Both the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 21 ft. 2008 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 21 ft. 2008 measures 21,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 at 16,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 21 ft. 2008 tips the scales at 1 300 lbs - 600 lbs less than the Fish-Rite Explorer Series 2009 at 700 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 21 ft. 2008 tops out at 225 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 21 ft. 2008 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 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 21 ft. 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.