Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 against a modified vee ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 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 300 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis OB OS 2011 has a 268-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012's 32-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 2012. 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 Alexis OB OS 2011 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 with its 32-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelAlexis OB OS
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2011
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise18°
Deadrise14°
Height - DetailSides: 40 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Meters1.02
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches4
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]40 in
Height [transom]35 in
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail22 ft
Length overall - Detail22 ft
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches264
Length overall - Inches264
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.42
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.250 in. Transom: 0.190 in
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
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard350 cid multi port fuel injected GM Vortec closed cooling system
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustCatalyzed exhaust with KLS mufflers and intake water strainer (sand trap)
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower32
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk