Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2010: Same Brand, Different Boat
The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is a deep-V design and the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2010 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 2010 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 Alexis Classic 2010 carries 80 gallons versus 48 gallons in the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013. 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 2010 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
MakeThunderJet
Model185 Explorer
ModelAlexis Classic
Model Year2013
Model Year2010
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise16°
Deadrise14° Entry: 40°
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.1300
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.
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 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 - Gal80
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