The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 is a flat-bottom design and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2008 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 at 17,0 ft versus Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2008 at 16,0 ft. At 600 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 145 hp for the Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 and 125 hp for the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 ft. 2008 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 Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fish-Rite Fishmaster 18 ft. Guide (78 in. beam) 2007 comes in at 4 lbs per hp versus 6 lbs per hp for the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 16 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.