Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 vs ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat
The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 is a deep-V design and the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 at 17,5 ft versus ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 tips the scales at 3 300 lbs - 1 600 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 Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 tops out at 320 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 Bull Dog 20 ft. 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 Bull Dog 20 ft. 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 Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
Model176 Eco Jet
ModelBull Dog 20 ft.
Model Year2013
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise8°
Deadrise8°
Weight - Detail1,700 lbs.
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs.
Weight - kg771.11
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - lbs.1700
Weight - lbs.3300
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 66 in.
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in.
Height - DetailSides: 31 in.
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches31
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]31 in.
Height [transom]35 in.
Length - Feet17.5
Length - Feet20
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail20 ft.
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches210
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in.
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.250 in.
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeKodiak
Engine makenot available
Engine model2.4 l PFI 4-cylinder Vortec
Engine modelnot available
Jet pumpAmerican Turbine SD 203 axial flow
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard350 cid multi port fuel injected GM Vortec, closed cooling system
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustCatalyzed exhaust with KLS mufflers and intake water strainer (sand trap)
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Engine maxnot available
Engine max320 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk