Both the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 are deep-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 measures 22,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 at 17,5 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 tips the scales at 3 100 lbs - 1 400 lbs less than the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 at 1 700 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 carries 48 gallons versus 34 gallons in the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013. 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 ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.