Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 against a modified vee ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 500 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008 has a 350-hp advantage over the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 carries 48 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008. 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 Classic - 22 ft. 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 22 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
Model185 Explorer
ModelAlexis Classic - 22 ft
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise16°
Deadrisenot available
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.13
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches34
Height [transom]34 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet20.42
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches264
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in
Hull thickness0.190 in
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max150 hp
Engine max500 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardPort fuel injected 350; 325 hp
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lbs. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - Detailnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 / 1,750 lbs