ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 comes in at 20,4 feet, making it roughly 0,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is rated to a maximum of 325 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is certified for 6. 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 share an 96 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 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.

Boat Comparison

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009

ThunderJet

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013

2013

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 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 325 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 has a 175-hp advantage over the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013'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 2013 carries 48 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 Classic 2009 and its 325-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeThunderJet

Model185 Explorer

ModelAlexis Classic

Model Year2013

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise16&#176

Deadrise14° Entry: 40°

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] - Detail72 in

Height - DetailSides: 34 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches34

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]34 in

Length - Feet20.42

Length - Feet21

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters6.22

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Inches245

Length overall - Inches252

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in

Hull thicknessnot available

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

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeInboard

Engine max150 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower325

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle

Trailer - Detailnot available

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 comes in at 20,4 feet, making it roughly 0,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is rated to a maximum of 325 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 tops out at 150 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 is certified for 6. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 share an 96 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 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.

← ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 full specs ← ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2009 full specs