ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 18,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008. That 43-gallon difference translates to roughly 129–215 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008

ThunderJet

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013

2013

View full specs →

ThunderJet

ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 carries 48 gallons versus 5 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008. 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: The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 at 20,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeThunderJet

Model185 Explorer

ModelAlexis Outboard - 20 ft

Model Year2013

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise16&#176

Deadrisenot available

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] - Detail34 in

Height - DetailSides: 34 in

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Inches34

Height [transom]34 in

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet20.42

Length - Feet2

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters6.22

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Inches245

Length overall - Inches24

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 - Detail50 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal48

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max150 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardSuzuki

Trailer Info

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

Trailer - Detailnot available

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 18,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has a documented max rating of 150 hp. Engine specifications for the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008. That 43-gallon difference translates to roughly 129–215 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 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 Outboard - 20 ft. 2008 full specs