Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Thunder Jet 21 Chinook Pro 2021 vs ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Thunder Jet 21 Chinook Pro 2021 vs ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Thunder Jet 21 Chinook Pro 2021 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Thunder Jet 21 Chinook Pro 2021 carries 72 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.
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 Thunder Jet 21 Chinook Pro 2021 and ThunderJet 185 Explorer 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail21.00 ft
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet20.42
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Inches252
Length overall - Inches245
Beamnot available
Beam96 in
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches96
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise16°
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.13
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches34
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]34 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal72
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max150 hp
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeThunderJet
Modelnot available
Model185 Explorer
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2013
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.19 in
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lb. capacity galvanized single axle