Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 against a modified vee Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 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 Performer Series 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 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 Rivermaster Series 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeFish-Rite
MakeFish-Rite
ModelPerformer Series
ModelRivermaster Series
Model Year2009
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inches91
Width [transom] - Detail72 in
Width [transom] - Detail65 in
Height - Detail30 in
Height - Detail28 in
Height - Meters0.76
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Inches3
Height - Inches28
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in Bottom: 0.16 in
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 or the Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009?
The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 and Fish-Rite Rivermaster Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fish-Rite Performer Series 2009 and the Fish-Rite Rivermaster 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.