Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet Denali 2011 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet Denali 2011 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — 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 ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 ft. 2008 carries a rated maximum of 500 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet Denali 2011 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Denali 2011 carries 48 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 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 Classic - 21 ft. 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Alexis Classic - 21 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Denali 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelAlexis Classic - 21 ft
ModelDenali
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches9
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 25 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches25
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches252
Length overall - Inches216
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise6°
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]25 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.190 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardPort fuel injected 350; 325 hp
Engine/s standard200 hp Mercury Optimax Sport Jet
ImpellerTurbo
Impellernot available
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Jet pumpnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max500 hp
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8 / 1,750 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available