Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 vs ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 against a modified vee ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 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 185 Explorer 2012 at 20,4 ft versus ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 at 18,0 ft. At 13 lbs and 25 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.
The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 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
Model185 Explorer
ModelBull Dog 18 ft
Model Year2012
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise16°
Deadrise8°
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.13
Weight - lbs.25
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]34 in
Height [transom]35 in
Length - Feet20.42
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches245
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: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.250 in
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max150 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard200 Optimax Mercury Sport Jet 60° direct fuel injected V-6
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustTuned thru transom exhaust with dual mufflers
Impellernot available
Impeller4-blade progressive pitch SST
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpMixed flow high volume
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lbs. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk