Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fish-Rite Explorer 16 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat
The spec sheets list the Fish-Rite Explorer 16 ft. 2007 as modified vee and the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 as other, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 125 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 16 ft. 2007 has a 115-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009's 10-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 is rated for 900 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Explorer 16 ft. 2007 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 900 passengers and at 15,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Explorer 16 ft. 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeFish-Rite
MakeFish-Rite
ModelExplorer 16 ft.
ModelHigh Plains Drifter Series
Model Year2007
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam91 in.
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail700 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.700
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - Detail28 in.
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches28
Height - Inchesnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet15
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in.
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.83
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches190
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail55 in.
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches10
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeOther
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessSide: 0.09 in. Bottom: 0.1 in.
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max125 hp
Engine max10 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,175 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people900 lbs.