Both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 and the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2013 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 at 20,4 ft versus ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2013 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2013 tips the scales at 3 100 lbs - 1 800 lbs less than the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 at 1 300 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2013 has a 150-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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 48 gal and 48 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the ThunderJet Alexis Offshore 2013 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.