The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is a deep-V design and the ThunderJet Luxor 2010 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 at 20,4 ft versus ThunderJet Luxor 2010 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Luxor 2010 tips the scales at 2 600 lbs - 1 300 lbs less than the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 at 1 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the ThunderJet Luxor 2010 has a 100-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 50 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 Luxor 2010 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 Luxor 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.