Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 vs ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 — 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. 2013 and the ThunderJet Bulldog 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 at 18,0 ft versus ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 at 17,0 ft. At 25 lbs and 25 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 Bulldog 2009 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 carries 48 gallons versus 32 gallons in the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
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. 2013 and ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 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
ModelBulldog
Model Year2013
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches76
Deadrise8°
Deadrise8° Entry: 35°
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.25
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - Detail78 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches35
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]34 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches204
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.25 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makenot available
Engine model200 Optimax Sport Jet 60° direct fuel injected V-6
Engine modelnot available
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 - Detail32 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeInboard
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMercury Optimax
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower2
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk
Trailer - Detailnot available