Matching a deep vee ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 against a modified vee ThunderJet Northern Edition Envoy 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 at 20,4 ft versus ThunderJet Northern Edition Envoy 2013 at 19,0 ft. At 13 lbs and 24 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 320 hp, the ThunderJet Northern Edition Envoy 2013 has a 170-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.
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 Northern Edition Envoy 2013 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 Northern Edition Envoy 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.