top # is, to me it's about what it will handle safely! I beat 2 mirages across lake George to the glen and they both had 2.5's and I belive one was a 280. cross wakes from all directions and only had to let off for a second at a time, then back to the floor and STROKIN! it's not a drag boat, and no drag boat can do what it can, get out and enjoy it for what it is! Merry Christmas Rob, I have a fly weight 17'r I'm going to rig with a towa and cable steering and go to the classic race boat events http://www.classicraceboatassoc.com/ :cheers: it's all about "BALANCE" not how fast it will go, it's how fast it will go in the slop!:iagree: met a guy from here at a run in Jupiter that had a 19 or 20 with I belive a 300 that he ran to bimini to his house over there

[Tom Foley]

who gives a damn what the top # is, to me it's about what it will handle safely! I beat 2 mirages across lake George to the glen and they both had 2.5's and I belive one was a 280. cross wakes from all directions and only had to let off for a second at a time, then back to the floor and STROKIN! it's not a drag boat, and no drag boat can do what it can, get out and enjoy it for what it is! Merry Christmas Rob, I have a fly weight 17'r I'm going to rig with a towa and cable steering and go to the classic race boat events http://www.classicraceboatassoc.com/ :cheers: it's all about "BALANCE" not how fast it will go, it's how fast it will go in the slop!:iagree: met a guy from here at a run in Jupiter that had a 19 or 20 with I belive a 300 that he ran to bimini to his house over there

You got a Towa of Powa ??????:cheers::cheers:

[racerx]

Mr fun I like...

[mr fun]

yessir, my buddy donated a 77 w/power trim, fresh re-build. he passed about a yr ago. workin on a 15" mid and have all the vintage parts I need to make a pre mod VP circle boat, all parts are 77, boat, motor etc. thinking the classic race boat guys are a little more my speed, maby I'm just a little slow. fun out

[Hot Shot Merc]

Thanks for the replys guys. This will be my play boat but I do want to go as fast as I can now and then. My desire to go over 105 is just something I would like to get my boat to do. Its not anything like an 18 at all or a mirage. I can make an 18 action run 100 with 200 carby if I wanted to. This is about a heavy azz 20 action bath tub. The boat is a different animal than an 18. Was just hoping to hear of a faster 20 out there than the 104 I know of. I think it would be cool as a personal best to go faster with mine (now and then) than what any other has gone. Surely you understand where im comeing from. In the chop? I wont be racing anyone in any chop just cruising. Most of the time I will just be cruising anyway. As for the 1.75 it was just a thought for top end only. I surely wouldnt enjoy the average day out playing boats with that gear. Im just like anyone else here trying to get the most of what I can afford thats all. Trust me my first choice in a boat is far from a 20 action but this project is all I can afford and its a little at a time. I have a home to pay for and taxes and remodeling it this year as well on a pool boys income. Ive had way more expensive/faster boats but this is where im at now and im trying to enjoy it to the fullest. Ya know there wasnt many of the 20's made and most have never seen one. They are huge compared to an 18

[dez nuts]

I think the boat would be great with a 300xs myself it will run easy over 100 with it, the 280 i think you will see about 102 to 104 with but will not be as nice a motor on that hull as the 300xs would be the ultimate river riding boat and still haul ass and get great fuel mileage as well, i don;t have much time in the 20ft action have ran every other size alot, the last hull i had was a 18 armstrong and it would run 110 with a stock 2.4 bridgeport and i ran it up to 118 with a modded 260 and a drag on it, i beleive it would have gone faster but at that speed the boat was flat and i was not liking the feel with one more tap of trim i think 120 was in reach but after blowing my 19 over 15 yrs ago at close to 100 i was having feelings of dajavo all over again. I think the 20 is the best riding for everyday running around and have alot of room in them for sure and handle a chop like crazy but they do have a ton of lift in them and i watched my buddy blow one over next to me at 93 with a 2.5 200 back in 91 and broke his back luckly i was there to jump in and hold his head above water til we could get him back in the boat and thank god he mad a full recovery, still owns the boat til this day after a ton of glass work, LOL they are great boats for runnning around but that wider hull and the lift they produce will bite you at speed if you push it to hard, Hell i watched a guy in the keys tell his buddy one day this boat will not blow over it was a 20 ft action with a old 235 johnson, his buddy said yes it will, the owner said no way, the other guy said okay i will show you, got in it ran it full trim into a 20mph headwind and it was only going like 70 and it just went higher and higher til it blew over and while in mid air it came to a almost complete stop ladded on the transom straight up and down and tipped over backwards , the boat was only in 4 ft of water on the grass flat we all ran over there in my seavee and hooked a rope to it fliped it over and i drug it off the flat after we baled the water out, took it to the island and got it running in about 20 mins and they where out running again was like slow motion blow over it was so funny the owner said man i can;t beleive he did that to my boat, Was Priceless. Dez Nuts

[SkeeterD]

Hey rob,I had that 20ft zero tolerance(action) copy thats for sale on here,Dez nuts set it up brand new in 05,with a Limited edetion 3.0 ltr evinrude,dont remember how fast he got out of it,Was nothing like the 18 lightning i had,which was yur old boat,,The 20 almost went over on me one day,did the 3 step bow up dance,luckily came down..I hope ya get the speed ya looking for,sorry to chine in,just get goosbumps reading posts on actions

[warren]

My 20 with a 3.6 gt with v-6 lower would snap your neck and went over a 100 what a sweet ride that was

[specboatops]

Hell i watched a guy in the keys tell his buddy one day this boat will not blow over it was a 20 ft action with a old 235 johnson, his buddy said yes it will, the owner said no way, the other guy said okay i will show you, got in it ran it full trim into a 20mph headwind and it was only going like 70 and it just went higher and higher til it blew over and while in mid air it came to a almost complete stop ladded on the transom straight up and down and tipped over backwards , the boat was only in 4 ft of water on the grass flat we all ran over there in my seavee and hooked a rope to it fliped it over and i drug it off the flat after we baled the water out, took it to the island and got it running in about 20 mins and they where out running again was like slow motion blow over it was so funny the owner said man i can;t beleive he did that to my boat, Was Priceless. Dez Nuts

That's a great story, would have loved to see the look on the guys face........

[Hot Shot Merc]

Damn Dave your makeing me have second thoughts about this boat now LOL!!! I dont want to go over. What hell would somebody purposely try and blow a boat over? I would have let that guy figure it out on his own :nonod: Im going to be super careful and take some time getting the feel for it before I try anything up top. Im sure i'll be happy with 100 as long as I get the triple digit. The idea of a 300xs is sounding more and more like what I would realy enjoy on this boat more.


Skeeter I know how much you like the actions. I'll do my best to avoid and air time:)

[Hot Shot Merc]

My 20 with a 3.6 gt with v-6 lower would snap your neck and went over a 100 what a sweet ride that wasThat must have been a while back Ive never seen you run anything other than a merc;)That snap or mid range punch is what I would like and with this size boat the 3.2 ltr is what its going to take for sure.

[mr fun]

Rob, sorry for using the D word. flat water is not something I'm used to, I'm a circle guy, not drag or top end. kinda like dirtbiking, doesn't matter how fast it is, if you can't handle it. I agree with Dave and Warren, a big block motor able to punch from mid range for a spell is just plain ,,,, FUN :iagree:, I usually give the "tootaloo" wave after I let um get a boat length or so ahead and then it's see ya :D and that was a 19 w/2 liter that got to the glen ahead of a coupla triple digit rigs :cool: put a nice assed interior and a smoking sound system in her, and enjoy being able to take 2 couples out for a comfortable ride and look good :thumbsup:

[Hot Shot Merc]

Rob, sorry for using the D word. flat water is not something I'm used to, I'm a circle guy, not drag or top end. kinda like dirtbiking, doesn't matter how fast it is, if you can't handle it. I agree with Dave and Warren, a big block motor able to punch from mid range for a spell is just plain ,,,, FUN :iagree:, I usually give the "tootaloo" wave after I let um get a boat length or so ahead and then it's see ya :D and that was a 19 w/2 liter that got to the glen ahead of a coupla triple digit rigs :cool: put a nice assed interior and a smoking sound system in her, and enjoy being able to take 2 couples out for a comfortable ride and look good :thumbsup:Right on brother fun:cheers: