Both the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2012 and the ThunderJet NE Envoy 2011 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2012 at 21,0 ft versus ThunderJet NE Envoy 2011 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2012 tips the scales at 3 400 lbs - 1 000 lbs more than the ThunderJet NE Envoy 2011 at 2 400 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the ThunderJet NE Envoy 2011 has a 30-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2012'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 Alexis Classic 2012 carries 80 gallons versus 48 gallons in the ThunderJet NE Envoy 2011. 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 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet NE Envoy 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 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Alexis Classic 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet NE Envoy 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.