Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008?

The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 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.

Q: How many passengers can the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 carry?

The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Are the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 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.

Boat Comparison

Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009

2009

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Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a other Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 against a modified vee Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 130 hp, the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 has a 120-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 and its 130-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 with its 10-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeFish-Rite

ModelMcKenzie Drift Series

ModelRivermaster 17 ft

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Length - Feet19

Length - Feet17

Beamnot available

Beam91 in

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inchesnot available

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail790 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg358.34

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.79

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail28 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.71

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches28

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches204

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessSide: 0.09 in. Bottom: 0.1 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeOther

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeI/O

Engine max10 hp

Engine max130 hp

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 - Gal3

Operational Info

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,200 lbs

Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008?

The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 is rated to a maximum of 130 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 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 passengers can the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 carry?

The Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Are the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 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.

← Fish-Rite McKenzie Drift Series 2009 full specs ← Fish-Rite Rivermaster 17 ft. 2008 full specs