ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013
2013
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VS
ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013
2013
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ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 measures 20,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 18,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 at 2,0 feet (2013). At 13 lbs and 22 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 has a 75-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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 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
MakeThunderJet
Model185 Explorer
ModelLanding Craft DC 20 ft
Model Year2013
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16&#176
Deadrise16°
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs
Weight - Detail2,200 lbs
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - kg997.9
Weight - lbs.13
Weight - lbs.22
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches34
Height [transom]34 in
Height [transom]34 in
Length - Feet20.42
Length - Feet2
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.19 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.25 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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine max225 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - Detailnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacityCargo: 1,500 lbs

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013?
The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 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 is easier to trailer — the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013?
For trailering, the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 22 lbs for the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 is rated to a maximum of 225 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 Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 48 gallons and 48 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 20 ft. 2013 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.