ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013
2013
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VS
ThunderJet Denali 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Denali 2012
2012
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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
Beam86 in
Beam90 in
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise8&#176
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard200 Mercury Optimax Sport Jet 60&#176 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

ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 vs ThunderJet Denali 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 or the ThunderJet Denali 2012?
The ThunderJet Denali 2012 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 comes in at 17,5 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 or the ThunderJet Denali 2012?
For trailering, the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 has the edge at 17 lbs dry weight versus 19 lbs for the ThunderJet Denali 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali 2012 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 measures 86" wide, compared to 9" for the ThunderJet Denali 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 or the ThunderJet Denali 2012?
The ThunderJet Denali 2012 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 34 gallons on the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 and ThunderJet Denali 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet 176 Eco Jet 2013 and the ThunderJet Denali 2012 are built by ThunderJet. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.