ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 0,4 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 measures 96" wide, compared to 90" for the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011. 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011?

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.

Q: Are the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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 Luxor OB 2011

ThunderJet

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013

2013

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is a deep-V design and the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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 225 hp, the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 and its 225-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

Model185 Explorer

ModelLuxor OB

Model Year2013

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam90 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches90

Deadrise16&#176

Deadrise16°

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] - Detailnot available

Height - DetailSides: 34 in.

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Inches34

Height [transom]34 in.

Length - Feet20.42

Length - Feet20

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in.

Length overall - Detail20 ft.

Length overall - Meters6.22

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Inches245

Length overall - Inches240

Body / Hull

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 - Liters181.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal48

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max150 hp

Engine max225 hp

Trailer Info

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

Trailer - Detailnot available

ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 or the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011?

The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the longer of the two at 20,4 feet overall. The ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 0,4 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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 Luxor OB 2011 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 185 Explorer 2013 measures 96" wide, compared to 90" for the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011. 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 Luxor OB 2011?

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 Luxor OB 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 and the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2011 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 Luxor OB 2011 full specs