Both the ThunderJet Alexis 2011 and the ThunderJet Denali 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 2011 at 21,0 ft versus ThunderJet Denali 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Alexis 2011 tips the scales at 2 600 lbs - 700 lbs more than the ThunderJet Denali 2013 at 1 900 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 ThunderJet Alexis 2011 carries a rated maximum of 425 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet Denali 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 48 gal and 48 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Alexis 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.