PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005
2005
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VS
PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011
2011
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PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 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 — PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 at 2,0 ft versus PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 at 2,0 ft. At 2 lbs and 22 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 — 200 hp for the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 and 200 hp for the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. 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 FX4-20 OB 2005 carries 41 gallons versus 7 gallons in the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. 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 Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. 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 PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePlayCraft
MakePlayCraft
ModelSunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB
ModelUltra Deck Cruiser 20 OB
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detail2,000 lbs
Weight - Detail2,200 lbs
Weight - kg907.18
Weight - kg997.9
Weight - lbs.2
Weight - lbs.22
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters6.27
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Inches247
Length overall - Inches246
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 - 70 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max200 hp
Engine max200 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum people1
Maximum people8
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typePlaning Hull

PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 is the longer of the two at 2,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
For trailering, the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 has the edge at 2 lbs dry weight versus 22 lbs for the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 is certified for 8. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 0 lbs per hp for the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 and PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 share an 8 ft. 0 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011. That 34-gallon difference translates to roughly 102–170 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 and PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-20 OB 2005 and the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 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.