Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 vs Fish-Rite River Barge 24 ft. 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a planing hull Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009 against a modified vee Fish-Rite River Barge 24 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 225 hp, the Fish-Rite River Barge 24 ft. 2008 has a 155-hp advantage over the Fish-Rite Power Drifter Series 2009's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fish-Rite River Barge 24 ft. 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Power Drifter 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 River Barge 24 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fish-Rite River Barge 24 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fish-Rite Power Drifter 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
ModelPower Drifter Series
ModelRiver Barge 24 ft
Model Year2009
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Width [transom] - Detail55 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.78
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Inches188
Length overall - Inches288
Beamnot available
Beam96 in
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,400 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg635.03
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.14
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail24 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.61
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.1 in. Bottom: 0.125 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typePlaning Hull
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max70 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs