When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Fish-Rite Explorer 24 ft. 2007 and the Fish-Rite Performer 17 ft. 2008 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fish-Rite Explorer 24 ft. 2007 measures 24,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fish-Rite Performer 17 ft. 2008 at 17,0 feet (2008). At 14 lbs and 8 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 24 ft. 2007 has a 100-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Performer 17 ft. 2008's 125-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 24 ft. 2007 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Performer 17 ft. 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fish-Rite Explorer 24 ft. 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Explorer 24 ft. 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Performer 17 ft. 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.