Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2011 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 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?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2011 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelBull Dog 18 ft
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise8°
Deadrise14°
Height - DetailSides: 31 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches31
Height - Inches35
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail22 ft
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches216
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
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]35 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.250 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.25 in. Transom: 0.19 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard200 hp Mercury Sport Jet
Engine/s standardnot available
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine makenot available
Engine makeGM
Engine modelnot available
Engine model350 cid multi-port fuel injected Vortec
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
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower320 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk