Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009
2009
View full specs →
VS
Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007
2007
View full specs →

Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 at 16,0 ft. At 700 lbs and 700 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 Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 tops out at 125 hp. Engine specs for the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

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 Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 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 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 Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 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 Series
ModelRivermaster 16 ft.
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam91 in.
Beam91 in.
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inches91
Weight - Detail700 lbs.
Weight - Detail700 lbs.
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - lbs.700
Weight - lbs.700
Width [transom] - Detail65 in.
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - Detail28 in.
Height - Detail28 in.
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Inches28
Height - Inches28
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail16 ft.
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in.
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxnot available
Engine max125 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs.
Maximum people650 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available

Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007?
The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 comes in at 16,0 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 Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007?
For trailering, the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 has the edge at 700 lbs dry weight versus 700 lbs for the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 has a documented max rating of 125 hp. Engine specifications for the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 650 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 is certified for 4. 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 Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 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 Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2007 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.