Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

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

The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 650 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 Series 2009 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 Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 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 Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009

2009

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Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 is rated for 650 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 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 Series 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 650 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeFish-Rite

ModelExplorer Series

ModelPerformer Series

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail700 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg317.51

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.7

Weight - lbs.not available

Width [transom] - Detail65 in

Width [transom] - Detail72 in

Height - Detail28 in

Height - Detail30 in

Height - Meters0.71

Height - Meters0.76

Height - Inches28

Height - Inches3

Length - Feet16

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Detail17 ft

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches204

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people650 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 650 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 Series 2009 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 Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 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 Series 2009 full specs ← Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 full specs