ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
ThunderJet Luxor 2011 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Luxor 2011
2011
View full specs →

ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 vs ThunderJet Luxor 2011 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and the ThunderJet Luxor 2011 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 at 18,0 ft versus ThunderJet Luxor 2011 at 19,0 ft. At 25 lbs and 27 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 Luxor 2011 tops out at 35 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and ThunderJet Luxor 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelBull Dog 18 ft
ModelLuxor
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam90 in
Beam90 in
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches9
Deadrise8°
Deadrise12 or 14°
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - Detail2,400 lbs. With Half Hard Top: 2,700 lbs
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.27
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - DetailSides: 31 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches31
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]31 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet19
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail19 ft
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.79
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches228
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: 0.250 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard200 Optimax Mercury Sport Jet 60&#176 direct fuel injected V-6
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec, Port Fuel Injected 35
ExhaustTuned thru transom exhaust with dual mufflers
Exhaustnot available
Impeller4-blade progressive pitch SST
Impellernot available
Jet pumpMixed flow high volume
Jet pumpnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower35
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk
Trailer - Detailnot available

ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 vs ThunderJet Luxor 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 or the ThunderJet Luxor 2011?
The ThunderJet Luxor 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 or the ThunderJet Luxor 2011?
For trailering, the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 has the edge at 25 lbs dry weight versus 27 lbs for the ThunderJet Luxor 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The ThunderJet Luxor 2011 has a documented max rating of 35 hp. Engine specifications for the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the ThunderJet Luxor 2011 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and ThunderJet Luxor 2011 share an 90 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and ThunderJet Luxor 2011?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 48 gallons and 48 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and ThunderJet Luxor 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2012 and the ThunderJet Luxor 2011 are built by ThunderJet. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.