Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 against a flat Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 measures 17,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 15,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 tips the scales at 1 195 lbs — 1 189 lbs more than the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 at 6 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 Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 tops out at 145 hp. Engine specs for the Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Baja XL 20 ft. 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.