ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is rated to a maximum of 325 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 are built by ThunderJet. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009

ThunderJet

ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011

2011

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 against a modified vee ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 325 hp, the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011's 300-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 OB OS 2011 carries 48 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 and its 325-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeThunderJet

ModelAlexis OB OS

ModelRio Classic

Model Year2011

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise18°

Deadrise14°

Height - DetailSides: 40 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.02

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches4

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]40 in

Height [transom]34 in

Length - Feet22

Length overall - Detail22 ft

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters6.71

Length overall - Inches264

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail4,000 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1814.37

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.4

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail6 ft. 5 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal48

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeInboard

Engine max300 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower325

ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is rated to a maximum of 325 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 share an 102 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009?

The ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 are built by ThunderJet. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 full specs ← ThunderJet Rio Classic 2009 full specs