Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007
2007
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VS
Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009
2009
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Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 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 225 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 has a 215-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 20 ft. 2007 caps at 6. 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 20 ft. 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeFish-Rite
MakeFish-Rite
ModelExplorer 20 ft.
ModelHigh Plains Drifter Series
Model Year2007
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95.5 in.
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches95.5
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,200 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg544.31
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.1200
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - Detail30 in.
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.76
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches30
Height - Inchesnot available
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet15
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches10
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in.
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in.
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Meters4.83
Length overall - Inches243
Length overall - Inches190
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail55 in.
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max225 hp
Engine max10 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,750 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,175 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people900 lbs.

Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 vs Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 or the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 is the longer of the two at 20,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter 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 people can each boat hold?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 is certified for 900. 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.
Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 and Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2007 and the Fish-Rite High Plains Drifter 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.