Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Denali 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Denali 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 ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet Denali 2011 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Denali 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
Model185 Explorer
ModelDenali
Model Year2013
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise16°
Deadrise6°
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: 25 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches25
Height [transom]34 in
Height [transom]25 in
Length - Feet20.42
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches216
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 - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max150 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard200 hp Mercury Optimax Sport Jet
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - Detailnot available