I lifted this from another forum, it's from a Hardy owner at the time.
Hi,
I have a Hardy Fisher 20, I'm not sure there is a huge difference between the fisher and the pilot apart from the pilot having more windows and generally being more kitted out for staying on rather than deck space. I think the hull is the same... It looks like it anyway.
Mine has a Mercury 75 four stroke and will plane very quickly when you open the engine up. Top speed is 24 knots and she will cruise very well at 18 knots. I would either keep it off the plane at 8-10 knots or get up on to the plane quickly though. You will use more fuel half way on the plane and the ride won't feel right. I'm not sure why you would want to do this? I usually want to get somewhere quickly to fish and will then move slower to get the right spot on the mark.
As others have said have a look at the Hardy forum.
This would suggest to me that the Pilot being made up for more overnighting than fishing would be slightly more heavy than the fisher too, so performance will be worse? It's seems it's either balls out or slow as fuck. If that suits you then great, if not maybe look elsewhere.