Both the Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 at 20,0 ft versus Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 tips the scales at 1 300 lbs - 510 lbs more than the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 at 790 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 17 ft. 2008 tops out at 130 hp. Engine specs for the Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 carries 30 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Kenai Series 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.