PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005
2005
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VS
PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005
2005
View full specs →

PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 measures 25,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). At 18 lbs and 26 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 135 hp for the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 and 150 hp for the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 carries 24 gallons versus 3 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is rated for 15 passengers, while the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePlayCraft
MakePlayCraft
ModelSunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB
ModelUltra 2500 OB
Model Year2005
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,800 lbs
Weight - Detail2,600 lbs
Weight - kg816.47
Weight - kg1179.34
Weight - lbs.18
Weight - lbs.26
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet25
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches3
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max135 hp
Engine max150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs
Maximum capacity3,000 lbs
Maximum people8
Maximum people15
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter24 in
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge.090 in

PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
For trailering, the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 has the edge at 18 lbs dry weight versus 26 lbs for the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 tops out at 135 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 PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 is certified for 15. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 and PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-18 OB 2005 and the PlayCraft Ultra 2500 OB 2005 are built by PlayCraft. 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.