Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 vs ThunderJet Denali 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Denali 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 Denali 2012 at 18,0 ft. At 17 lbs and 19 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.
Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 and ThunderJet Denali 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
Model176 Eco Jet
ModelDenali
Model Year2013
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise8°
Deadrise6°
Weight - Detail1,700 lbs
Weight - Detail1,900 lbs
Weight - kg771.11
Weight - kg861.82
Weight - lbs.17
Weight - lbs.19
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 66 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in
Height - DetailSides: 31 in
Height - DetailSides: 28 in
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Meters0.71
Height - Inches31
Height - Inches28
Height [transom]31 in
Height [transom]28 in
Length - Feet17.5
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches216
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: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 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 pumpMixed flow high volume
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 standard200 Mercury Optimax Sport Jet 60° direct fuel injected V-6
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustTuned thru transom exhaust with dual mufflers
Impellernot available
Impeller4-blade progressive pitch SST
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - DetailGateway 3,980 lbs. capacity galvanized single axle bunk