Both the ThunderJet Alexis 2009 and the ThunderJet Havasu 2009 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?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 325 hp, the ThunderJet Alexis 2009 has a 75-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Havasu 2009's 250-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 50 gal and 50 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.