Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 against a planing hull Fish-Rite Power Drifter 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 175 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009's 70-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. 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 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. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Explorer 18 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 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 18 ft
ModelPower Drifter Series
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam91 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail850 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.85
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - Detail28 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches28
Height - Inchesnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet15
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters4.78
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches188
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail55 in
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typePlaning Hull
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessSide: 0.1 in. Bottom: 0.125 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max175 hp
Engine max70 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available