Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 has a documented max rating of 175 hp. Engine specifications for the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Performer 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 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008

2008

View full specs →

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 against a deep vee Fish-Rite Performer 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 Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 carries a rated maximum of 175 hp. Engine data for the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeFish-Rite

ModelExplorer 18 ft

ModelPerformer Series

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail850 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg385.55

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.85

Weight - lbs.not available

Height - Detail28 in

Height - Detail30 in

Height - Meters0.71

Height - Meters0.76

Height - Inches28

Height - Inches3

Length - Feet18

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches204

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail72 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max175 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 has a documented max rating of 175 hp. Engine specifications for the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Performer 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 18 ft. 2008 full specs ← Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 full specs