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

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

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis 2009 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Alexis 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 passengers can the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 carry?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has an official capacity rating of 6 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis 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 2009?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis 2009. 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 2009 from the same manufacturer?

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

ThunderJet

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013

2013

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet Alexis 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

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

Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Alexis 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 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 5 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is rated for up to 6 people. Passenger data for the ThunderJet Alexis 2009 wasn't available.

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 2009 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

Model Year2013

Model Year2009

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] - 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 - Feet2

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.22

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches245

Length overall - Inchesnot available

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

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 2009 — Common Questions

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

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis 2009 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 18,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Alexis 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 passengers can the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 carry?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has an official capacity rating of 6 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Alexis 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 2009?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the ThunderJet Alexis 2009. 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 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Alexis 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 2009 full specs