The Fisher 1710 2006 vs Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fisher 1710 2006 at 17,0 ft versus Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fisher 1710 2006 tips the scales at 869 lbs — 798 lbs more than the Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 at 71 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Fisher 1710 2006 has a 30-hp advantage over the Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009's 45-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 Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Fisher 1710 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Fisher 1710 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Fisher Marsh Hunter 1860 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fisher 1710 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.