Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 or the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many passengers can the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 carry?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 and Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 and the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 are built by Fish-Rite. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007

2007

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Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 against a other Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 130 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 has a 120-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 is rated for up to 5 people. Passenger data for the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 with its 10-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeFish-Rite

ModelExplorer 17 ft

ModelMcKenzie Drift Series

Model Year2007

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in

Beamnot available

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Inches91

Beam - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail790 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg358.34

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.79

Weight - lbs.not available

Height - Detail28 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.71

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches28

Height - Inchesnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feet19

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeOther

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessSide: 0.09 in. Bottom: 0.1 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max130 hp

Engine max10 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,200 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 or the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many passengers can the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 carry?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 and Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 and the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 are built by Fish-Rite. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Fish-Rite Explorer 17 ft. 2007 full specs ← Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 full specs