Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 vs ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is a deep-V design and the ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 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 525 hp, the ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 has a 375-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 Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 carries 110 gallons versus 48 gallons in the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Maxim - 25 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
Model185 Explorer
ModelMaxim - 25 ft.
Model Year2013
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise16°
Deadrisenot available
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] - Detail35 in.
Height - DetailSides: 34 in.
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]34 in.
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet20.42
Length - Feet25
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in.
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches300
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in.
Hull thickness0.250 in.
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal110
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max150 hp
Engine max525 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard496 port fuel injected; 375 hp
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle
Trailer - Detailnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity3,970 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people10 / 2,500 lbs.