Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 vs ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2012 against a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 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 425 hp, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 has a 275-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 11 gallons in the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011. 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 Maxim Classic 2011 is rated for 7 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 Maxim Classic 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 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
ModelMaxim Classic
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise16°
Deadrise12°
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] - Detailnot available
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 - Feet23
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches276
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
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max150 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard496 pfi
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower425
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lbs. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - Detailnot available