Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008
2008
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VS
Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 boat specs
Fish-Rite
Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009
2009
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Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 vs Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 vs Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 70 hp, the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 has a 60-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 and its 70-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 with its 10-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeFish-Rite
MakeFish-Rite
ModelKenai Special
ModelPower Drifter Series
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Weight - Detail300 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg136.08
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.3
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet15
Length - Inches4
Length - Inches8
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters4.67
Length overall - Meters4.78
Length overall - Inches184
Length overall - Inches188
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail55 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessSide: 0.1 in. Bottom: 0.125 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typePlaning Hull
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp
Engine max70 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available

Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 vs Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 or the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009?
The Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 15,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 is rated to a maximum of 70 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 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.
Are the Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 and Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fish-Rite Kenai Special 2008 and the Fish-Rite Power Drifter 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.