Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 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 2008 tops out at 500 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 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 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 Rio Classic 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Bull Dog 18 ft. 2013 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 Year2013
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise8°
Deadrise14℃
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches34
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches264
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.25 in
Hull thickness.0190 in
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
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpMixed flow high volume
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec; port fuel injected 350; 325 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine max500 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk
Trailer - Detailnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,350 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 / 1,900 lbs