Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2007 against a flat Fish-Rite Fishmaster 16 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2007 at 18,0 ft versus Fish-Rite Fishmaster 16 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 at 15,0 ft. At 85 lbs and 55 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2007 has a 65-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 16 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007's 110-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 Explorer 18 ft. 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 16 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 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 Explorer 18 ft. 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 16 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2007. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.