PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 boat specs
PlayCraft
PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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 FX4-24 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 measures 24,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 22,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). At 24 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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 Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 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 FX4-24 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 - Detail2,400 lbs
Weight - Detail2,200 lbs
Weight - kg1088.62
Weight - kg997.9
Weight - lbs.24
Weight - lbs.22
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters7.39
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Inches291
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 max225 hp
Engine max200 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum people8
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typePlaning Hull

PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 vs PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 22,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
For trailering, the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 has the edge at 22 lbs dry weight versus 24 lbs for the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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 Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 OB 2005 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 tops out at 200 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 FX4-24 OB 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 12 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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 FX4-24 OB 2005 or the PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011?
The PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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 FX4-24 OB 2005 and PlayCraft Ultra Deck Cruiser 20 OB 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the PlayCraft Sunfish FishDeck FX4-24 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.