When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Alexis 2012 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore Inboards 2009 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore Inboards 2009 measures 28,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the ThunderJet Alexis 2012 at 21,0 feet (2012). At 32 lbs and 9 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The ThunderJet Alexis 2012 carries a rated maximum of 32 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet TJ Offshore Inboards 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore Inboards 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the ThunderJet Alexis 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet TJ Offshore Inboards 2009 could be the deciding factor.