Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats
Both the ThunderJet Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013's 320-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 Rio Classic 2013 carries 80 gallons versus 50 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis - 20 ft. 2008. 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 Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 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 Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Alexis - 20 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 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
ModelAlexis - 20 ft.
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Width [transom] - Detail34 in.
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in.
Height - DetailSides: 34 in.
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches35
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail22 ft.
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches240
Length overall - Inches264
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise14°
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs.
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.4200
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]35 in.
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.190 in.
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.25 in. Transom: 0.19 in.
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardCarbureted Vortec 350
Engine/s standardnot available
Jet pumpAmerican Turbine SD 309
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal50
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max425 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeGM
Engine modelnot available
Engine model350 cid multi-port fuel injected Vortec
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustCatalyzed exhaust with KLS mufflers and intake water strainer (sand trap)
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower320 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs.
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8 / 1,750 lbs.
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk