willie Raptor vs Fishrite Rivermaster?

[wstr8]

Anybody able to compare these two boats. Looking at 20' open bow, tiller, pump, 150 to 200 hp motors. or close. Ride, tracking/backdriffting, quality, design etc. Am looking for a smoother ride in chop and rapids. How bout low water? Heard the rivermaster has deeper v up front...24* vs 32* on the rivermaster, both have 10* at the back. Love to go for a ride, I'll by gas and lunch.

[Flatfish]

I can tell you how the 24 'and 23'ers compare.

Dunno how the 20s are.

[HOGTIDE]

I think everyone I know that owns a Willie Raptor or a Fishrite seems to be very pleased.They are probably both built so well, it just comes down to a matter of a guys personal choice. I think both hulls are trying to do double duty with a relatively steep v'ed entry and tapering to rather flat at the transom.

I 'almost' had a Raptor built last summer, but it came down to a couple major issues that I was just not too pleased or impressed with. I still think they are a nice fishin' boat. And, if you fish the lower Rogue and most of southern Oregon streams and bays you will also see a whole list of pros that swear by their Fishrites.

You should probably just take a couple rides, make your best choice and then enjoy your boat. I would personally lean toward a boat that can be warranteed and serviced locally....because ya know......no matter how well it is made....some darn thing is going to go wrong........and Medford is a loooooooong way away when you are irritated.

Have fun....sometimes the lookin' and comparing is just as fun as the owning and the payments!

[crayfish69]

I have a 23ft Fish Rite Rivermaster and I think it is a great boat. I think you get more band for the buck with the Fish Rite. I priced all the open sleds on the market when I boat mine all with the same options, and the Fish Rite penciled out for me. Very satisfied with the boat and you won't get wet running it.

[DidIPutThePlugIn]

Originally Posted by wstr8

Anybody able to compare these two boats. Looking at 20' open bow, tiller, pump, 150 to 200 hp motors. or close. Ride, tracking/backdriffting, quality, design etc. Am looking for a smoother ride in chop and rapids. How bout low water? Heard the rivermaster has deeper v up front...24* vs 32* on the rivermaster, both have 10* at the back. Love to go for a ride, I'll by gas and lunch.

I have experience with an open Predator, 150 v-max, and 10*. Ride is very nice in the back, don't know about the front. Tracking is excellent. Fuel tank is centered in the floor so it is not front heavy like some boats and easier to turn at low speeds. With an 8hp I can back troll no problem even in fast current. The 10* will put more of your kicker prop below the transom than a shallower v, giving you more usable thrust without lowering transom.

The quality is superb. I've looked at the welds on lots of boats. You will be hard pressed to find more consistent, straight, beautiful beads, than on my Predator. Whoever welded my boat was an artist, very impressed here. Some nice well thought out touches elsewhere. Welded on zink tabs and transducer brackets on both sides of transom.

Compared to my friends 6* Alumaweld the ride is smoother, but with aluminum sled boats smooth is a relative term. You probably need to answer that for yourself. Plenty of storage and very comfortable seats.

I've run in water lower than 12 inches, so far have not hit while on step. Hole shots in shallow water are a little more challenging with more v and the centered fuel tank. With more weight in the center and less in the front the boat will suck down in the rear a little in shallow water starts(less than 2ft).

Good luck with your search. I've heard good things about the Fish Rite. I'm sure you can't go wrong here.