Both the ThunderJet Alexis OB 2009 and the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet Alexis OB 2009 at 20,0 ft versus ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 tips the scales at 2 500 lbs - 700 lbs less than the ThunderJet Alexis OB 2009 at 1 800 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Alexis OB 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 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 OB 2009 could be the deciding factor.