Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008
2008
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VS
Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008
2008
View full specs →

Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 against a flat Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 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 20 ft. 2008 at 2,0 ft versus Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 at 2,0 ft. At 12 lbs and 75 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 225 hp, the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008. 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 and its 225-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 with its 200-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeFish-Rite
MakeFish-Rite
ModelExplorer 20 ft
ModelFishmaster 20 ft
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95.5 in
Beam84 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Inches95.5
Beam - Inches84
Weight - Detail1,200 lbs
Weight - Detail750 lbs
Weight - kg544.31
Weight - kg340.19
Weight - lbs.12
Weight - lbs.75
Height - Detail30 in
Height - Detail27 in
Height - Meters0.76
Height - Meters0.69
Height - Inches3
Height - Inches27
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Inches243
Length overall - Inches246
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max225 hp
Engine max200 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,750 lbs
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs

Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008?
The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 is the longer of the two at 2,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008?
For trailering, the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 has the edge at 12 lbs dry weight versus 75 lbs for the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 tops out at 200 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. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 is certified for 6. 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 0 lbs per hp for the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 measures 96" wide, compared to 84" for the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer 20 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 20 ft. 2008 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.